MENU
Franchise - Find franchise Opportunities in the UK, Point Franchise
0
Empty
basket
  • Home
  • Account
  • Franchises by Region, County or City
    • Franchise opportunities by Region
    • Franchise opportunities by County
    • Franchise opportunities by Town / City
  • Franchises by Sectors
    • Business & B2B Services
    • Car & Automotive
    • Cleaning
    • Estate Agency & Property
    • Finance
    • Food
    • Franchise Services
    • Gym, Sport & Beauty
    • Home Based
    • Home Improvement & Construction
    • IT, High-Tech & Online
    • Master Franchise
    • Personal & Home Care Services
    • Pet
    • Restaurant, Coffee Shop & Pub
    • Retail & Stores
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Van Based
    • All sectors and industries
  • Franchises by Investment
    • Low-cost franchises
    • Franchises under £10K
    • Franchises under £20K
    • Franchises under £30K
    • Franchises under £40K
    • Franchises under £50K
    • Franchises under £100K
    • Franchises under £150K
    • Franchises under £200K
    • Franchises over £200K
  • Franchise Directory
  • Franchise Opportunities
    • Best Franchises
    • Most Profitable Franchises
    • New Franchises
  • Franchise News & Articles
    • Franchise News
    • Franchise Articles
    • Dictionary
    • Interviews
  • Franchise Experts
    • Latest articles from our experts
    • Our experts
  • Franchisor Area
    • Get your franchise listed for free
    • Advertise
  • Articles
  • Events and Conferences
  • Networking Events
  • 10 Tips for Franchise Networking in a Virtual World

10 Tips for Franchise Networking in a Virtual World

Share:
Modified on 26/01/2021 10:24:51 - Published on 04/08/2018 17:00:00

Types of franchise networking

 

Taking the time to make new contacts is something we should all be doing. And as we increasingly rely on digital resources, both in the office and in our personal lives, there is a rising number of opportunities to grow your circle. Here’s our guide to networking in a virtual world.


If you think networking can only be achieved with face-to-face meetings, it’s time to change your mindset. In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, entrepreneurs across the world had to work out how to network during a pandemic. Now, video calls, webinars, virtual conferences and social media groups are the norm for people who use networking as a business growth strategy. 

Networking in a virtual world can seem intimidating, but once you know the tricks to get the most from your sessions, you’ll be able to socialise with confidence.


>> Read more:

  • Top 8 Tips for Being a Happy Franchisee
  • Mythbusters: There Is No Innovation in Franchising
  • How to Stay Productive as a Franchisee
  • Top 8 Tips for Securing Finance for Your Franchise
  • 10 Ways to Boost Employee Happiness, Engagement, and Satisfaction
  • 7 Tips for Building a Profitable Franchise

10 tips on how to network virtually

1. Create an introduction

Although people often behave completely differently online compared to the real world, it’s good practice to apply the rules you’d use for networking in person when you contact people virtually. People always appreciate politeness and professionalism, so it’s best to introduce yourself traditionally if you’re unsure of the event etiquette. 

To avoid coming unstuck, prepare an introduction to use on a video call, type it into a forum or paste into a chatbox. Tell people who you are, what you do and where you want to be in five years’ time. Then, you’ll help people start a conversation with you while coming across as approachable and interesting. 

2. Prepare questions

From time to time, you may find it difficult to build up a rapport with someone. Let’s say you’re on a video call with a potential client, you’ve introduced yourself, but the session is falling flat, and you’re struggling to keep the conversation up. You can quickly avoid awkward silences by asking the other person a question. 

Aim to create a list of questions to ask other people - they could be general or specific to the person if you have time to do some research beforehand. If you need a quick fix, try asking ‘why’, as it should get the other person talking and could start an interesting conversation. 

3. Know your goal

You should always pursue a networking opportunity with an ultimate goal - even if your aim is simply to widen your business circle or learn more about a specific topic. You’re more likely to reach your target if you know what you want to achieve and keep your goal in mind as you connect with others and make decisions. 

4. Do your research 

You can attend a networking event from your bed and log out whenever you feel like it - but while these options are open to you, they’re not necessarily the best course of action. You would expect others to be punctual, professional and well-prepared for the session, so you should be too. 

Make time to research the people you’ll connect with, memorise their names and get ready to engage in productive conversations. If you’re considering asking someone for a favour, be sure to establish a relationship with them first, rather than just sending over an email or social media message. 

5. Have the right attitude 

You’ll get the most from a networking session if you’re sociable, positive and genuinely interested in the people you meet. No one wants to spend time with someone who is grumpy, aggressive or standoffish, so make sure you present yourself as an attractive and approachable networking partner. 

Also, try to avoid the temptation to criticise or moan - even if others agree and have already aired their grievances about something. You want people to leave with an image of you as a cooperative, successful and motivated individual. 

6. Have your CV to hand

Depending on the type of networking event you join, you may meet people who would like to work with you in the future. Being able to show them your career history and previous successes quickly and easily will help things along. 

Before you log into an online group, or initiate a conversation with someone, brush up your CV and make sure it clearly demonstrates your achievements. 

7. Master video call best practices

Being able to manage and prepare for a video call has never been more important than it is now. Here are a few pointers to help you present yourself as a professional (and tech-literate) individual: 

  • Check your camera and microphone before you go on a video call to avoid embarrassing tech issues

  • Sit in front of a window or invest in a high-quality light to illuminate your face

  • Put your laptop or camera on a tripod, a stack of books or anything else you have to hand, so people don’t get an unfortunate view up your nostrils 

  • Choose an interesting background - people are getting bored of seeing plain walls, so showcase (a clean and tidy) part of your home if you can, and give people a sense of your personality 

8. Consider time zones

Being able to connect with people from across the globe is one of the perks of digital networking. It’s easy to get carried away and organise virtual meet-ups with just a few clicks, but don’t forget to check time zones. Overlook this vital element, and your intended audience, client or business partner may not be able to take part. 

9. Praise others

Online networking is about more than scheduling video calls and joining forums; you can build connections by engaging with other brands and entrepreneurs on social media. And by leaving a positive review for one of your favourite products, you not only make the business owner happy, but you also present yourself as a generous, tech-savvy person. 

10. Connect people within your circle

If you expect others to put you in touch with relevant contacts, make sure you do the same for them. Perhaps you know two people who could collaborate, or maybe you’ve met someone who is the perfect fit for a job your friend is advertising. 

It’s easy to focus on your own ambitions, but helping others is increasingly important in today’s world. Plus, you never know when the people you put in touch will be able to support you in return.


>> Read more:

  • Franchising 101: The Complete Guide to Franchise Costs in the UK
  • Franchising 101: 6 Top Contributors of Franchise Failure
  • Franchising 101: How to Buy a Franchise Business in 10 Steps
  • Franchising 101: The Official Franchise Start Up Checklist (Part 1)
  • Franchising 101: Top 5 Qualities of a Franchisee
  • Franchising 101: 6 Tips for Building Customer Loyalty Through Marketing
  • Franchising 101: The Pros and Cons of Franchising Your Business

The importance of networking for your franchise

Networking is an essential part of business growth - and often leads to opportunities you couldn’t have anticipated. For more ideas and inspiration when it comes to growing your business circle, see our guide on why networking is so important. 

Alternatively, use the search box to find more informative business articles.

Alice Tuffery, Point Franchise ©

Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe franchise Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe
Min. investment £25,000
Retail & Stores
Request
information
Brokerplan Academy franchise Brokerplan Academy
Min. investment £14,995
Finance
Request
information
JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting™ franchise JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting™
Min. investment £3,000 +VAT
Cleaning
Request
information
Hope Homecare franchise Hope Homecare
Min. investment £35,000
Personal & Home Care Services
Request
information
Town & Country Cleaning franchise Town & Country Cleaning
Min. investment £15,000
Cleaning
Request
information
These articles may interest you

An Update on Franchise Events and Exhibitions in 2021

With rules and restrictions changing week by week, it’s difficult [...]

Article published on 24/01/2021 08:00

Franchisor Tips: The Importance of Networking to Grow Your Franchise

The importance of networking for franchisors in particular can’t [...]

Article published on 07/01/2021 17:01

How to organise a networking event

Networking events are a great way to inspire and motivate your [...]

Article published on 13/08/2019 17:20

The Future is Halal: Emerging Franchise Opportunities in the UK Halal Market

Embracing a Growing Market  In a world that’s becoming [...]

Article published on 21/07/2023 09:23
TOP FRANCHISES

8 Steps for Opening a Car Repair Garage

Transport is part of our daily lives. We drive to work, take the [...]

Article published on 28/06/2023 16:27
STARTING A FRANCHISE

Mastering How to Finance a Franchise with No Money

Franchising is often a more affordable way of becoming an [...]

Article published on 23/06/2023 09:24
FINANCING A FRANCHISE
Did you enjoy this article? Please rate this article
Be the first to rate this article
Newsletter Envelope

Did you enjoy this article?
Subscribe to our newsletter!

Receive up-to-date industry news, in-depth articles and the newest franchise opportunities directly to your inbox.

0 Comments

Still no comment for this article. Be the first to publish a comment!

Post a comment

Characters remaining: 250

Top 4 recruiting sectors
  • Dessert Franchises
  • Garage & Car Repair Franchises
  • Kids & Childrens Franchises
  • Security Franchises
Top 5 franchise opportunities
  • Franchise Local Shops Local Shops Franchise
  • Franchise NLP4Kids NLP4Kids Franchise
  • Franchise People Building People Building Franchise
  • Franchise Tubz Vending Tubz Vending Franchise
  • Franchise Your Local Takeaways Your Local Takeaways Franchise
Top 5 recruiting cities
  • 1 Birmingham
  • 2 Bristol
  • 3 Glasgow
  • 4 Leeds
  • 5 Manchester
Franchises by
minimum investment
Low-cost franchises Franchises under £10K Franchises under £20K Franchises under £30K Franchises under £40K Franchises under £50K Franchises under £100K Franchises under £150K Franchises under £200K Franchises over £200K
Latest News
  • TaxAssist Accountants - Franchise resale success for TaxAssist Accountants in 2023
  • TaxAssist Accountants - TaxAssist Accountants Crawley welcomes new owner
  • Right at Home - New franchise owners make ambitious plans for Right at...
  • CleanMyBed - CleanMyBed can help you create the perfect launch for...
  • Choice Home Tutoring - Post pandemic - summer 2022 - 140,000 children were...
Newsletter Envelope

Did you enjoy this article?
Subscribe to our newsletter!

Receive up-to-date industry news, in-depth articles and the newest franchise opportunities directly to your inbox.

Find your franchise
  • UK Franchise Directory
  • Best Franchises
  • New Franchises
  • Most Profitable Franchises
  • Dictionary
  • Interviews
  • Checklist
Our top guides
  • Franchise for Sale
  • Franchise Definition
  • Starting a Franchise
  • What is a Franchisee?
  • What is a Franchisor?
  • Franchise Agreement
  • Franchise Shows and Exhibitions
Are you a franchisor?
  • Advertise your franchise with us
Subscribe to our newsletter
Useful links
  • About us
  • Privacy policy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact us
  • Consent notices
  • Terms and conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • Our writers
Follow us
Infopro Digital
✕
point franchises newsletter

Keep up to date with the franchise industry