Networking When You Work From Home

Every year, more people are working out of their own home or in small office environments. With the current severe economic downturn there are likely to be even more as displaced workers start their own businesses and larger enterprises cut overhead through telecommuting. While working at or close to home can offer significant benefits to workers, it can also result in feelings of isolation and disconnect from the rest of the business world.

Many small office and home office (SOHO) workers, self-employed or not, find it difficult to maintain quality business relationships once they establish an independent office. Though the rules and processes do change a bit, it is even more important to build and maintain strong networking ties in your industry, local area, and the business community overall. Truly successful homebased professionals make networking a priority by carving out dedicated time for various avenues of networking, but are careful not to allow these opportunities to break the bank or take away from day-to-day responsibilities.

SOHO workers have a number of options to build and maintain professional contacts, both through live (in-person) and online networking opportunities. The trick is to define your objectives for networking and develop a balance of options that works for you.

Live Networking

Networking in-person is still the best overall option. Face-to-face contact is more effective because you have the added communication through body language and more realistic reactions…texting and emailing allows people to monitor their responses more closely. In addition, periodic in-person contact can ease the isolation of spending most of your days alone, thus improving your productivity.

The best way to find networking events that are right for you is to join some already established groups, meet other business folks, and keep an ear out for other opportunities. Start with your area Chambers of Commerce. Typically, active Chambers host events once a week or more, though some have only monthly mixers. Meet as many attendees as you can and ask everyone about other networking opportunities. Try several venues, but don't get stuck going to the same event with the same people time after time. A good rule -- you should gain at least three new contacts, leads, or pieces of pertinent information for every hour you spend networking. If an event consistently fails to meet that objective, keep looking.

Toastmasters clubs can also be excellent networking opportunities. If you need to work on your public speaking anyway, check out the clubs in your area. Generally, each club has its own personality, so you may want to try several before you settle on one. Also, there are many Toastmasters clubs that meet over the lunch hour, which can provide an excellent break from working at home. Check your local paper for other business networking opportunities as well. Many colleges have alumni groups in every city as well. If the options are limited in your area, try to find a few other SOHO workers and establish your own informal networking group. Perhaps two or three could get together to plan a larger networking event for your area.

As your contact list expands, make a point of meeting one-on-one with your best contacts -- once a month is usually enough. There is no need to blow your startup budget with these meetings, getting together for coffee is sufficient.

Online Networking

Finding other business owners online is becoming easier every day. Start with your industry trade associations online. Sign up and become as involved as possible. Often, the bigger trade associations have tools to help its members network. Check out the trade associations for home-based businesses online. Though the members won't necessarily be in the same industry, it is always good to have networking contacts across the board.

As a business owner, you should be listed on LinkedIn and Facebook as an online networking and marketing tool. Both these sites host forum boards where others ask questions and you can post helpful responses. Many online venues also host chatrooms for small business owners and home-based workers. Like the live networking opportunities, each chat or forum board may have its own personality. Try out several different sites to find those that are most relevant to you and your business.

Read through the responses to questions relevant to what you do. Often, you will find one or two people who post that strike you as someone you would like to know. Most websites allow you to send private messages to those who post, so feel free to introduce yourself to those who would be good contacts. Limit the time you spend online, but check in frequently enough to be considered a good contact to the regulars. If you plan to network via the internet consistently, schedule dedicated blocks of time to be online. It is very easy to lose track of time while surfing the web, so set a timer if you need to.

Network Like a Pro

Just because you work independently does not diminish the value of effective networking. Make a point to be involved in both local and online business communities, and be sure to get out of the office once in a while. Hone your networking skills, from public speaking to working a room. Build a comprehensive database of networking contacts. Keep in touch with important contacts through email, at least. Make networking a priority, but don't let your other work responsibilities suffer in exchange. Striking the right balance between developing a useful network and not spending too much time socializing is a critical skill for any SOHO worker, and one that can be easily developed.