8 High-Level Networking Opportunities to Grow Your Business

Entrepreneurs are always on the lookout for high-impact networking opportunities to catapult their business forward.

Below are some insights from eight industry experts on exclusive networking opportunities, ranging from the importance of attending industry conferences to the benefits of mastermind groups. Discover the value and potential costs of these experiences as shared by those who've seen firsthand how they can reshape a business landscape.

Attend industry conferences

Conferences are excellent high-level networking opportunities for entrepreneurs like AJ Eckstein, the founder and CEO of Creator Match, an Austin, Texas-based company that matches brands with LinkedIn creators. He has been to more than five out-of-state conferences this year alone, including the Adobe Summit, VidCon, Creator Summit, Tech Week, and SaaStock.

"In business, you have to keep moving and meet your network where they are," says Eckstein. "Everyone talks about the requirement to go to business school to grow your network. Instead of paying six figures to do that, go to in-person events, even if that means spending some money to travel and pay for conference tickets. I promise you, it will give you the return you are looking for. You only need to network with one right person to change your life."

Engage in in-person meetings

Want to network with some CEOs and other top decision-makers but can't seem to get traction online? Wendy Chamberlain-Cooper, the founder and CEO of Indiana-based ProMotion Corporate Wellness, says that C-suite executives of large companies are rarely reachable digitally.

"In today's digital world, it's easy to get caught up thinking only digitally," explains Chamberlain-Cooper. "In a world that became a lot less in-person personalized during the pandemic, in-person meetings and introductions are priceless right now. Get in the room with the right people for your business. Peer groups rank highest in my book."

Participate in exclusive retreats

Networking while relaxing might sound too good to be true, but going to retreats or small, intimate meals is an impactful way to build strong relationships with other professionals, according to Claudia Fulga, a founder and executive coach based out of San Francisco, California. She says that the conversations, while different, are often more impactful than simply selling your business.

"The beauty of highly coveted events that are bespoke in nature and not mainstream is that they give access to people you normally wouldn't get a chance to talk with one-on-one and get to know them on a more meaningful, deeper level," shares Fulga. "Yes, sometimes the cost of a dinner is $400, or the cost of a special event or retreat is $1,500-$3,000...but it's worth it to gain access to high-quality people in relaxed settings."

Leverage professional certification networks

One often overlooked networking opportunity is born out of the alumni networks of professional certification programs. As explained by Tanya Slyvkin, the founder and CEO of WhitePage, a presentation design agency based in Massachusetts, participants of certification programs all have a shared objective--to learn and grow professionally--so networking is a natural byproduct.

"I was studying for my PMP certification, which took around five months to complete," Slyvkin says. "My classmates and I shared similar challenges, formed discussion groups, and would sometimes study late into the night. We created a genuine bond beyond sharing business cards or shallow introductions at events or Zoom calls. Now, when opportunities arise, these connections are my strongest advocates. Entrepreneurs should consider exploring professional certification programs and take advantage of the powerful alumni networks these communities create."

Join exclusive CEO peer groups

Abhi Yadav, the co-founder and CEO of i-Customer, an enterprise decision intelligence company with locations in California and Massachusetts, says that you should consider joining an exclusive CEO peer group or forum.

"These groups offer invaluable access to a network of fellow high-level executives and business owners," says Yadav. "In my experience, joining a Young Presidents' Organization forum was transformative for my business. The confidential, peer-to-peer environment allowed me to discuss challenges and opportunities with other successful entrepreneurs, gaining insights I couldn't find elsewhere. The personal connections and shared experiences in these groups often lead to collaborations, mentorships, and business opportunities that far outweigh the membership costs."

Connect with angel investor networks

If you're looking to both network and potentially source funding for your business, Thomas Griffin, co-founder of OptinMonster, a remote lead-generation software company, has a helpful suggestion: angel investor networks. He says that joining networks will allow you to mingle with investors and a community of fellow entrepreneurs.

"The members of these groups often have an extensive network and connections across different industries. So, if they can't help you out, they can introduce you to potential partners, advisors, or investors by leveraging their connections," shares Griffin. "Entrepreneurs should consider joining angel investor groups not just to grow their network but also to secure funding when getting started."

Utilize Entrepreneurs' Organization resources

Looking for some accountability while you scale your business? Having access to fellow entrepreneurs who can provide time-tested advice and hold you accountable to your goals is invaluable.

"Entrepreneurs' Organization Accelerator had the most significant impact on my business," says Hal Smith, founder of H Street Digital, an advertising agency based in Austin, Texas. "It immediately connects you to a network of like-minded, successful entrepreneurs and places you in an accountability group that meets monthly to keep you on track. It also leverages the Scaling Up framework to give you the tools for building a robust, growth-oriented business."

Benefit from mastermind groups

Caroline Pennington, host and founder of The Feminine Founder podcast, highly suggests joining a mastermind. Besides the obvious benefits of meeting regularly with entrepreneurs and bouncing ideas off one another, the beauty of a mastermind group is it can be incredibly niche.

"You get in the room with the right people, and it's a game-changer for you personally and will be for your business as well," says Pennington. "I applied and was accepted to a podcast mastermind, and it's been the best decision I've made. I now have podcasters with an established audience that I call friends. Also, I know how to strategically grow my show and make money from my podcast too."

Connect with an Old National Small Business bankerfor more insights to help your business grow.

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