Why Bringing Guests to Networking Events is Important: 5 Reasons You Should Know

In any industry, connections are vital to expanding one’s career, influence, and clientele. Your network is the key to launching your business, taking on more significant projects and meeting the right people with the same acumen. It’s key to keeping up with the changing industry trends and customer demands.

 

As your circle grows, you’ll also meet start-up and small business owners seeking to expand their reach and become experts in their fields. That said, consider bringing guests with you to future networking events and help each other grow your businesses and become experts in your fields.

 

Why should you bring guests to networking events?

 

Other than growing your business, here are five reasons to invite guests to attend networking events with you:

 

You bring potential members to your networking group

Your guests aren’t just additional numbers to increase the presence of networking events. From the get-go, the people you invite are potential new members of your networking group.

 

Should your guests sign up to be part of your circle, you’ll introduce new members to replace those who have left or are inactive. If your guests have close connections with other businesses offering promising prospects, you’ll also get the chance to expand your networking group further and introduce other owners seeking new ventures to future networking events.

 

Did you know that you could sign up for a networking group online? Register here to become an official member of the Potomac Officers Club (POC) to get access to its summits and events and meet other POC members!

 

You meet new partners and investors

Inviting guests to networking events paves the way for new partnerships to take place. Your future business circle members may have the intuition to help you reassess what you need to do to enhance your business structure or change any work processes that aren’t suitable for your needs anymore.

 

Networking events may also be the right place and channel for you to convince prospective investors to bankroll your business or get them to establish joint ventures with you. Small business owners looking to become government contractors should invite their investor friends to networking summits to persuade them to finance their enterprises and deliver impactful solutions for healthcare, research, defense, and many more domains.

 

You meet leaders and experts

Networking events are great venues for you and your guests to meet industry leaders who could provide their insight on growing your business, expanding audience reach, and keeping up with the changing trends and demands.

 

In a February 2023 article by Forbes, seeking mentorship from business leaders who have proven to be successful and experts in their fields is one way to grow your business, gain the know-how in your industry, and set yourself up for success.

 

Additionally, bringing a guest with you helps both of you in gaining expert insight into tough government contracting situations, such as when a government shutdown occurs.

 

 

You learn new tools and tricks

Your learning isn’t limited to what network event speakers tell you. Inviting guests to join you also encourages healthy industry discussions on some new tools and tricks you may use for your business and reframe infrastructures.

 

Added to that, you could also share your own tried and tested business tools with your network. The exchange of helpful insight may birth fresh ideas that will revolutionize your business and other industries in the future.

 

You develop more confidence

Lastly, inviting friends to attend the same networking events as you helps you develop your confidence. You gradually step out of your comfort zone by inviting colleagues and initiating connections with other business owners and experts.

 

Besides developing your socializing skills, you also hone your leadership and communication skills. Networking events provide the perfect opportunity for you to talk about your business pitches, and your insights on trends and changes, and present lucrative shots for the future. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are examples of networking events?

There are a number of networking events tailored to the needs of different professionals and business owners. Some of the most common networking events you’ll come across include:

 

• Career fairs
• Happy-hour meet-ups
• Virtual groups
• Industry-specific conferences
• Trade shows
• Workshops
• Trade shows
• Speed networking events
• Breakfast/luncheon meetings
• Roundtable discussions

 

What networking events does POC offer?

The Potomac Officers Club hosts a wide range of summits and events focused on the government contracting industry. These events feature esteemed government and industry leaders speaking on topics about space, defense, healthcare, digital twins, artificial intelligence, research and development, and many more. 

 

Click here to get a full list of the events available at the Potomac Officers Club and see which summit or conference you’ll attend next!