Why Networking Matters (Even When You’re Swamped)

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, your workweek likely ranges from 50 to 70 hours. That’s just the reality of building something meaningful. Yet study after study shows that carving out time for yourself is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Every list of habits exhibited by successful business owners includes prioritization—protecting your time and focusing on activities that genuinely move you and your organization forward.

So where does networking fit into all of this? How do you justify taking time away from your business just to “get out there” and meet new people?

How About This Weather?

Let’s be honest: walking into a room full of strangers and striking up conversations isn’t easy. That’s why so many networking events start with safe small talk about the weather, traffic, or the latest Steelers game.

But once the ice is broken, connecting one-on-one with people in a relaxed setting can yield surprisingly valuable outcomes:

Identifying Emerging Trends
Most of our knowledge about market trends, business shifts, and technology comes from business media—and it’s very high-level. Grassroots trends, however, can only be spotted at the grassroots level. Is a new industry starting to take root in Pittsburgh? Is a technology gaining traction or losing steam? Are certain skill sets becoming scarce or saturated? Insights like these can be invaluable to your business, and they often come from casual conversations with peers who are in the trenches alongside you.

Building Your Network of Resources
A well-attended networking event is full of people who know someone who knows someone who… These gatherings are effective venues for identifying potential employees, advisors, partners, investors, and customers. You never know when a casual conversation might lead to your next great hire or collaboration. There’s no downside to meeting interesting people doing interesting work.

Helping Someone Else
Most of us have received more help throughout our careers than we can count. Networking is a chance to pay it forward. Help someone avoid a mistake you’ve made, encourage them to make new mistakes and learn from them, or simply share what you’ve learned along the way. Building a stronger business community benefits everyone.

Just Relax
Sometimes, stepping away and talking with peers is simply regenerative. Most of us are facing similar challenges—cash flow concerns, hiring dilemmas, marketing puzzles—and there’s real value in recognizing you’re not alone. Consistency is key to building something remarkable, but taking an occasional break to recharge isn’t just healthy—it’s strategic.

Making the Most of It

So take a break and get out there. When you do, avoid the usual networking pitfalls:

• The Scorekeepers (“What can you do for me?”) who view every interaction as a transaction
• The Overly Secretive (“Will you sign this NDA before I tell you what I do?”) who can’t have an everyday conversation
• The Forced Attendees (“I’m only here because my boss made me”) whose energy drains the room

Instead, seek out people who seem as uncomfortable as you might be in a room full of strangers. Say hello. Ask genuine questions. Listen. You never know where the conversation might lead. When you return to your desk, the work will still be there—and you might be better equipped to tackle it with a fresh perspective, new connections, or simply renewed energy.

About PD Marketing PGH
We work with business owners and entrepreneurs to build, optimize, and market their growth plans, regardless of their stage. We want to learn more about your business and explore how we can help.

Ready to grow? Contact us today to get started.