Lunchtime, according to new research from contact management solutions provider Tapt.

The research shed light on which types of businesses have benefitted the most from networking, as well as when and where they like to network.

Small businesses get the most out of networking

Data gathered from over 400,000 contact exchange events held in 2024 revealed that while large businesses (200+ employees) dominate the networking game in terms of volume with 34.7 per cent of all contact exchanges, when looking at connections per user,  large businesses only average 28.9 exchanges per profile, the lowest of all business sizes.

On the other hand, small businesses (5–19 employees) lead the pack with 32.5 connections per profile, followed closely by self-employed professionals (32.4) and micro businesses (30.4). Although their overall share of exchanges is lower, these numbers suggest that smaller teams may be more agile and proactive in building meaningful connections as small businesses are keen on networking to drive their growth.

The best time to make connections

Tapt’s data also found that lunchtime is considered a “prime time” for networking, with 29.5 per cent of contact exchanges happening between 11 am and 2 pm.

Afternoon (2 pm – 5 pm) accounts for 23.6 per cent of networking activity, with late morning (8 am – 11 am) rounding out the top three at 19.9 per cent.

Early evening (5 pm – 8 pm) also sees a solid 13.6 per cent of connections made, which is attributed to post-work drinks and networking events.

Days of the week matter

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday account for 61.8 per cent of networking activity, with Wednesday leading at 21.9 per cent, closely followed by Thursday at 21.7 per cent, suggesting that midweek events and meetings drive higher engagement.

Weekends still account for 11.2 per cent of total connections, showing that unique opportunities exist for professionals in industries operating outside the standard Monday-to-Friday workweek or for those attending weekend events.

People network more in the middle of the year

Meanwhile, May emerged as the busiest month for networking, accounting for 12.1 per cent of all contact exchanges, which the research has noted may be linked to businesses ramping up mid-year projects and professionals solidifying connections before the winter slowdown and the push to wrap up deals ahead of the end of financial year during 30 June. August is also a favourable month for networking (at 9.7 per cent) which is attributed to a renewed push for engagement following the mid-year break.

Unsurprisingly, networking activity dipped at the start and end of the year, with November (6.6 per cent), January (4.9 per cent), and December (3.5 per cent) recording the lowest levels of contact exchanges, owing to the holiday season and summer break.

Elon Datt, Founder and CEO at Tapt commented, “Networking is essential to business success, it drives growth, opens doors to new opportunities, and helps professionals build lasting relationships. With networking gaining momentum once again since the pandemic, now is the perfect time to learn the key tips and tricks that can help you network smarter, not harder.”

The post The best time to make new business connections – plus other small-biz networking insights appeared first on Inside Small Business.

While sales are essential to any business, they’re rarely the reason for starting one.

Founders love ‘doing the work’ sometimes to their own detriment, as they forget to maintain a strong pipeline for new business.

When I started my agency, most of the advice I saw online pointed to aggressive cold outreach. This never worked for me, which is why I’m sharing my always-on, organic and holistic approach to attracting more clients.

Increase your visibility

Have you ever heard the saying “best-known beats best”? Attributed to Grant Cardone, it’s a reminder that people can’t work with you if they don’t know you exist.

The solution? We live in a world where it has never been easier to market yourself and your business.

Without spending any advertising dollars, you can amplify your story through traditional and social media channels.

It’s all about being strategic and meeting your potential clients where they’re at.

Why not try:

• Contributing your thought leadership to aligned media publications (what I’m doing through this piece)
• Making a guest appearance on a podcast that your potential clients would listen to
• Sharing a day in your life on TikTok to educate audiences on exactly what it is that you do
• Showcasing your expertise through regular LinkedIn posting, like commenting on topical issues, sharing case studies and spotlighting any media and/or speaking engagements

Not only do these activities build brand awareness, but they will set you apart from competitors by positioning you as an authority figure in your field.

Network, now!

When done intentionally and without any expectations, networking is a great way to meet new clients. I know this from experience.

The key to networking is not to see it as a transaction. It’s really obvious when people have an agenda. Instead, focus on how you can add value to any conversation and support those you meet. This is how you build strong and long-term professional relationships.

Keep in mind that when you’re new to business, it can be easy to say yes to every networking opportunity. To avoid burnout, focus on quality over quantity. Accept early on that you can’t be everywhere and that relationship-building is a long game.

Remember to network in your daily life too. There’s something valuable to learn from everyone around you. Signing up to a co-working space has been a huge help in growing my own personal and professional network. Over the last four years, I’ve connected with people from all ages, backgrounds and industries, which has given me a broader understanding of business. During my time at The Commons, I’ve even met a client through a weekly meditation class! I’m a big believer that you never quite know where an introduction will take you.

Do good work

Happy clients stay with you longer and aren’t afraid to recommend you to their network. That’s why it’s so important to go above and beyond for those you service.

Keep in mind that when a client or contact refers you to someone they know, they’re putting their own reputation on the line. Their recommendation reflects their trust in you. Don’t take it lightly – uphold their confidence by delivering exceptional work.

While there’s a lot of advice for businesses to cold call, I’ve found most of my clients through brand awareness activities, networking and becoming a master at my craft.

The post How I attract clients without cold outreach: visibility, networking and referrals appeared first on Inside Small Business.

First unveiled last year, the Boa App aims to foster productive networking opportunities for business people, and boasts a growing community of users.

The app is the brainchild of business networking entrepreneur and Club of United (CUB) founder and CEO, Daniel Hakim and has managed to gain the support of prominent investors and personalities, including businessman Mark Bouris.

Boa also offers resources for businesspeople, as well as access to monthly networking events and a private in-app community that members can connect with and to gain and share new ideas. The first of these offerings, the Inner Circle, is set to launch on 19 February.

“The Inner Circle is the first of a series of chapters we’re truly excited to introduce this year because we know these easy-to-join groups will serve to support business owners in so many ways – from creating human connections to solving challenges and fuelling success,” explains Boa App general manager, Kirsten Scott.

“We’re currently calling for members who are interested in leading local networking chapters as presidents. Importantly, the initiative is deliberately conscious of our members’ busy schedules, and our chapters are designed to be just as enjoyable as they are impactful,” Scott added.

Recent studies noted the growth of professional networking apps as the global professional networking apps market is expected to reach a market size of more than AUD100 billion by 2030.

“Most Australian business owners don’t have access to quality networking. Boa App is breaking down barriers to make premium networking accessible and free for everyone,” said Yellow Brick Road founder and Boa App investor, Mark Bouris. “Until now, networking has always been reserved for the rich and privileged in Australia. We want to democratise access for all business owners – big, small and irrespective of gender, age and background. This is a very important mission, and Australia has always been the place of opportunity irrespective of class or birthright, and Boa is bringing that fabric back.”

The post New free networking platform Boa seeks to even the playing field for SMEs appeared first on Inside Small Business.

My networking journey

I have long known the value of networking. My first ever experience of a networking event was in 1989, after I started working in a law firm. Within weeks, I was invited to attend my first conference over a weekend. I was 20. I had never even left Western Australia, and I was certainly not as worldly as many 20 year olds are now. The conference was put on by the Family Law Practitioner’s Association of WA, formed only about five years before and affectionately known as “Flapa”. In that one night, I met most of the profession, and it stood me in good stead for my entire career.

Around the time I moved my practice into new offices in 2013, I went to a LinkedIn workshop. I worked on my profile and went about connecting with people face-to-face, since my instructions had been not to connect with anyone without actually meeting them. This meant attending face-to-face networking events.

It did not come naturally to me, and sometimes (when I was on the third coffee for the day), it required focus to bring my energy and curiosity to the table. But the more I did it, the better I got. And now, after many years, I have learnt to love networking because the people I meet and the problems they solve fascinate me.

Top networking event tips

Here are my top tips for attending networking events:

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: You’ll often be standing for long periods, so comfy shoes are a must. Plus, nothing ensures an awkward first-impression like constantly adjusting your clothes.

Arrive on time: Not only will this prevent stress, you’ll also project a better image to your prospective connections.

Rehearse your exit strategies from conversations: It’s always good to have some exit strategies up your sleeve so you can make the most of the event and talk to as many people as you’d like to.

Always have a few good questions to use: Rehearsing questions that really cut to the chase

Eat before you arrive and never eat the food unless you can do it in one bite: You’re here to talk, not eat, so keep your mouth free!

Bag must have straps: This gives you more hands free for those all-important handshakes.

Do what you say you are going to do: Only make plans that you’re sure you can follow up on.

Follow up: Send messages a day or two after the event to cement your connections.

Create a people bank: Note down names, job titles, and other important information about new connections.

This year, after establishing a Melbourne office of my family law practice, I also worked with a team of lawyers to establish a new association that brings practitioners in our field together. I wanted to do the same for the profession that Flapa did for me: build a place to meet, talk, get to know each other, and make the practice of law a bit better for everyone.

The post Nine networking event tips for introverts appeared first on Inside Small Business.

Billson appeared before the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee inquiry into the shutdown of the 3G mobile network. He called on telecommunications companies and business equipment and service suppliers to step up and do more to make sure small businesses don’t suffer due to the shutdown.

“It is vital small, family and farming businesses take action to find out if they will be affected and if so, upgrade their technology before business-harming disconnection and technology dysfunction is the first they learn about it,” he said. “We need to improve the awareness of 3G use embedded in business equipment and technology well beyond the obvious example of mobile phones.”

Switch-off to impact a range of devices

Billson noted that the 3G switch-off could affect EFTPOS terminals, security systems and cameras, tablets, smartwatches, vending machines and even swipe pads at car parking stations. The change might also impact asset tracking tools, surveying instruments, water and environmental monitoring, farm gates and many other wireless operating systems.

“There is an awful lot of technology and equipment used in everyday small, family and farming businesses that’s actually powered by 3G,” Billson added, “Even some 4G-enabled devices have aspects that are powered by 3G, but users may not realise until they stop working, so it makes sense to have those checked as well.”

Who is responsible for keeping small businesses in the loop?

“The telcos are best placed to know who is using 3G for reasons other than making phone calls,” Billson explained. “They will have data about who is currently paying for use of that spectrum. As the ‘most likely to know’ party and the commercial beneficiaries of the re-use of 3G spectrum, it is not unreasonable for telcos to lean in, identify customers using 3G for other than call purposes and to work with business equipment providers to make sure small, family and farming businesses are not left stranded after the shutdown.”

The ASBFEO also reminded businesses to only contact providers that use trusted information and links for any concerns regarding the impending 3G switch-off.

Telstra has earlier stated that it will switch off its 3G network on 31 August and Optus from 1 September. TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network.

The post Small businesses reminded anew of upcoming 3G switch-off appeared first on Inside Small Business.

Access to expert advice

One of the most immediate benefits of a professional network is the accessibility of diverse expertise. Start-ups and small businesses often run lean, with limited in-house resources. Having a network that includes industry veterans and specialists can fill this gap, providing crucial insights and advice that can help avoid common pitfalls and streamline business processes. Whether it’s legal counsel, marketing insights, or technological expertise, the right connections can offer guidance just when it’s most needed.

Business opportunities through referrals

Referrals remain one of the most reliable sources of new business. A network filled with satisfied customers, supportive peers, and allied businesses can significantly amplify your ability to attract new clients. In many industries, the trust factor of a referral outweighs all other marketing efforts. Moreover, these connections can open doors to new markets, introduce you to potential partners, and even help expand your product line or services through collaborative ventures.

A meaningful social network

Developing a meaningful social network cannot be underestimated. This means connecting with people who are in industries related to your industry. There is little utility in a financial planner in Australia connecting to a horticulturalist in Pakistan. Ensure there is a nexus between your profession and the profession of the person you are connecting with – focus on persons in professions linked to your line of work, or professionals in your immediate location that would benefit from your profession and vice-versa. Think quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to not connect with persons who may divert your networking algorithm away from your target audience.

Enhanced credibility and trust

Being associated with well-respected professionals and established companies in your industry can boost your business’s credibility. For start-ups, in particular, where establishing trust can be a hurdle, having a strong network can serve as a testament to your reputation and reliability. This aspect of networking is often manifested through reviews (google reviews are gold), case studies, and co-branded initiatives, all of which enhance your visibility and trustworthiness in the market.

Support in times of need

Economic downturns, operational hurdles, and market changes are just a few of the challenges one might face in running a business. A robust network provides a cushion in these times, offering not just moral support but practical solutions. Whether it’s navigating supply chain disruptions with the help of a connection or pivoting business strategies during a market fluctuation, your network can be a critical support system.

Investment and funding opportunities

Securing funding is a critical step towards scalability and growth. A network that includes angel investors, venture capitalists, and other financial professionals can increase the likelihood of obtaining investment. Networking events, industry conferences, and dedicated start-up incubators are fertile grounds for nurturing relationships with potential investors.

Talent acquisition

As your business grows, so does your need for skilled talent. A network can be a valuable resource for recruitment, allowing you to tap into a wider pool of candidates through referrals. This not only speeds up the hiring process but also increases the chances of finding employees who align with your company’s culture and values, having been vetted through your trusted network.

Continuous learning and innovation

By engaging with a community of like-minded professionals, you expose yourself and your business to new ideas and technologies. This continuous learning can inspire innovation within your own operations, helping to keep your business relevant and competitive.

Building your network

To harness the full potential of a professional network, consider the following strategies:

• Attend industry events: Conferences, seminars, and workshops are great for meeting peers and leaders.
• Leverage social media: Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for connecting with other professionals in your field.
• Join professional associations: These can provide networking opportunities specific to your industry.
• Offer value: Networking is a two-way street. Always look for opportunities to assist or provide value to your connections.

For small businesses and start-ups, building a professional network is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a strategic necessity. As you embark on or continue your entrepreneurial journey, remember that the strength of your network often determines the height of your success.

The post The crucial role of professional networks for small business growth in a post-pandemic world appeared first on Inside Small Business.

Decoding Retail Fest Hosted

The idea is simple: Help retailers foster connections that matter. To achieve this, Retail Global is giving attendees the chance to receive a Retail Fest Retailer Pass and up to $800 travel reimbursements by sitting eight hosted meetings. These will be double opt-in meetings where both retailer and sponsor agree to meet for 15 minutes and talk about the solutions each can provide. These are designed to solve your businesses problems, in an environment that couldn’t be more conducive to collaboration.

The changing face of retail networking

Conferences have shifted from small intimate community events to large scale events driven by the bottom line. Retail Fest Hosted bucks this trend, creating a focused, results-driven networking experience. Instead of leaving connections to chance, we’re providing a structured way for retailers to forge meaningful partnerships.

The essence of this program isn’t just about making any connection – it’s about making the right connection. By offering double opt-in meetings, we’re ensuring that both parties are keenly interested in what the other has to offer. This isn’t your average meet-and-greet; it’s a purposeful exchange of ideas, solutions, and potential collaborations.

Benefits for retailers: What’s in it for you?

The retail world continually shifts beneath our feet, often making it challenging for retailers to stay ahead of the curve. At Retail Fest Hosted, it’s not just talking about innovation; it’s facilitating it. Let’s delve into the benefits retailers can expect from this initiative:

1. Priority access to leading solutions

You’re not just in the room; you’re at the front of the queue. Engage firsthand with solution providers primed with a purpose, to hear from and collaborate with you. Solutions, not pitches.

2. Financial incentives

The news is awash with talk of a poor financial climate and ongoing recession. We know it isn’t easy for retailers to grow right now, but education is key. Retail Fest is helping to create opportunities even in a harsh financial climate through up to $800 travel credit reimbursements.

3. Efficient networking

No more aimless wandering or hoping to bump into the right contact. Our pre-scheduled, double opt-in meetings make certain that every interaction is valuable, pivoting on mutual interest.

4. Time optimisation

We understand the importance of both networking and absorbing the knowledge from Retail Fest’s rockstar lineup. That’s why all meetings are meticulously planned around agenda sessions, ensuring you don’t miss out on any part of the conference.

5. Insight into new products and technologies

Stay ahead in the retail game. Engage with eager sponsors, all set to share their cutting-edge, solution driven innovations, helping you stay one step ahead of market trends.

6. Market insight

The retail world is vast and evolving. The opportunities are there, but you need to be in the room when they come up. Retail Fest Hosted provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the latest trends, solutions, and potential partnerships.

Get involved

Attending Retail Fest 2024 as part of the Retail Fest Hosted initiative is going to be a game changer for you and your business. Seize the moment, leverage opportunities, and foster partnerships that resonate. Retail Fest is not just an event – it’s going to be a gateway, a bridge to your next business milestone.

Are you ready to be at the forefront of retail’s next wave? Don’t let this unique opportunity pass you by. Discover what Retail Fest Hosted has in store for you. Be there. Lead. Innovate.

Apply now and be part of the retail evolution. See you on the Gold Coast in April 2024!

The post <strong>Changing how small retailers connect forever – Retail Fest Hosted launches</strong> appeared first on Inside Small Business.

Bupa’s eco-Disruptive program will offer a mix of financial support, marketing expertise from its own people and further networking opportunities to the selected start-ups. Special squads of Bupa colleagues will join forces with the start-ups to brainstorm development ideas and further opportunities.

The selected start-ups will each receive over $47,000 to develop a minimum viable product and the winner receives over $380,000 to help develop their product further. They will have the opportunity to showcase their novel approaches to reducing emissions to potential investors and Bupa colleagues, as well as collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs.

The 18 participants will be selected by Bupa employees across the world based on their positive impact on both healthcare and the environment.

Iñaki Ereño, Bupa’s Group CEO, said, “As a provider of healthcare services to millions of people across the world, we recognise the link between the environment and human health. We know that we cannot solve these global challenges on our own, so we are joining forces with others to make a difference.”

Alongside Bupa’s ongoing drive to achieve its net-zero target by 2040, Ereño said the initiative showed that by working with disruptive and promising start-ups, larger companies can accelerate the transition that we urgently need.

“At Bupa, we are working together with these promising new businesses to help them realise their potential in reducing carbon emissions,” said Ereño. “This goes beyond financial support and involves our own people joining forces with their development team in order to help co-create.”

Roger Sharp, Bupa APAC Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer said the eco-Disruptive program had created a genuine sustainability movement within the organisation.

“Since the program launched in 2021, I’ve seen first-hand a newfound passion and pride in our sustainability commitments and an eagerness for people to roll-up their sleeves to make a difference. The challenge for us is the need for pace because our planet cannot afford more years of complacency, action must be taken now. In the years we have been on this eco-Disruptive journey, I’ve been so thrilled at the speed and scale of what we have been able to achieve with our partners and our people as we work towards delivering on our Net-Zero ambitions,” Sharp said.

Applications for the upcoming 2023 eco-Disruptive programme will open on 11 July.

The post Bupa’s eco-Disruptive program to support sustainability-focused start-ups appeared first on Inside Small Business.

The 24-month program will have participants take part in four leadership and skill-building workshops, receive on-the-ground training, and have mentors assigned to them to provide ongoing support. The Graduate Program is based on a robust 70:20:10 learning model (70 per cent from job-related experiences, 20 per cent from interactions with others and 10 per cent from formal learning events).

The program also provides networking opportunities for professionals, as well as development opportunities for business owners to grow their businesses, or work in agribusiness through Nutrien, one of the world’s largest provider of crop inputs, services and solutions for farmers.

“Each year our graduate program is oversubscribed, attracting top talent from every corner of Australia,” Shelley Nolan, Senior Director for Nutrien’s Human Resources department, said. “In fact, we were recently recognised by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers and Grad Australia as the number one graduate employer in Australia for careers in the environment and agriculture sector.”

And Jade Taylor, an agronomist who works at Nutrien’s branch in Dorrigo in NSW, said that she loves working outside with farmers to find the best outcome suited to them and their enterprise to make them more productive and profitable.

“I also enjoy working within a great network that gives me access to knowledge and resources at my fingertips,” Taylor (pictured here with husband Lewis) said. “You don’t have to have a background in farming to work in the agriculture industry but as soon as you join, you’ll find you have a much greater understanding and appreciation for how our farmers feed and clothe the world, and that’s a pretty good reason to come to work each day.”

Nutrien reported that last year they welcomed almost 800 new people in roles right across the country.

“The race for talent is tight across all industries so we are focused on attracting a diverse workforce,” Nolan said. “Diversity in background, experience and ideas is how we can positively impact and support Australian farmers. Our talent efforts are backed by a strong focus on retention, they go hand-in-hand. Nutrien’s career planning and learning and development opportunities are key to ensuring employees have every opportunity to reach their full potential and continue to progress both professionally and personally.”

The post Nutrien’s agribusiness graduate program opens for applications appeared first on Inside Small Business.

They are excited to announce the Borderless Business Solutions Summit on Friday 12 May. This event is designed to inspire, encourage and support female-led SMEs to succeed.

The day will begin with an inspiring keynote from Monica Meldrum, co-founder of Whole Kids. Monica proudly heads the first food business in Australia to become a certified B Corporation. Founded in 2005, Whole Kids has grown to become Australia’s favourite range of organic, additive-free, allergen-friendly foods and snacks for babies, toddlers and kids. Monica has scaled her business into all the major supermarkets in Australia and is busy expanding into the Asian marketplace. She is tenacious and resourceful as is proven by having gone through two capital raises and convinced Qantas to swap McDonald’s for her nutritional and healthy options.

Many business owners feel imposter syndrome worrying about what they don’t know and are constantly being roadblocked by new impediments. CEO of Business in Heels, Lisa Sweeney, says, “The summit days are designed to overcome this with numerous expert presenters running workshops so participants can ask their burning questions.” Lauren Baldock, a previous summit attendee says, “The workshop was one of the best I’ve ever been to. The content was right on the mark and the open discussions with the group were so valuable.”

Returning by popular demand is the panel discussion entitled “Learn from My Mistakes”. The amazing panellists run businesses with up to 60 employees and many span Australia while others are international. Their journey to success has not been easy and they are going to share some of their challenging moments and the lessons they learnt. One example is Alicia Beachley, CEO of April 5. Her company went from hero to zero when COVID kicked in. Attendees on the day will learn how she turned around her business to become one of Microsoft’s preferred suppliers and doubled her team.

No longer do SMEs need to feel disadvantaged by location as this summit is 100 per cent online. It’s been carefully crafted so attendees avoid brain fatigue too as it includes a treasure hunt and prizes. “It was the most engaging day I have ever spent online, I was glued to the screen,” says Barbara Rabinowicz, a previous summit attendee.

Join SMEs from all over Australia, Malaysia and UAE to make new connections and open doors to future collaborations and business opportunities. “Over the last five years, we have seen a number of new businesses created as a direct result of meetings that have occurred in our summits,” says Lisa Sweeney.

The solution offered by the summit is based on advice the team at BIH shares every day with frustrated business owners in their 200,000-strong community. Here are the distilled tips condensed into six actionable tips.

Six tips to support SMEs

1. Embrace change and challenges when times are tough to create opportunities.
2. Learn from successful business owners to limit your trial and error. 
3. Networking to collaborate is a great way to grow personally and professionally.
4. Be brave and ask questions. It’s okay to not know the answer!
5. Outsource the jobs you don’t like and are not good at.
6. Champion an abundance mindset, there is enough business for everyone.

Ensure you come along to the summit and put the tips above into action to get the best out of your day. To learn more https://events.businessinheels.com/business-solutions-summit-may/.

The post <strong>Heels pave the way for SMEs</strong> appeared first on Inside Small Business.