COLLEGE CAREER “Your services may not be needed at that time, but down the road when they need it, they will remember you. It’s not just a one-time connection or one-time contact.” Making networking a priority in her calendar is what has helped Bhakta build her brand and her business. She specifically carves out time on her calendar to attend, learn about different industries or follow-up with those she has met at various networking events. Bhakta concluded that, “you have to continue to feed your pipeline and if you don’t network it’s going to be very hard. If you’re not out there, either online or in person, it’s easy to be forgettable.” To find out more about the TSB program visit iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/tsb or contact tsbcert@iowaeda.com. For many business owners, networking is one more thing to do on top of running a business and can be intimidating. “I know that the word networking has connotations that aren’t always positive,” Schabel said, “but if you look at approaching it a little differently, it can become less intimidating. I always walk in with the intent to build relationships. Not just a direct connection with a specific business - but building relationships that will enhance my knowledge about how to grow my business or help the community.” “There are times when it’s easy to talk yourself out of going to networking events,” Schabel said. When she is on the fence, she always asks herself, “What are you missing if you don’t go? Who are you not meeting if you don’t go?” Schabel remembers a significant connection she made at a small business event in Des Moines. The business owner had attended a forum Schabel had spoken at and approached her afterward. That connection led to a coffee meeting and ultimately, a close friendship. “She just came over for dinner with her kids. And now we’re always checking in with each other about the events that we’ll be going to together.”
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