Business
7 Effective Ways to Improve at Networking and Grow Your Brand
Published
3 weeks agoon
Believe it or not, networking works. If you want to grow your business, you need to connect with people and apply networking tips – whether in face-to-face meetings, hybrid events, or online meetings. And when you want networking to work for you, you must be pushy and assertive but polite.
Read here to know the ways to improve at networking:
1. Identify Your Goals
The first thing you need to do is to determine what you want to get out of the task. Ask yourself, what am I looking for? Once you understand your goals and objectives, it’s easier to identify which events to go to. This way, you can find which ones are better aligned with your business to get more productive results. This will also assure you that your efforts won’t go to waste.
2. Research the Events
Once you determine your goals and line up a few events to go to, do a bit of research. Try to get as much data about them as possible. It is also highly recommended that you get to know the people attending these events. If you see a company you’re interested in, you should find out more about it before going.
In 2025, research isn’t limited to physical events. Many networking opportunities now happen online or in hybrid formats. Before joining, check if the event has a digital platform or app where you can view the agenda, profiles of attendees, and discussion threads. Preparing your LinkedIn profile or digital business card in advance will make it easier to connect with others, even virtually. Taking the time to engage in pre-event online conversations or forums can also help you stand out and build rapport before you meet people in person.
3. Wear the Appropriate Clothing
They say, “dress to impress,” and this rings true when attending networking events. Choose clothes that will make you feel comfortable while suitably dressed for the occasion. You can wear bright-colored clothes for a casual event and be the ice-breaker. Or add an accessory that can be a conversation starter. This way, socializing becomes more effortless and you will get more people to network with.
One of the ways to improve at networking in terms of fashion is to focus not just on formality, but on authenticity and sustainability. Many professionals now prefer smart-casual looks that reflect their personal brand while also considering eco-friendly or minimalist fashion choices.
For hybrid or online events, remember that your on-screen presence matters too: choose solid colors that look good on camera, avoid overly busy patterns, and ensure good lighting. Dressing in a way that aligns with your values and professional identity will make you more memorable in both physical and virtual spaces.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
It pays to rehearse what you’ll say to people about your company. You can stand in front of a mirror and practice your pitch so you won’t have to forget an important detail. Remember to include your achievements to make them see how your business will help them improve theirs. A little bit of humble brag will go a long way.
5. Create a Killer Business Card
There will be exchanges of business cards at these events, so make sure that yours will stand out. There are many websites you can go to where you can design your own. Ensure that all pertinent data is on it, so people aren’t left hanging. In addition, make sure that your design will grab attention and won’t have the card end up in the trash bin.
These days, business cards aren’t just physical, but digital too. Many professionals now use QR codes, NFC-enabled cards, or LinkedIn QR sharing to exchange details instantly. Having a sleek digital business card or profile ready ensures you’re remembered even after the event ends. For in-person events, a thoughtfully designed physical card still makes an impression, but pairing it with a scannable digital version gives your contacts more ways to connect. This hybrid approach prevents your information from being lost and makes follow-ups easier.
6. Be Prepared
Also included in the best ways to improve at networking is to set yourself at ease and relax, especially if it’s going to be a long event. Get your socializing skills warmed up by getting a drink, if applicable. This can also set the mood for the event to help you start talking to people. Once you get the conversation going, you should engage in active listening.
As much as you want people to absorb what you’re saying, you should do the same. Allot a time for each person you talk to and stick to that time. Then, excuse yourself politely to start conversing with other people. Hand over your business card and move on to the next prospect.
Don’t worry about offending people; many networking event attendees understand the transactional nature of them. Give them a promise to follow up and end the conversation.
7. Follow the Best Practices
After you go to one event, analyze your moves and try to make a pattern of what worked. This can help you avoid mistakes such as wasting your time with one company and other similar situations. Also, think of the best lines that will quickly convey your message. Think of networking as speed dating, so arm yourself with the best pickup lines.
In 2025, best practices go beyond clever one-liners. Many networking platforms now use AI-powered apps that track who you’ve met, remind you to follow up, and even suggest conversation starters. After events—whether in-person or virtual—take time to review not just who you spoke with but also how you engaged online, such as LinkedIn comments, virtual chatrooms, or community follow-ups.
One of the most important ways to improve at networking is to focus on building authentic, long-term connections rather than just rapid-fire introductions. Documenting key insights digitally will help you refine your approach for the next event and create a more intentional networking strategy.
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Business
What’s the Best Unlimited Graphic Design Services Agency in 2025?
Published
4 hours agoon
September 10, 2025If you’re looking for the best unlimited graphic design services agency for your business, you’re in luck. Here is our list of the best options to get design services for fixed monthly rates:
1. Penji
An on-demand graphic design subscription service, Penji offers unlimited graphic design services and revisions. It has a team of professional graphic designers who are experts in a wide range of design types. This includes social media graphics, custom illustrations, web and app designs, and many others. It also offers fast turnaround times of 24 to 48 hours. Pricing starts at $499 per month.
2. UnicornGo
If you want an unlimited graphic design service agency that includes content writing, UnicornGO is your best bet. Aside from graphic design, it also offers video editing, web and app design, marketing, and social media management services. It comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it without risk. Pricing starts at $499 per month.
3. Superside
Trusted by over 500 top global brands, Superside is an excellent option for businesses seeking a reliable design partner. It offers a wide range of creative design services, including social media, advertising, illustrations, branding, web design, and many more. It also provides specialized production services, including video, motion, and immersive designs. Pricing starts at $5,000 per month.
4. ManyPixels
Offering a wide range of services, ManyPixels is an on-demand graphic design service founded in 2018. It provides a range of design services, including social media, web design, branding, illustrations, motion graphics, and more. Like all the companies on this list, ManyPixels operates on fixed monthly rates. It allows you to achieve amazing visuals without the hassles of hiring freelancers and the high costs associated with building an in-house team. Pricing starts at $599 per month.
5. Growmodo
With a dedicated team of designers, developers, and project managers, you’ll never go wrong with Growmodo. Aside from graphic design services, it offers UX and UI design services, which include website wireframes, homepage UI design, mobile app designs, and a range of other related services. Its all-inclusive pricing is at $1,995 per month.
So you want to know about one particular direct sales company. A company that offers fun, colorful press on nails that are easy to apply. Chances are, if you’re reading this article now, you’ve been presented with a Color Street Nails business opportunity. This is a company for the at-home manicurist who cannot or doesn’t want to pay the price for frequent trips to the nail salon. However, over the past few weeks, the Color Street review has increased and for good reason.
It’s easy to see why this brand would have widespread appeal. The idea of using press on nails at home is far from new. People enjoy the convenience of dressing their nails with little mess and little hassle. What makes Color Street nail stand out from the crowd, is that they offer job opportunities to regular people like you and me.
The idea of being a direct salesperson may be very appealing to you. After all, salespeople have flexible hours and also involve more activity than your typical office job. That being said, it’s important to be careful. MLMs are scamming people left and right. And as they grow more notorious, their recruitment tactics are becoming less noticeable.
When it comes to multi-level marketing schemes, there are two things you have to look out for; product quality and business structure. So here is an in-depth Color Street review that’ll allow you to see things from a clear perspective.
The Products: What do Color Street Reviews Say?
Color Street Nails are cosmetic accessories that function as a replacement for nail polish.
If you’ve read up on the company just a little bit, you’ve probably heard of the Color Street Nail challenge. To give a simple explanation, it’s a social media trend in which people will try out the Color Street Nails on select fingers while painting their other nails with regular polish. After the initial application, they’ll take a photo of the finished product. Then another one after a week of use just to see how the nails hold up.
So here’s what the Color Street reviews tell us:
Applying the nail is simple; you line up the press-on-nail with the cuticle. Sticky side down. Afterward, you press onto the nail while trimming the access with a file. The result should be a thin and natural-looking nail design.
Unlike most press-on nails, these are made up almost entirely of nail polish instead of plastic. While this makes for a much more natural look, it also makes the product more brittle. Color street nails may be more flexible, but they’re also easy to break.
As for longevity: Color Street reviews say that your nails will last around 10 days. And that’s honestly not too bad for a sticker nail
Now the question you’ve all been waiting for: what’s the price? If you’re getting your color street nails from a direct seller, or the website, it’s going to cost you around 11 to 13 dollars. This will depend on the set you choose to purchase. Some are obviously more expensive than others. But overall, Color Street Nails are a pretty affordable price.
The Business Structure
So it seems like Color Street sells decent products at a reasonable price. Good for them. That cancels out one red flag, but what about the others? What about the business side of things?
Although you can purchase directly from their website, many Color Street reviews mention products are primarily sold through direct selling. A defining factor of a multi-level marketing company is that they don’t offer salaries. Instead, you’ll earn money in two ways; by selling products to clients and recruiting other people. Thereby roping them into the messy cycle.
MLMs are structured like a triangle. The ones that reap all the benefits are at the top; they are the first to get a share of the company’s money. The ones that end up making all the investments are at the bottom. Most MLMs will encourage you to recruit more people rather than sell the actual products.
When scrolling down on their homepage, you will clearly see the options: to “become a stylist” and to “host a nail bar.” To keep you in the loop of their business, MLMs will often host community events. This is so that sellers form relationships with each other, and develop a personal bond with the company.
A company’s mission statement is also very telling. Instead of prioritizing their products, their mission is all about “inspiring entrepreneurs” and encouraging people to ” create their own path.”
But the most telling thing about Color Street is not their parent company sells the exact same nail strips under a different name. Places like Walmart sell them for around $6 or less. This is because, to get commissions from their products, MLMs have to mark things up by a large margin.
So, how exactly is one to create their own path and engage in entrepreneurship, when the products they sell can be bought somewhere else at a much cheaper price? The simple answer is; that they can’t. Color Street and other MLM like it set their direct sellers up for failure.
So if you’re planning on joining this community, I’d recommend finding something else to do with your time.
All images from Color Street
Business
What’s the Best Creative as a Service? A Guide for Businesses
Published
1 week agoon
September 3, 2025Looking for the best creative as a service isn’t a walk in the park. There are factors to consider, making it even more challenging. So to help you decide, here’s a brief guide to the best creative design services out there:
1. Penji
With a team of professional designers who are from the top 2%, Penji tops this list. This assures you of high-quality work on a wide variety of design types. From social media graphics to custom illustrations, they’ve got you covered.
2. Delesign
Another excellent option for creative design services is Delesign. It is a subscription-based design service that provides graphic design and video support. A dedicated designer will be assigned to you to provide updates and accommodate your preferred working hours.
3. Design Pickle
A pioneer in the creative as a service landscape, Design Pickle also offers unlimited graphic design services. It is a popular choice for many startups, agencies, and marketers. Its reliable output, dedicated designers, and wide range of services make it a wise business investment.
4. Undullify
Specializing in small graphic design tasks, Undullify is a highly recommended creative as a service platform. It is budget-friendly, offering pricing plans that are suitable for startups and businesses with limited budgets. This is the ideal creative design service for those who are always needing quick fixes.
5. Flocksy
As a full-service creative agency, Flocksy offers unlimited graphic design services. Included in its plans are a wide array of design types, along with video editing, copywriting, and web development services. Like Penji, it has a team of vetted designers that assures quality work.
Conclusion
This list of the best creative as a service platforms won’t disappoint. All you need to do now is choose which one fits your needs and explore their free trials.