The Value of Networking Groups for Small Business Owners
Running a small business can feel lonely, especially if you are doing most of it yourself. Add parenthood, caregiving, or another full-time role into the mix, and it becomes even harder to feel connected, supported or seen.
That is why networking groups, both local and online, continue to be one of the most valuable resources that I recommend to small business owners and DIY marketers. Not as a hustle tactic or a sales funnel, but as a way to build real community, sustainable growth, and long-term visibility.
As we move into a new year, prioritizing connection may be one of the most impactful decisions you make for your business and your well-being.
What small business Networking Really Means (and What It Does Not)
Networking does not have to mean awkward events, forced elevator pitches or constant selling.
At its core, networking is about relationships. It is about getting to know other business owners, learning from their experiences, and finding ways to support one another over time.
The strongest networks are built through consistency, generosity, and trust. This aligns closely with how I teach marketing and community building in my workshops. Focusing on building your community online and in person can be THE very thing that keeps you going in business.
Why Networking Matters for Small Business Owners
You Build Community Instead of Competing
One of the biggest shifts I have seen in my own business happened when I stopped worrying about competitors and started focusing on relationships. Networking helps you see that there is room for all of us.
This mindset shows up clearly in your marketing and makes your brand more memorable and human.
Related read:
You Gain Visibility Without Burnout
Networking creates organic visibility. When others know you and trust you, they talk about you. They refer you. They tag you. They invite you into opportunities to share your genius, even hiring you directly. They see or hear a need from someone in their circle, and immediately respond with “I know someone who can help!”.
This kind of visibility does not rely on daily social media posting or chasing trends. It grows steadily over time. Your name and services/products start to circulate naturally as people share their actual experiences with others.
You Learn Faster and Smarter
Being in community with other business owners helps you learn what is working, what is changing, and what tools or systems others are using successfully.
This saves time and prevents costly mistakes, especially for DIY marketers navigating things like point of sale systems, websites, email lists, Pinterest, paid ads or content planning.
Why Networking Is Especially Valuable for Busy Parent Entrepreneurs
As a parent entrepreneur myself, I know how limited time and energy can be. Networking can actually simplify your business when done intentionally.
Benefits include:
Shared resources and referrals
Accountability and encouragement
Emotional support during hard seasons
Collaboration opportunities that expand your reach without more work
You do not need to attend everything. One strong group or connection can make a huge difference.
Types of small business Networking Groups to Consider
Local Networking Groups
These may include:
Chamber of commerce groups
Economic development organizations
Business associations
Local meetups or co-working communities
Downtown business associations
Women in Business groups
Local groups are especially helpful for service providers, brick-and-mortar businesses, and organizations that serve a specific area. Joining my local economic development group and chamber of commerce a couple of years ago is something that I will never regret.
Online Networking Communities
Online groups offer flexibility and accessibility. They tend to also be more casual, leaving space for you to plug in when you’re needing additional support. Some are paid groups, and many are free. You can find them through your favorite mentors online, as well as just searching around on Facebook. These may be:
Industry-specific and niche communities
Parent entrepreneur groups
Creative or marketing-focused memberships
Masterminds or accountability groups
Online spaces can be powerful for collaboration, learning, encouragement and visibility without geographic limits. When you’re in groups that are related to your niche or specialty, you can also find so much inspiration for your own content planning or product development, just by watching what others in your network are actively asking for support in.
Hybrid networking Opportunities
Some of the most impactful connections come from groups that combine online engagement with occasional in-person events. These allow relationships to deepen while still fitting into busy schedules.
Quick story: Years ago, when I was a photographer just trying to find my footing, I felt a lot of pressure around competition. Instead of seeing other photographers as collaborators, I felt like I had to guard everything I was doing. It was exhausting and honestly pretty isolating.
Eventually, I decided to try something different. I started a small, private Facebook group for local photographers. There was no sales pitch, no hierarchy, and no pressure. It was simply a place to connect, ask questions, share resources, and support one another.
What grew from that group was far more meaningful than I ever expected.
Over the years, it became a close-knit community. We referred clients to each other when we were booked out. We assisted one another as second photographers on larger projects like weddings or community events. We collaborated on styled shoots and workshops. We showed up for in-person meetups and gatherings. Many of those connections turned into long-term friendships that I still value today.
That experience over a decade ago shaped how I think about community and marketing. It taught me that collaboration does not weaken your business. It strengthens it.
How Networking Supports Your Marketing Systems
Networking strengthens every part of your marketing ecosystem.
It supports:
Word-of-mouth referrals
Content collaboration and guest features
Sharing blog posts, email list sign-ups and resources
Podcast interviews and co-created content
Community-driven visibility
This pairs beautifully with long-form content strategies like blogging and email marketing.
Related reads:
Why Your Business Needs an Evergreen Resource Library Built on Core Long-Form Content
How to Feature Local or Fellow Small Businesses in Your Own Marketing (and Grow Together)
How to Build Your Own Community if the specific group Doesn’t Exist Yet
Sometimes the hardest part of networking is realizing the right space simply does not exist yet. Maybe the local groups feel misaligned. Maybe the online communities feel too big or impersonal. Or maybe you are craving something smaller, more supportive and more specific to your needs.
As I mentioned above, this is where building your own community can be incredibly powerful. And who knows, you may even position yourself as a leader within a group that you create, leading to additional opportunities. Check into creating a group (free or paid memberships) through Circle, Skool or even a Facebook group.
Spilling a little secret here… I have felt a community calling on my heart over the last year and am taking the steps to bringing it to life in 2026. If you’re seeking community and curious about what I’m building, definitely join the email list linked at the bottom of this post to watch for announcements! It will be especially fitting for my fellow millennial parent entrepreneurs. ❤︎
Practical Ways to Start Your Own Community
You do not need a large audience or a formal structure to begin. Some of the most impactful communities start small and grow naturally.
Here are a few approachable ways to start:
Start with a Simple Container
Choose a platform that feels manageable. This could be:
A private Facebook group or a Circle or Skool communnity
A Slack or Discord channel
A monthly Zoom call
A small email-based circle
A recurring in-person coffee meetup
The goal is connection, not complexity.
Be Clear About Who It’s For
Communities thrive when people know they belong. Define who the space is for and what it is meant to support. This could be industry-based, location-based, or season-of-life based, such as parent entrepreneurs or creatives juggling multiple roles.
A bonus tip is to make the title and description of the group keyword search friendly! What are your potential members typing into their search bars?
Lead with Generosity, Not Promotion
The most successful communities are built on trust. Share resources. Ask thoughtful questions. Celebrate wins. Keep the focus on support and collaboration rather than selling.
Keep It Small and Consistent
You do not need hundreds of members. A group of five to twenty engaged people can be incredibly impactful. Consistency matters more than size.
Create Opportunities to Connect
Encourage introductions. Host occasional check-ins. If possible, plan low-pressure in-person meetups or virtual sessions. Relationships deepen when people see and hear each other.
Make Networking a Priority in your business This Year
You do not need to overhaul your schedule. Start small.
Try:
Joining one local or online group
Attending one event per month or quarter
Scheduling one coffee chat or virtual connection
Showing up consistently in one space instead of many
Connection compounds just like smart content does.
A Helpful Resource for Slower Seasons
If you are entering a slower season and wondering how to stay visible without burning out, I created a free checklist that walks through more than 20 ways to boost bookings and sales during quieter periods.
You can grab it here!
Many of these ideas pair beautifully with community building and networking efforts.
Final Encouragement
You were not meant to build your business alone.
Community creates resilience, opportunity, and sustainability. Whether you are a new business owner or years into your journey, investing in relationships is one of the most powerful forms of marketing you can choose.
If you want free weekly encouragement, practical marketing tips, and regular small business love delivered to your inbox, I would love to welcome you into The Friday Mix.
Your people are out there. Sometimes the next step is simply showing up.