Who is on your side? Who has your back? It doesn’t have to be lonely at the top. Here are five practical ways to network strategically to achieve the best for you and your business.
Key Takeaways
- Offer value to others: Build trust and reciprocal support by making introductions, sharing insights, and helping with specific challenges.
- Select complementary partners: Focus on high-quality connections that support mutual success and growth.
- Participate in business advisory boards: Gain new skills, share challenges, and receive feedback in a collaborative environment.
As an entrepreneur, it often feels like it’s you against the world, especially if you’re a solopreneur. However, success is rarely achieved in isolation. The most successful business people understand that connecting with others is key to unlocking new opportunities and growth.
Surrounding yourself with professionals, business owners, and industry leaders opens doors to resources, knowledge, and strategic partnerships. Here are some best practices to build an effective network to support your business growth.
1. Lead with Value First
Successful networks thrive on mutual benefit. Establishing a strong, reciprocal relationship from the outset is crucial. Instead of focusing solely on what you can gain, prioritize what you can offer to others.
Providing value can take many forms, such as making introductions within your network, sharing industry insights, or offering assistance with specific challenges where you have expertise. By consistently offering value, you build trust and goodwill, making others more inclined to support and help you.
2. Connect with Complementary Partners
When building networks, carefully consider which relationships would bring the most value to your business. Often, the right people are those offering different but complementary services. For example, a tax accountant might build a relationship with an estate attorney.
This approach has multiple benefits. Both individuals gain expanded knowledge related to their business, and the relationship can be an excellent source of referrals from each other’s client base. B2B referrals statistically have a 71% higher conversion rate, making this a valuable strategy for business growth.
3. Be Selective About Who You Let into Your Circle
Building relationships takes time and effort, so it’s essential to be selective about who you include in your network. Studies show that half of all people struggle to maintain long-term contact with their professional networks. By limiting the number of people in your circle, you can dedicate more time to building strong, meaningful relationships with each individual.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid associating with individuals who have a negative reputation, as their actions could harm your own reputation. This approach is about valuing your time and ensuring that your network is built on trust and mutual respect.
4. Look Within Your Industry
While finding complementary members to add to your network is helpful, it’s also important to build relationships within your industry. Although there might be some conflict of interest, these individuals understand your business deeply. Look for those with a slightly different business focus, target customer, or geography.
5. Participate in a Business Advisory Board
Participating in a business or peer advisory board is a valuable way to learn new skills and share the burdens of operating a small business. These boards provide a platform for entrepreneurs and business leaders to share their concerns and receive feedback or advice based on others’ experiences. This collaborative environment fosters learning and problem-solving, helping you navigate challenges more effectively in a safe environment.
Networking is more than just a passive activity; it’s a strategic investment in your business’s future. The effort you put into building and nurturing strategic relationships can yield substantial returns for your business.
Building the right network isn’t always easy, especially as entrepreneurs and small business owners struggle with daily challenges. Having a professional business coach can be an invaluable asset in your networking journey. Coaches provide guidance and introductions to influential contacts within their networks, helping you navigate the complexities of networking.
