I know that networking isn’t something everyone enjoys. You have to take time out of your day to attend, and if it’s in-person, you have to travel. You need to practice your 60-second pitch, find business cards and rearrange other commitments.
But despite all that, networking is important for MSP owners, even if you’ve been in business for a while. And today you can choose to network online, at events, workshops and even in the comments section of a webinar. Here are six reasons why you should make time to network.
Networking Events are a Great Way to Meet Your Peers
If you’re a regular Tubblog reader, you’ll already know that both Richard and Stephen are big fans of MSP peer community groups. But aside from these specialist events, there’s a good chance that you’ll meet a fellow IT professional at a networking session.
The attendee list is usually available a few days before the meeting, so you can look up any people you’d be interested in connecting with. You could send them a personalised LinkedIn request before the meeting to let them know you’re looking forward to meeting them.
Likewise, if there’s a local (or national if you’re networking online) MSP owner you’d like to get to know better, why not invite them along? Don’t forget to tell them why you think it’s worth the time investment to come along.
And if you’re anxious about encountering peers who could be competitors, don’t be! The IT industry is one of the most supportive and welcoming there is, and some of the best relationships can be formed over the coffee pot.
Find Opportunities to Collaborate
If you’re a smaller MSP or just making the shift from break/fix to managed services, there may be some services you’re not able to provide. So finding peers at networking events is a great way to find collaboration opportunities.
Likewise, you might be looking for someone who you can outsource to, whether that’s helpdesk or cybersecurity. Or perhaps a client wants support on a particular project and you’ll need some extra people for a few weeks.
Of course, you might also find collaborators in other industries. Perhaps you’ll meet a web developer who’d like help with security – this could become a regular piece of work for both of you.
Another possibility that you might not have considered is finding mastermind buddies. If you’d like someone to hold you accountable to better achieve your goals, or you just need someone who understands what it’s like being a business owner, a mastermind is for you.
The other members don’t have to be fellow MSPs. And you don’t have to be at the same stage of business, either. You just have to have a similar outlook. A mastermind can be held in person or online, and you can choose the time and frequency that works for everyone.
Find Clients at Networking Events
In general, it’s better to go to a networking event with the intention of meeting new people rather than finding clients. However, it never hurts to be on the lookout for anyone you could help.
Listen to what people are looking for, and tell them if you can provide it. This is not the time to pitch hard, but do let them you’re able to help. Alternatively, if you can’t but you know somebody who can, offer to make an introduction.
Not only are you helping, but both parties will think positively about you and look for ways to reciprocate the gesture. It’s human nature to want to help others, and we always prefer it if we can return the favour.
If you attend the event regularly, you can build relationships with people over time. You’ll get to know their business and their needs, and you’ll be top of mind when they need your services. Ideally, they’ll come to you first!
Stay up to Date: With Your Industry and Current Trends
If you attend MSP peer groups, then you’ll get to hear the latest industry news and developments first. Depending on the type of event, you may also get to meet vendors. This lets them give updates on their products and get feedback and new ideas from their users.
As things change so quickly in the IT industry, this is a good way to learn about the latest security threats, changes in legislation and new services that you could offer to your MSP clients.
At networking events with business owners from a range of sectors, you’ll get to hear first-hand what their concerns are when it comes to IT and tech, which will give you ideas for new solutions. And it’s a great way to get content ideas!
But as well as information that’s relevant to your sector, you’ll learn more about broader concerns and changes. For instance, at the time of writing (August 2024) the UK has a new government, and the US is gearing up for another election.
What impact will these have on how you operate in the UK and how you work with clients further afield? You might find out something you hadn’t even considered that could have a dramatic impact (good or bad) on your business.
Networking Events are a Great Excuse to get out of the Office
If nothing else, attending a networking event is a good excuse to get out of the office! As business owners, we often get caught up in working in the business rather than on it.
By going to a meeting, you’re allowing yourself an opportunity to switch off from the day-to-day tasks and pressures of supporting clients and firefighting issues. And if you’re going through a particularly stressful period, taking some time out will really help.
However, don’t use networking as an excuse to avoid tackling problems! If you’re only going to escape work or because you fancy a buffet lunch, then it’s probably best to cancel. Always go with a goal in mind, even if that’s just ‘meet three new people to connect with.’
Find a New Perspective on Your Business
I’ve often found that the process of explaining what I do to strangers gives me a new perspective on my business. That might be improving my elevator pitch to make it snappier or clearer to understand. Or it might give me an idea for a new blog or even a new service.
As we’ve already said, a change of scene can do wonders for your mindset and attitude towards your work. Having time away from your desk (even if you’re in a Zoom room!) allows your brain to approach challenges in a different way.
For instance, you might meet a peer who’s been where you are now and can share how they resolved the situation. You might find your ideal client but they don’t think you’re a right fit. Or they think now’s not the right time. How could you change your messaging to convince them otherwise?
What about you? Do you go to networking events, or have we convinced you to give them another try? Let us know in the comments!
You Might Also be Interested in
- Book: Richard Tubb: Business Networking for Geeks
- Why Business Networking is a Powerful Tool for Techs
- Bringing Your Clients Together Through Networking
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