How can attending networking events enhance a business's competitive advantage?

Attending networking events lets a business meet potential partners, suppliers, and customers in person, which builds trust faster than online contacts alone. By exchanging ideas and learning about competitors’ strategies, a company can spot gaps and opportunities that give it a head‑start in product or service design. These face‑to‑face interactions also create informal alliances that can lead to joint marketing, shared resources, or early access to new markets. For example, a local bakery that meets a regional distributor at a trade show can secure a priority shelf placement, giving it more visibility than rivals. Thus, networking events expand knowledge, open doors, and strengthen relationships that boost a business’s edge over competitors.