Networking Tips for Small Business Owners Who Hate Networking

Let’s be honest – the idea of networking as a small business owner can bring up a lot of feelings—and not all of them are good. Maybe it feels like performing. Maybe it feels overwhelming. Maybe it just feels…awkward.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

As a small business owner, relationships are everything. The right connection can open a door, lead to a referral, or simply help you feel less alone in the entrepreneurial journey.

So let’s take a step back and talk about what networking can look like when it’s grounded, genuine, and just a little more… human.

As a small business owner, networking can be one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox—when you approach it with the right mindset. Recently, I attended some incredible events that reminded me how impactful networking can be, even if you’re not the “walk into the room and work the crowd” kind of person.

7 Networking Tips for Small Business Owners That Actually Work

1. Pick an Event Don’t stress over which one. Just pick one and go.
2. Attend the Event This may sound obvious, but half the battle is showing up.
3. Serve First Ask how you can help. The best connectors are generous listeners.
4. Short Share Share who you are and what you do—briefly. Skip the monologue—just be real.
5. Follow Up Promptly Within 12–24 hours, send a note or message. Get their card and be the one to reach out.
6. Book a Time Don’t say “let’s get together sometime.” Pick a date and time.
7. Learn First, Offer Later Take time to understand the other person’s needs and build trust before you pitch anything.

Before You Even Walk In the Room at a Networking Event…

• Know what you want from the event. Are you seeking collaborators? Clients? Inspiration?  Setting this intention ahead of time will help guide your conversations.
• Prepare your elevator pitch—but tailor it to the audience.  A great intro touches on who you are, what do you do, who you help, and what makes your approach different. That’s all you need. If you’re there for a nonprofit cause, your intro might differ from one with prospective clients.

Conversation Starters for Networking That Don’t Feel Forced

Worried you won’t know what to say? Asking better questions will get the conversation flowing.

• Where are you from?
• What brought you to this event?
• How long have you been doing what you do?
• What lights you up in your business?
• If you could do anything (and money wasn’t a factor), what would it be?

And don’t forget the 4 P’s if your mind goes blank: People, Pets, Places, and Passions. These topics are relatable, open-ended, and never fail to spark meaningful conversations.

Mindset Matters: You Reflect What You Bring into the Room

What you bring into a room, you’ll often get reflected back. So go in with curiosity, compassion, and confidence in who you are.

Pro Tip: Don’t go to networking events thinking about what you need. Go looking for how you can serve. And when you shift your mindset in that way, that’s where the magic begins.

Final Touches

• Smile. Set your energy before you enter the room.
• Seek out the wallflowers—be the friendly face they’re hoping to meet.
• Be playful. Have fun. You are a mirror—you’ll attract what you reflect.

Why It Matters

Networking is about relationships. It’s not about collecting business cards or giving your pitch a hundred times. It’s about showing up with presence, curiosity, and kindness.

And here’s the best part: when you show up this way, the right people will be drawn to you. Not because you were the flashiest in the room—but because you were real.

If you’ve been avoiding networking, I hope this helps you see it in a new light – and maybe even feel a little more confident walking into your next event.  The best connections generally don’t come from “working the room”.  They come from showing up as yourself and being curious. When you build relationships first, the business always follows.

Ready to try these networking tips for small business owners at your next event?

Bookmark this post, share it with a fellow entrepreneur, and most importantly—just start showing up. Business relationships are built one real conversation at a time.

Special thanks to Anna Struss of Tangled Anchor & EntreWomen and Lori Scharenbroich of West Shore Marketing for their wisdom and inspiration on this topic. 

So tell me—what’s your favorite networking tip or biggest hurdle? I’d love to hear!

You might also like…

• Putting Yourself Out There
• The Power of Connection and Collaboration
• Small Business Success: Crafting Business Processes that Work

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Deb Mitzel is Your 17hats Guide—an experienced Small Business Operations Consultant and Coach, as well as a 17hats Implementation Specialist. With a passion for empowering small business owners, Deb specializes in helping clients reclaim their time so they can focus on building businesses that support their personal and professional dreams. Deb believes in creating an Integrated Life—a harmony where your business and personal life work together to serve you best. She knows that with the right systems, strategies, and a little guidance, you can build a business that is a blessing, not a burden. If you’re ready to simplify your processes and maximize your impact with 17hats or other tailored strategies, Deb offers a Free Discovery Call to explore how she can help. Click below to schedule your call and take the first step toward turning your vision into reality.

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