As a business owner, you know that building a business takes a lot of hard work and time. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are also working hard to build their business can provide a valuable network of friends and professional contacts to help you build your business.
It’s about people
Business revolves around people and relationships but networking does not happen overnight. It’s about building relationships over time – relationships built on respect and trust.
It’s a two-way street
Networking is a two-way street. While you want to get something out of it, it’s also important to put something into the relationships you are building. If you can provide value to people, they will respect your skills and support, and will be more likely to want to provide value to you in return.
Ten benefits of networking
- Source new clients: Networking can lead to new business whether through word of mouth referrals, new partnerships or a request for your product or service.
- Get fresh ideas: By being exposed to new people, you also gain access to new ideas, products and services that could help you in your own business.
- Raise your profile: When you attend networking events or participate online, people get to know you. This exposure can help build your reputation as a knowledgeable, reliable and credible person to do business with.
- Gain more knowledge: Spending time with other business owners and industry peers can help you learn more about your field of work and access industry research and data to help inform your business.
- Build your credibility: As people get to know you and your business, it can help raise your profile and establish you as an expert in your field.
- Help you find talent: Seeking referrals from people in your industry can help you find credible candidates for your business.
- Recommend products and services: Your network of professional contacts can refer you to new clients and also provide products and services you might be looking for in your business.
- Foster mentoring relationships: Discussing your business opportunities and challenges with someone knowledgeable and experienced can help you in building your business.
- Seek advice and feedback: Networking is an opportunity to share and discuss common challenges and also give and receive advice.
- Avoid common pitfalls: There are likely to be people who have already been where you are right now. Networking is a great way to learn from them and avoid common pitfalls.
Ways you can connect
Create a LinkedIn profile: Your profile can help you connect with colleagues and clients and forge new relationships. You can also learn about someone’s professional and educational background to find conversations starters for when you meet.
Join industry associations or business groups: You can gain access to industry data and reports and introductions to potential partners, suppliers or clients, and also raise the profile of your business.
Attend professional development events: Such events can help you gain new knowledge and skills while connecting with peers or potential clients.
Publish your work: You can publish in industry journals, blogging platforms and even your own website. When you publish your work, you make it available for others to read and share which can build your credibility and help establish you as a thought leader in your field.
Develop your social media presence: Social media can help you connect with other people in your field, participate in online conversations with other industry professionals or groups, and share resources to support one another.
Join boards: Being a member of a board provides regular networking opportunities and can help build you profile and professional expertise. Consider joining a board that is related to your business or a cause you are passionate about.
Word of mouth works
According to research, most people will believe a recommendation from a friend or family over any other type of advertising. You never know who your clients know and what work they might be needing in the future so it’s worth investing time and energy into developing your professional network.
How we can help
If you are looking for advice on how to build your professional network, get the most out of using LinkedIn, create a webinar or host an event, please get in touch. We’d love to help you discover how to build your professional contacts so you can grow your business.
