Networking is an essential part of business success. It's about connecting and engaging with people for mutual benefit. Whether you're facing challenges in your business or looking to expand, networking can help you identify opportunities for partnerships, joint ventures, and new areas of growth. To help you learn about the unique networking methods available, we asked 14 professionals from the Forbes Coaches Council to share their “secret strategies.” LinkedIn is an example of a large group or networking site that can bring together professionals.
But there are many other online groups and communities that offer networking services. Networking can include anything from having an informal chat at a neighbor's barbecue to attending a networking event specializing in your industry. Rather than simply using the partnership to promote their own goals, people who use networks effectively seek to offer something of value to other members of the group. Small business owners network to develop relationships with people and companies with whom they could do business in the future.
A unique way of networking that isn't widely used is to establish networks through your centers of influence, even if they're not in the same industry as you. Find and attend some business seminars, cultivate new working relationships with your new colleagues and business partners, and then communicate regularly to keep them up to date on the latest developments in the industry. Networking creates trust, since your company and the methods you have used to manage and administer it are competitive and comparable to those of similar companies. Not only should you attend your networking group meetings regularly, but also be prepared to offer something of value to the group. Networking is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn about business techniques from their colleagues and stay abreast of the latest industry trends.
Successful business networks involve regularly following up on contacts to exchange valuable information that may not be easily available outside the network. To take advantage of the benefits of a network, it's important to understand what advantages you can get from the business network and how they can help your company drive sales, increase efficiency and morale, and build brand awareness. Often, it's the networking efforts of a business owner that produce the most results in small businesses. Business networks give entrepreneurs the ability to collaborate with other experts to help them grow their businesses or improve their professional lives. These organizations may have entry fees or other selection requirements, but they can be vital for small business owners looking to expand their network. The most important skill for establishing effective business networks is listening; focusing on how you can help the person you're listening to rather than how they can help you is the first step in establishing a mutually beneficial relationship.
Networking is an invaluable tool for any business owner looking for success. By understanding what benefits you can get from a business network and how it can help your company drive sales, increase efficiency and morale, and build brand awareness, you can unlock its full potential.
