Every year, more people work from their own home or in small office settings. With the current severe economic downturn, there is likely to be even more as dislocated workers start their own businesses and larger companies reduce overhead through telecommuting. While working at or near home can offer important benefits to workers, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from the rest of the business world.
Many small office and home office (SOHO) workers, independent or not, find it difficult to maintain quality business relationships once they establish an independent office. Although the rules and processes change a bit, it’s even more important to build and maintain strong networking ties in your industry, local area, and the broader business community. Truly successful home-based professionals make networking a priority by spending time on various avenues of networking, but are careful not to let these opportunities break the bank or take them away from day-to-day responsibilities.
SOHO workers have a number of options for building and maintaining professional contacts, both through live (in-person) and online networking opportunities. The trick is to define your goals for networking and develop a balance of options that works for you.
live networks
Networking in person is still the best overall option. Face-to-face contact is more effective because you have the added communication through body language and more realistic reactions…texting and emails allow people to monitor your responses more closely. In addition, regular face-to-face contact can alleviate the isolation of spending most of your days alone, thus improving your productivity.
The best way to find networking events that are right for you is to join some established groups, meet other business people, and keep an eye out for other opportunities. Start with the Chambers of Commerce in your area. Active Chambers generally hold events once a week or more, although some only have monthly gatherings. Meet as many attendees as you can and ask everyone about other networking opportunities. Try several places, but don’t get stuck going to the same event with the same people over and over again. A good rule of thumb: You should get at least three new contacts, leads, or relevant information for every hour you spend networking. If an event consistently fails to meet that goal, keep looking.
Toastmasters clubs can also be great networking opportunities. If you still need to improve your public speaking, check out clubs in your area. Usually, each club has its own personality, so you may want to try several before settling on one. Also, there are many Toastmasters clubs that meet during the lunch hour, which can provide a great break from working at home. Check your local newspaper for other business networking opportunities as well. Many universities also have alumni groups in each city. If options are limited in your area, try finding a few other SOHO workers and establishing your own informal group of contacts. Perhaps two or three could get together to plan a larger networking event for your area.
As your contact list expands, be sure to meet one-on-one with your best contacts; once a month is usually enough. There’s no need to blow your start-up budget with these meetings, meeting for coffee is enough.
online networks
Finding other business owners online is getting easier every day. Start with trade associations for your industry online. Sign up and participate as much as possible. Larger trade associations often have tools to help their members network. Check out trade associations for home-based businesses online. Although members won’t necessarily be in the same industry, it’s always good to have networking contacts across the board.
As a business owner, you should be listed on LinkedIn and Facebook as an online marketing and networking tool. Both sites host forum boards where others ask questions and you can post helpful answers. Many places online also host chat rooms for small business owners and home workers. Just like live networking opportunities, each chat or forum can have its own personality. Try several different sites to find the ones that are most relevant to you and your business.
Read the answers to the questions related to what you do. Often, you’ll find one or two people posting things that sound like someone you’d like to meet. Most websites allow you to send private messages to posters, so feel free to introduce yourself to those who would be good contacts. Limit the time you spend online, but check in often enough to be considered a good contact with regulars. If you plan to network over the Internet constantly, schedule dedicated blocks of time to be online. It’s very easy to lose track of time while browsing the web, so set a timer if you must.
Network like a pro
The fact that you work independently does not diminish the value of effective networking. Be sure to participate in online and local business communities, and be sure to get out of the office from time to time. Hone your networking skills, from public speaking to working in a room. Create a complete database of networking contacts. Stay in touch with important contacts through email, at the very least. Make networking a priority, but don’t let your other job responsibilities suffer in return. Striking the right balance between building a useful network and not spending too much time socializing is a critical skill for any SOHO worker, and one that can be easily developed.
