Some of the best small business networking opportunities I’ve uncovered is by attending conferences. There’s nothing like that face-time to solidify relationships, gain new perspectives on an individual’s personality and create a deeper bond.
Do you have a perfect traveling companion?

I always dreamed of traveling the country with my dog. They don’t talk back, don’t insist on too many (or too few) rest stops, let you control the radio and get really excited about being included.
Gatsby was an awesome co-pilot. He was rather opinioned about how he did – well, everything – but sure was easy to travel with.
In the car, there was no backseat driving with him. His place was on the passenger seat, except, of course, when I left him in the car to run errands. Then he was in the driver’s seat. Wish I had some photo captures of those moments – and the reactions of parking lot travelers.
When driving, his head would tower over mine and toll collectors, drive through employees and passengers in nearby cars would exclaim ‘It’s the RCA Dog’ or ‘there’s Petey’ or ‘Spuds MacKenzie’. He was black and white (in his thinking too) with an eye patch. People didn’t seem to notice he was much bigger than his namesakes.
Now that Gatsby’s dead, I’m thinking it will be a long time before I have another good co-pilot candidate. Remi (the other adopted city pound mutt) doesn’t travel well. She’s stopped blowing chunks, at least (and surprisingly, never developed an aversion to car rides), but freaks out when left alone for even a moment to pump gas, get cash or run a quick errand.
Still, someday, I hope to find another Gatsby now that so many hotels/motels are offering pet accommodations. Traveling can be more fun with a cohort.
Trips can offer unforeseen perks
During younger years, I was quite active with a number of national organizations. Although my business was local, the contacts I met at national events were incredible and still serve me today.
When you’re a business owner considering every outlay against the hard work it takes to bring in revenue, it can be tough to justify the cost of a trip. With the right mindset, it’s so worth it.
After seeing the impact big-picture thinking (mostly pro-bono national small business advocacy work) had on meeting the right people, I’m a believer in investing in travel to remote events. As I’m getting back on the road, I’m finding it’s still the case today.
Surprises come with national small business networking opportunities
I never saw myself as a paid public speaker. After attending a few national events, though, a number of people approached me to do just that.
Once I realized people would pay me to talk to prospects while introducing me in a way that helped create clients, I was sold. What I fun it was being part of a mix comprised primarily of much more seasoned speakers with my contrarian style! Real wasn’t in vogue then. I’ve never been one to pay much attention to fashion.
A decade later, I launched a book publishing company (never saw that one coming last century). Many of the entrepreneurs I met and built relationships with were suddenly ideal author candidates for this venture.
Somehow it seems, no matter the cost to be there (which, truth-be-told, I tend to eliminate by getting on the speaker roster), far more is gained from the connections made attending.
If you’re serious about making your mark as a small business owner, consider attending events that seem a bit out of your reach.
The key is making contacts, not selling. If you show up expecting others to dump business (or knowledge) in your lap immediately, you’ll be disappointed. Better to go with an open mind with an eye toward connecting with the most influential and respected people there (the 80/20 rule).
Most conferences are promoted around an educational theme. Expecting these sessions to be engrossing and enlightening (particularly if speakers are there pro-bono) is wrong-minded.
Alternatively, national meetings are billed as networking events. People leave disappointed when clients don’t instantly land in their laps. Most don’t realize it’s not about what you get immediately, but what you give so you’re remembered by the notables attending.
What’s next for you?
Business travels with Gatsby probably would have been more like a ‘Marley and Me’ thing, but fun just the same. Regardless, I’m excited about repeating a strategy that worked well. How about you? It’s amazing how motivated and creative you can become when stretching financially to be there. Are you ready to hit the road with a bigger perspective on the future?
8 responses to “Hit the road for great small business networking opportunities”
Having a great companion like Gatsby must have been great.
I am sorry for loss. I live with an old service dog, my son’s. I can’t image replacing him, either.
Gatsby was incredible. I just lost him last July after fifteen years together. Remi’s special too – the eager, loyal, loving and naturally obedient pet most would dream of being blessed with. She’s dear to my heart, but it’s different.
Love your post Nanette. I especially loved reading the part about your travel companion Gatsby. I “show” my dogs on a part-time basis so my dogs often get used to traveling so they can attend shows. It really is enjoyable to have a dog who is a great traveling companion. They can make life much more enjoyable.
Also, great piece about networking. That is something I am new to and just getting started. I look forward to networking with as many people as I can.
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop in, read and comment, Sherida. So many people misunderstand how to network effectively. If you show up to an event with the attitude of figuring out how you can help others – while focusing your efforts on the the people in the best position to forward your aims – you’ll likely be amazed at how productive this time and money spend becomes. It’s also nice to meet a fellow dog lover :-).
Hitting the road with Gatsby sounds like it was fun. So sorry to hear of your loss. You made some great points about networking, which has changed my perspective. I’ve shied away from it in the past, but think I will make it a point to do more of it in the new year.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Stacey. Networking is a lot of fun (and lucrative) when done right. Unfortunately, most of what’s being done (and taught) on this front is ineffective and frustrating. Hope you enjoy trying it with a different twist.
Loved that you traveled with your dog. I lost my golden retriever a year and a half ago & miss him every day.
The first time I went to a business event, I was still living on the island of Kaua`i so the cost was more than I had wanted to spend when you included the airfare. However, I went.
Today, I still have friends that I met at that event & stay connected to. This coming week I’m heading to an event in San Diego (I now live back in CO) and I will be presenting a TED-style talk there. I love public speaking!
Thanks.
~Debra
So glad you’ve found public speaking to be fun too, Debra. I supposed it’s all in how you do it. Sorry to hear of your loss with your Golden Retriever. It’s hard to lose those animals that touch your soul so deeply. Gatsby and I traveled a lot together for horse related activities and errands, but I never did take him on a (white collar) business trip. He would have been a great sidekick, though, with today’s proliferation of pet friendly accommodations.