*This article was repurposed with permission from Vagaro.
You’ve probably heard the term “networking” countless times as an industry pro living in the fast-paced grind of today’s hustle. Chances are, you likely have a good idea of why you need to be networking within your industry (and even outside of it!) but might not be sure where to start.
Don’t worry! Vagaro’s business experts created this helpful guide to walk you through all the essentials of networking for your small business, share some handy tips you can get started on today. But first…
What Really is Networking?
Networking is all about building connections with others in your industry or related fields, with the aim of supporting each other's career or business growth. It's not just about advancing professionally—it's about forming meaningful relationships where you can exchange advice, share information, and offer support. Whether you're attending industry events, joining professional organizations or clubs, or even just chatting casually, every peer-to-peer interaction is an opportunity to connect.
But it’s not solely about making connections, building a professional community facilitates continuous learning and development – something celebrity barber and Vagaro Icon Coach, John Mosley says industry pros need to consistently prioritize, “I think the biggest mistake [industry professionals] make is when you come into the industry, you might have done well in school and you think that coming out of it, you're already “good.” If you get comfortable and complacent, you’ll get stuck there. You’ve got to stay a student of the game, because it's ever evolving.”
The core of these relationships and interactions are created in a mutually beneficial way, key word: mutually. Networking means you both grow and learn together; it should never be one-sided. Over time, you’ll see that these connections can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable insights that help you and everyone else involved.
[Did you know? 80% of professionals find networking essential to their career success, according to recent research.]
And it can all start with a simple elevator pitch.
Let’s Hear Your Elevator Pitch…
First thing’s first when it comes to networking for your business: know your elevator pitch! It’s a short, engaging summary of your idea, project, or business that you can share in the time it takes to ride an elevator—about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Think of it as your golden opportunity to spark someone's interest about your vision. It's about making a strong first impression in a friendly, clear, and confident way, so whoever you’re talking to wants to know more!
Here’s an example:
Example Elevator Pitch:
Hi, I'm [insert name], owner of [insert business name], an eco-friendly hair and beauty salon. My team works to make it easy for environmentally conscious consumers to find services that align with their values. Let's connect and make a positive change together!
Simple, quick, and effective, right? You don’t need to go too far into the details or try to sell yourself too hard when it comes to your elevator pitch. Instead, focus on letting your passion infectiously shine through your pitch and organically captivate who you’re speaking with. Focus more on the why of what you do, and less on the how.
Research shows people tend to be more drawn to a genuine connection with another human as opposed to being sold on something. Once they’re hooked, you can dive into the specifics.
Get Plugged In: Where to Find Networking Opportunities Near You
Alright, you know what networking is: check. You have your elevator pitch: check. Now, where do you go to execute a successful connection among fellow established industry pros? How do you get your foot in the door?
Truth be told, there’s plenty of different methods, but these next few opportunities are the easiest to start out with while keeping costs low and still maximizing your connections. Up first on our list:
Online Communities
You can find forums, blogs, or other communities online using services like Facebook Groups, LinkedIn, or Reddit—to name a few—that help connect you with other individuals or businesses with similarly-aligned missions or offerings. It can be hard to choose which one works best for you since each app comes with its different pros and cons, so we’d recommend giving each a fair shot!
For example, Reddit is great for finding entire communities of people who are interested about a specific topic, from salon business advice to hairstyle trends (r/hairstylist) or even a place for cosmetologists in general to mingle, share advice, and show off their work (r/cosmetology)! On the other hand, a platform like LinkedIn is used to keep your ear to the ground for your favorite companies while also connecting you directly with other individuals in your field or searching for potential partnerships that align with your business.
Local Business Chambers
Local business chambers and industry associations are fantastic resources for small businesses looking to grow and connect with the community. Chamber of Commerce organizations offer a huge range of events like mixers, luncheons, and workshops where you can meet local professionals and gain entrepreneurial insight. Industry associations, like the American Marketing Association, also host conferences and provide online forums & training that bring together people from your field to share experiences or advice.
You can also try scouting out local business alliances, like the Times Square Alliance, who focus on building a community of professionals and supporting businesses in specific areas with events and promotional opportunities. As a blooming professional engaging with these organizations, you not only expand your network but also find a supportive community that can help your business thrive in the long run. Speaking of finding a supportive community…
Shared Workspaces
Coworking spaces are fantastic environments for small business owners and freelancers looking to expand their network. They offer more than just a desk—they’re vibrant communities where you can attend regular networking events, mixers, and professional workshops. For instance, WeWork and Spaces are known for their engaging events that help members build valuable connections with one another.2 The collaborative atmosphere and energy encourage natural interactions and partnerships that you might not find in a coffeeshop or alone at your salon or studio after hours.
A handful of shared workspaces facilitate mentorship and collaboration opportunities as well, connecting you with experienced professionals in your industry, or in general, who can offer guidance. Plus, they often provide you with essential tools or resources, like meeting rooms and high-speed internet, to support both your relationship building and everyday business needs. Overall, coworking spaces create supportive environments where you can thrive and build meaningful connections.
Local & Virtual Events
When it comes to events, like Vagaro’s yearly iconic conference, these opportunities are a great way for small businesses to connect and grow, no matter where you’re at in your professional journey, or even geographically! If your goal is to sharpen up your skills or expand your industry knowledge, an online webinar where you can learn from experts and interact with fellow attendees is an ideal first stop.
When it comes to things like in-person trade shows, such as Bobit’s Data-Driven Salon Summit or the Bronner Bros International Beauty Show, you’re often able to showcase your business and talent while networking with a captive audience. It’s way easier to expand your network on a broader scale at once because of this, in addition to the opportunity to source talent or employees who align with your mission or services.
Pro Tip!
Try using the Vagaro Marketplace to connect with other nearby business owners who offer services or products that might go hand-in-hand with your own! You can search the marketplace by business name, location, or a specific service itself.
Networking takes many shapes, but at its heart, it’s about building genuine relationships with those in or around your industry. It can be daunting at first, and that’s absolutely okay, but what matters most is that you don’t let that fear stunt yours or your business’s growth. Be confident; be fearless; be YOU—and the rest will follow suit. We’re rooting for you!
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