COLLEGE CAREER The Power of Networking The Power of Networking Via the Targeted Small Business (TSB) program, the Iowa Economic Development Authority is committed to helping targeted businesses connect and build relationships – whether that is connecting business owners to public procurement opportunities through the TSB 48-hour advance notification portal, or through business-tobusiness opportunities through the TSB community. Claudia Schabel, owner of Schabel Solutions and a certified TSB, says “Networking is not a superficial activity. It’s a must-do activity to connect with people and connect with your community. It is about making connections that are meaningful and impactful.” To facilitate business-to-business networking opportunities, TSB staff have worked with local small business resource partners to organize networking events throughout Iowa as a means for businesses to connect with others in the program. Recently, the TSB team partnered with several resource providers in the Iowa City area to bring together small business owners for a networking event. More than 40 people attended the gathering, which was specifically formatted for attendees to meet and create connections with other attendees, including April 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 19 the small business resource partners supporting the event. Sarika Bhakta, a TSB business owner of Nikeya Diversity Consulting, attended the event and approached it like she approaches all networking opportunities, “it’s an opportunity to build a longterm, trusting two-way relationship which allows me to expand my network. That network is what really helps me and my business.” It was at the Iowa City event that Bhakta met with another business owner who learned about her services and thought it would complement services she offered. This connection led to a coffee meeting. Over coffee, the two business owners explored how they could share opportunities, expand their services, and assess the needs and the demands of the markets they were both in - but it all started by getting to know each other through networking. Bhakta indicated that, “it’s really about getting to know that person first. Get to know who they are, what they do and what areas are their pain points, then offer solutions through partnership.” Although Bhakta and the business owner hit it off, she added that networking isn’t always about an immediate return. With some people she may make an immediate connection, while others make a connection with her at a later point. So, it’s important to continue to attend events and be visible.
20 Publizr Home