5 Ways Local Networking Can Transform Your Business (and Your Confidence)

Real tips for building stronger connections and showing up with more confidence.

For many entrepreneurs and small business owners, networking can feel awkward, overwhelming, or like one more thing on your already overloaded plate. But when done with intention, local business networking can shift your mindset, grow your visibility, and even reignite your confidence.

Whether you’re brand-new to networking or looking to re-engage with purpose, here are five meaningful ways that connecting with local professionals can support both your business and your personal growth.

1. Show Up to Be Seen (Not Just to Sell)

One of the biggest mindset shifts in networking is realizing that it's not about pitching. It's about being present and visible. When people see your face regularly, they start to remember who you are, what you do, and how you show up.

Tip: Focus on consistency. Attend regularly. Engage in conversation. Be interested in others. You don’t need a polished pitch. You just need to be real, and present!

2. Ask Questions and Listen First

Good networking is built on good listening. When you ask thoughtful questions instead of starting with what you do, you create a deeper connection and open doors for natural collaboration later.

Tip: Try asking, “What’s something exciting happening in your business right now?” or “What’s your biggest challenge this season?” These questions show that you care and spark real conversation.

3. Let People Know How to Support You

Many of us struggle to ask for help, but the people in your network often want to support you. When you share what you need, you give others the chance to show up for you.

Tip: Practice saying something like, “I’m working on growing my visibility this fall, so I’d love any opportunities to speak, teach, or be featured.” Keep it short, specific, and easy for others to act on.

4. Build Confidence Through Consistency

Networking doesn’t always feel natural at first, but like any skill, it builds over time. The more you show up, the easier it becomes to introduce yourself, make conversation, and feel at ease in a room full of strangers.

Tip: Set a goal to attend one local networking event per month, and stick to it for three months. You’ll be amazed at how much more confident you feel just by showing up consistently.

5. Look for Groups That Align with Your Values

Not every networking space is created equal. The most impactful ones are rooted in community, connection, and collaboration, not competition. Finding a group where you feel welcomed and supported can change everything.

Tip: Try a few different types of groups—formal, casual, women-led, industry-based—and pay attention to how you feel after attending. Do you leave drained, or inspired?

How LAWIB Brings This to Life

At Lake Area Women in Business (LAWIB), these principles aren’t just ideas. We live them out.

There are many ways to begin your networking journey with LAWIB. You can attend a meeting as a guest, join us as a vendor at our annual Ladies Night Out Extravaganza, or gain exposure for your business by donating to our silent auction in support of a local scholarship. However you get involved, you’ll find a welcoming community built on relationships, not pressure. Where women are genuinely interested in supporting your business and celebrating your growth.

Here's what that looks like in action:

• We promote our vendors, members, and donors through social media, website, and event recognition. We want your business to be seen.

  
  

• We use events like the Ladies Extravaganza to both spotlight local businesses and raise funds for causes that matter, like our current goal of raising $1,000 through our silent auction to fund a scholarship for a local young woman pursuing a career in business, through the Forest Lake Community Scholarship Foundation.

  
  

• We offer space to talk about real business challenges, from marketing to time management to setting boundaries, all without judgment.

  
  

You don’t have to be perfect, polished, or extroverted to belong. You just have to show up.

Want to See What We're About?

We always welcome guests at our meetings (your first one is free). Whether you're exploring networking for the first time or looking to re-engage with your community, we’d love to meet you.

Upcoming meetings, events, and opportunities to get involved are posted here: www.lakeareawomeninbusiness.com