Small business owners need to be able to network effectively in order to find the resources they need and make connections with potential customers.
As technology has become more prevalent, there are many tools that can help small business owners network. And with the right approach, these tools can be very valuable to your business.
What are Networking Tools for Business?
Networking tools are software programs or websites that allow business professionals to connect with each other.
As the modern business world becomes more complex, networking tools are essential for small business owners to be able to stay ahead of the curve.
Networking is not just about getting a job or selling a product or service; it is also about giving or getting useful information and building relationships by offering information, ideas, resources, advice, support and connections without any expectation of a return.
8 Useful Networking Tools for Small Business
1. LinkedIn
Business tools like LinkedIn have over 500 million members and allow users to manage their professional identity, access knowledge, build and engage with their professional network, access insights and opportunities.
LinkedIn is free to use, but there are several premium options available. These include Career and Business plans, Sales Navigator Professional, and a 1-month free trial.
2. Twitter
Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms for small business owners who want to keep up with the latest news and trends in their industry.
It is a highly sociable and authentic channel, providing breaking news and enabling brands to engage, delight and build relationships with their community.
Twitter also offers features such as schedule posts, an algorithm on the explore page, and ad spend opportunities to help businesses grow their reach.
3. Facebook
We all know Facebook as the social media platform for connecting with friends and family, but Facebook also offers a wealth of business-related features.
Businesses can use Facebook Pages to promote their products and services, as well as take advantage of the platform’s analytics tools to optimize their social media marketing efforts.
Many businesses have been successful in increasing their business goals, sales volume and awareness through Facebook.
4. CoFoundersLab
CoFoundersLab is one of the online platforms for a business to find cofounders, mentors, investors and team members.
It provides access to a network of more than 30,000 investors and 8,000 VC companies, as well as resources to help entrepreneurs start, grow and fund their business.
CoFoundersLab also offers exclusive discounts to partners such as Hubspot, Unbounce, Soona and Slidebean, so businesses can get the most out of the platform.
5. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is an app that allows business owners to manage their social media accounts from one place.
It offers features such as real-time tracking of all of your social media posts, automatic posting of updates, customizable alerts for specific accounts and more.
Hootsuite also offers integration with other platforms, so you can keep track of what is happening on other websites and applications that you use.
6. Guest Posting
Guest posting is a great way to get your name out there and build relationships with potential customers and partners.
By doing a blog post on someone else’s website, you can offer your expertise and provide valuable relevant content that your readers can use.
You can also syndicate your blog content to other sites, which will help to increase your reach and exposure.
7. TweetDeck
TweetDeck is another social media management tool that can help small business owners to monitor their social media accounts from one place.
It offers features such as timeline views, trends, mentions and more. This makes it easy to see what is being said about your business on social media and make decisions about how to respond.
So, not only can TweetDeck help you to stay on top of your social media accounts, it can also help you to optimize your content and strategy.
8. SumoMe
SumoMe is an all-in-one platform that helps businesses of all sizes to grow their online presence and drive more traffic to their website.
It offers a free plan that includes a suite of features, such as social sharing buttons, blog commenting, email capture and A/B testing.
If you want to upgrade to a premium plan, SumoMe offers a range of options that include additional features such as SEO, social media management and more.
Final Thoughts
Networking is an essential part of any business, and networking tools like those listed above can be extremely helpful for small business owners.
By using the right tool for the right task, you can increase your chances of success. As technology continues to evolve, so do the tools that small business owners can use to network.
If you find this article helpful, be sure to check out our other blog posts on WorkDeputy and share them with your colleagues and friends!
FAQs
What are the different types of networking?
There are three types of networking: personal, professional, and social. Personal networking involves meeting people you know in person. Professional networking involves meeting people who can help you with your career or who can give you information about opportunities. Social networking involves connecting with people online.
What is the most common type of network used in business?
The most common type of network used in business is professional networking. Professional networking can help you find a job, meet new people, and learn about new opportunities.
What is a business networking event?
A business networking event is an event where business owners and professionals can meet. These events can be organized by businesses or by professional organizations.
What is meant by network analysis in business?
Network analysis in business is the process of studying how people and groups interact to create and maintain networks. This information can be used to help businesses connect with potential customers and partners.
What is your best networking tactic?
One of the best networking tactics is to attend as many business networking events as possible. This will help you meet a variety of people and find the resources you need to grow your business.
