Why Networking is Important
Networking isn’t just about making contacts—it’s about building meaningful relationships that can support your business’s growth. As a veteran, networking offers several key benefits:
- Mentorship: experienced business owners can provide guidance and advice, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.
- Partnership Opportunities: networking can lead to collaborations with other businesses, whether it’s through joint ventures, supplier relationships, or customer referrals.
- Access to Resources: by building connections with others in your industry, you can gain access to valuable resources like funding, business services, or market insights.
- Expanding Your Customer Base: meeting people at networking events or through online platforms can help you reach potential clients or customers who might not have otherwise heard about your business.
- Leveraging Military Connections: many organisations and business networks specifically support veteran entrepreneurs, providing an immediate community that understands your background and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life.
Start with Veteran Networks
Veterans have access to a wide range of networking groups and organisations designed to support their transition into business. These communities provide a built-in network of like-minded individuals who share your background and values.
- X-Forces Enterprise: X-Forces Enterprise is a social enterprise that supports veterans, reservists, and their families in starting and scaling businesses. They offer networking events, mentoring, and funding opportunities.
- Veterans Network: the Veterans Network connects veteran entrepreneurs with each other and with businesses interested in working with veterans. It’s a great platform for finding collaboration opportunities and promoting your business.
- Bunker Labs UK: Bunker Labs is a global non-profit that empowers veterans to become entrepreneurs. Their UK chapter offers networking events, workshops, and accelerator programs that connect veteran entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and peers.
- Military Resettlement Organisations: many military organisations provide resettlement services that include business networking opportunities. Check with organisations like the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) for veteran-friendly networking events.
Tip: Leverage your military background to establish rapport with other veterans and organisations that prioritise veteran-owned businesses.
Attend Industry Events and Business Meetups
Attending industry-specific events, trade shows, and business meetups is one of the most effective ways to grow your network. These events allow you to meet potential partners, clients, and investors in person, building trust and making lasting connections.
Tip: Be proactive at these events—prepare a brief elevator pitch about your business, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to new people. Follow up with connections after the event to keep the relationship going.
Leverage Social Media and Online Platforms
Networking isn’t limited to in-person events. Social media and online platforms are powerful tools for building and maintaining professional relationships, especially when you can’t attend every event in person.
- LinkedIn: as the go-to platform for professional networking, LinkedIn is invaluable for connecting with other business owners, potential clients, and industry experts. Join groups focused on veteran entrepreneurship or your specific industry, and actively engage by sharing content and participating in discussions.
- Facebook and Veteran-Focused Groups: many veteran communities and business groups have a strong presence on Facebook. Groups like Veteran Owned UK provide a platform to promote your business, ask for advice, and network with fellow veterans.
- Twitter/X: Twitter/X can be useful for connecting with industry influencers, keeping up with business trends, and engaging in conversations about your field. Use hashtags like #veteranowned or #entrepreneurship to find relevant discussions and networking opportunities.
- Industry-Specific Forums and Communities: many industries have their own online forums or Slack groups where professionals gather to exchange ideas, ask questions, and share resources. Find these niche communities and become an active participant.
Tip: Maintain a professional and consistent presence on social media, and regularly engage with others by commenting on posts, sharing articles, and congratulating fellow entrepreneurs on their achievements.
Seek Out Mentorship
Mentorship is a valuable form of networking that allows you to learn from someone who has already achieved success in your field. Veteran entrepreneurs can benefit immensely from having a mentor who understands both the challenges of transitioning from military service and the demands of running a business.
- Veteran Mentoring Programs: many organisations, such as X-Forces Enterprise and Bunker Labs, offer formal mentorship programs for veteran entrepreneurs. These programs pair you with successful business leaders who can provide guidance and support.
- Industry-Specific Mentors: if your business operates in a specific niche, seek out mentors who have experience in your industry. They can provide advice on industry trends, potential challenges, and growth opportunities.
- Informal Mentorship: don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you admire and ask for advice. Many experienced entrepreneurs are happy to mentor or provide occasional guidance to others, especially if you share a military background.
Tip: A good mentorship relationship should be mutually beneficial. Be respectful of your mentor’s time and offer to help them with their own challenges or connections where possible.
Build Authentic Relationships
Networking is not just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections—it’s about building genuine, long-term relationships. Focus on the quality of your connections, not just the quantity.
- Listen More Than You Speak: when networking, aim to listen and understand the needs of the people you meet. This will allow you to offer help or advice and build a stronger relationship.
- Offer Value: networking isn’t just about what you can get; it’s also about what you can give. Offer help, advice, or introductions to others in your network. This will make you more memorable and increase the likelihood that people will reciprocate.
- Stay in Touch: after meeting someone, follow up with a personal message or email. Keep in touch by sharing relevant articles, offering congratulations on milestones, or inviting them to future events.
Tip: Don’t be transactional in your approach to networking. Authentic relationships are built over time, and people are more likely to help you if they feel you’ve contributed value to them as well.