To expand your networks and business opportunities, you have to stay connected with innovative entrepreneurs and like-minded professionals.

Networking is more than just business cards collection. It’s cultivating relationships and forming alliances — which are important to make your business grow.

Here’s a questionnaire and a few tips to get you started on your business networking journey.

What networking environment is right for you?

Building relationships through networking should feel authentic and comfortable. Sharing experiences and activities creates camaraderie and should be done in a laid-back manner.

For introverts, who prefer quieter and smaller contexts, consider the environment that is more suitable to your abilities and strengths.

What to expect and do?

Before attending any networking event, set your goals and expectations for your business by identifying realistic opportunities within your reach.

You cannot expect an immediate ROI out of initial networking. In reality, the outcome is more than its financial value — it’s to patiently wait to reap the benefits of the formed relationship at a later time.

Getting the business card is just the commence stage. Don’t stop there and limit the success of your networking. Consider longevity and nurturing a relationship by:

• being a trustworthy professional rather than a salesman — coming across as in-genuine.
• showing personality, humour, and passion.
• building rapport, talking and stopping when necessary, and listening to the other party.
• invest in a few deep conversations, instead of shallow buzzwords, fillers, and rehearsed elevator pitches.

Where to find an event?

Business networking events are spread out across Australia. A simple google search can give you options. Identify the right networking event for your business to get the best outcomes:

• online sites — subscribe to sites to hear new events and stay connected. Eventbrite can match your search with a range of events, from speed networking to workshops.
• corporate events — keep a lookout for events on enterprises’ sites or newsletters.
• industry events — Cebit connects professionals from enterprises, SMEs, start-ups and the government.
• coworking spaces — Hub Australia creates a home for businesses through shared creative spaces that regularly run networking events on their website or social media pages.
• social network — look for upcoming networking events from business profiles or mutual connections on LinkedIn.

Leave a professional mark and impression in these networking events with some of these basic networking tips:

• Do your research beforehand to know and make yourself familiar with some context on various businesses so you can converse with anyone.
• Speak also to those who are dissimilar to you to broaden your knowledge.
• Be memorable to new contacts by sending a courteous follow-up.

Unsecured business loans in Australia

Unsecured business loans are great for business owners who:

• don’t own any assets that can serve as collateral
• don’t like the idea of offering up security
• need the funds urgently
• wants to do the process online.

Cigno Business Solutions understands that business is personal and do all they can to be accommodating to all applicants. With unsecured or small business loans from CBS, your credit rating isn’t part of the assessment for approval.

What you’ll need to apply are some contact details, a registered ABN, and a 90-day bank statement for your business.

Once your application has been approved, you will receive funds within 2 hours.

Pretty easy, right?