Business Networking for SaaS Founders

CREATED BY STEFFI LEWIS Published: 17/04/2025 @ 09:00AM #SaaSNetworking #VirtualNetworking #BusinessGrowth #Partnerships #Innovation

In the business world, networking is often the lifeblood that drives growth, partnerships, and innovation. For SaaS founders particularly, striking the right balance between cost-effective virtual networking and face-to-face meetings can be a challenge ...

Business networking, Connections made over coffee, Success on the brink

The digital transformation has given birth to many and varied platforms and tools, making virtual networking a breeze. LinkedIn, virtual conferences, and even social media have enabled founders to connect with potential clients, partners, and influencers globally at a fraction of traditional costs.

These platforms can facilitate countless meetings, demos, and interactions without leaving my office!

A lot of it depends on what you're selling and to whom. If it's a low-cost generalist product, then virtual networking is probably the way forward. If it's a complex enterprise-level and expensive product, you're going to find face-to-face is better for you. Also, it depends on your budget, where in the start-up cycle you are and whether it's your team who are networking or the founders.

Here's what I like about virtual networking:

• Cost-Effective: No travel expenses, no fancy dinners, and no conference fees. Virtual networking can be done on a minimal budget, offering substantial ROI
• Wider Reach: Virtual platforms open up global markets and allow founders to connect with stakeholders they might never have met in a traditional setting
• Flexibility: Schedule a demo for a potential client in Europe in the morning and another for an investor in Asia in the afternoon ... all from the comfort of your workspace

Yet, for all its advantages, virtual networking can't entirely replace the nuanced interactions, trust-building, and serendipity of face-to-face meetings. There's a reason why even in the most digital of sectors, face-to-face networking events, conferences, and meet-ups remain popular.

I personally network face-to-face with Collaborate MK each month, mostly to keep my own sanity because, let's face it, we're human beings and we like to be around other people. I still have my goal of getting demos scheduled, I just go about it a different way.

Here's why I still network face-to-face:

• Building Trust: There's an inherent trust that develops through eye contact, a handshake, or simply sharing a meal. This trust can sometimes be the linchpin for closing a deal
• Reading Nuances: Body language, tone of voice, and immediate feedback can provide valuable insights during negotiations and pitches
• Serendipity: Chance encounters at a conference or networking event can lead to unexpected opportunities, collaborations, or even friendships

Speaking of chance encounters at a face-to-face networking event: years ago I met my best friend out networking and over the years we've been through a lot together and are like family now. Kirsty is a business owner too and we often refer to each other when meeting other people we feel are in need of each other's services. It has been a very fulfilling decade for each of us, both personally and business-wise.

A brand new friendship, simply from being sat next to
each other at a business lunch, then both stopping outside the
door for a quick ciggie before leaving!

For many SaaS founders, it's not about choosing one over the other. Virtual networking can lay the groundwork, establishing initial contacts and sharing information efficiently. Face-to-face interactions can then solidify these relationships, making them more profound and meaningful.

While the allure of cost-effective virtual networking is undeniable, especially for bootstrapped or budget-conscious SaaS startups, it's essential not to neglect the power and value of human connection. After all, behind every email, demo, or virtual handshake, there's a person with emotions, aspirations, and a story to tell.

Love, light & logic ...

STEFFI LEWIS
Independent UK SaaS Developer - Creator of YourPCM & sBlogIt!

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About Steffi Lewis ...
Based in the charming village of Hanslope in Buckinghamshire, UK, I bring over 30 years of experience in web development. From creating my first website for the Open University in 1993, through being part of the dot com boom, to my explorations in SaaS and AI over the last few years, my journey has been a rich tapestry of web projects, big and small, both funded and bootstrapped. Originally developed during the pandemic, at the start of 2025, I released the next iteration of YourPCM, version 2, which is all about 'Easy Contact Management for Small Business Owners'. Is it a CRM? Yes, but I don't call it that because people glaze over at the mention of such things. CRMs are boring, difficult to get to grips with, and it's a nightmare to get help when you need it.  YourPCM is none of those things! It's simple to use, well-supported, feature rich and beautiful, right out of the box. It's available on a simple monthly subscription with no long-term tie-in. Book a demo or grab your own 14-working-day free trial and discover why YourPCM is all about easy contact management for small business owners.  My head is in the cloud, my heart belongs to the web, and my soul is filled with such beautiful code 💗

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