The 1 Skill You Must Master Before Quitting Your Job

Business Networking: The 1 Skill You Must Master Before Quitting Your Job
Business Networking: The 1 Skill You Must Master Before Resigning

Quitting your job to start your own business can be both exciting and scary. Without a clear insight on how the outcome of your business would turn out, jumping right into the business world could be dangerous to any prospective entrepreneur.

Before you hand in your resignation, there are several skills that must be acquired, but above all else, the most import skill you must have honed to almost perfection during your stay at your current job, is “business networking”.

The success of any new entrepreneur, especially those venturing into the field of consulting is largely dependent on the strength of their network. The ability to meet new people at the right places and at the right time, convincing prospects to trust both your business and your personal brand, and delivering consistently on your promises to various clients, will determine how far your business grows.

While starting a new business is the dream of many, quitting your job without a strong network or great networking skills can make your entrepreneurial trial a regret or a very tight nut to crack.

If you’re considering quitting your job but have weak business networking skills, here are four ways to improve your skills and grow your network:

See Also: 10 Businesses You Can Start & Grow Everyday After 5 P.M

 

1). Regularly Attend Networking Events:

Saying up-to-date and alert on all the relevant networking events relating to your preferred industry is important if you intend to start up your own business. At these events, you’d meet industry veterans, small business owners, and other people planning to make the leap from employee to employer.

Building up a good relationship with the people you meet at these events is crucial to forming a larger part of your network when you’re out of a job.

 

2). Reach Out To Mentors Via Social Media:

The people you look up to and aspire to be like, are mostly on social media. With social networks like Twitter and LinkedIn increasing getting more popular and useful, connecting with your mentors and letting them know how their success has inspired you, is a great way to get good advice on how to make the right transition when leaving your job.

If they do reply, their wealth of experience will guide you in the right direction. They’d advise you on what to do and not, which would help you make better calculative decisions.

Adding your mentors to your network is a great way to ensure when you’re stuck in a decision that could make or mar your business, you know there’s always someone who you could turn to for a good advice.

See Also: How To Avoid Getting Fired When Starting A Side Business

 

3). Re-Ignite Your Relationship With Old Friends:

When leaving your job to start a business of your own, contact all your friends that may or may not need your services. Every person has a network of friends that knows someone who could need your services.

By letting them know what you’re offering, convincing them your price is right, and your service is one of the best, they’d casually refer your business to their friends when they hear they need such services at a good price.

 

4). Reach Out To A Former Boss:

If you were in good terms with your previous bosses, reach out to them and let them know you intend to quit your current job and start a business in your field as a specialist.

If your performance at their organisations were great, and you’ve built an outstanding reputation as an expert in your industry, they could become one of your clients.

See Also: How To Start A Business In Nigeria: Step By Step Guide

 

Finally

These are just a few ways to build your business networking skills while you’re still at your current job. Your network is your net worth, and if you don’t grow it right, your business would suffer long after it has started.

 

What are your thoughts on acquiring an outstanding business networking skill before you quit your job? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

 

Image Source: www.clutchmagonline.com

Stan Edom
Stan Edom
I'm an entrepreneur with expertise in supply chain management, international trade, small business development, e-commerce, internet startups, renewable energy, and agriculture. I'm also a network engineer, I.T security expert, and computer programmer. In my spare time when I'm not working out at the gym, I try to solve problems people face in their everyday lives with whatever means necessary.

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8 Comments

  1. Another good piece,Stan. It’s very true to master in the art of networking if one wants to succeed “bigtime” in business, and even in life.

    Networking at all levels(those above, at par,and below you) is very important and very necessary, because who knows from where will thy help come from, when you need it most.
    That is why one does NOT have to burn his bridges especially when leaving his/her former employer(s). You may, definitely go back to them for some help, in the future.

    LinkedIn is, indeed, a perfect platform to link up with such mentors, and a great way to network. It has proven very good to me and hope it does to many.

    Well done, Stan.

    • Thank you for the comment Sam.

      I’m glad you make a positive impact to the blog.

      Do have a great time!

  2. Very good notes on steps that must be taken when considering quitting your job to start your own. What of those that never got prepared for quitting but has to for reasons beyond their control?

  3. Thanks for this great advice. Planning on starting a business soon and am going to act on our rich idea.

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