How do you leverage your network to gain insights and feedback on your products or services?

1 Why network feedback matters

Getting feedback from your network is not only a way to validate your ideas and identify potential problems, but also a way to build trust and loyalty with your customers and partners. By asking for their opinions, you show that you care about their needs, preferences, and expectations, and that you are willing to listen and improve. Moreover, you can use their feedback to create testimonials, case studies, and referrals that showcase your value proposition and attract new leads.

2 How to ask for feedback effectively

Asking for feedback is not as straightforward as sending a survey or questionnaire to your contacts. To do it effectively, you need to be strategic, respectful, and appreciative of their time and input. Firstly, you should define your goals and questions. Be clear, concise, and relevant, and avoid leading or biased questions. Then, segment your network into different categories such as existing customers, prospects, partners, mentors, or peers. Choose the most appropriate and relevant contacts for each segment and tailor your approach accordingly. Thirdly, select the right channel and timing for your requests. Consider the preferences and availability of your contacts and choose the channel that is most convenient for them. Moreover, provide incentives and value for your contacts such as discounts, free trials, gifts, or exclusive access to your products or services. Show them how their feedback will benefit them and others. Finally, thank them for their feedback and follow up with them to let them know how you used their input and what results you achieved. This will make them feel valued and respected so they are more likely to give you feedback again or refer you to others.

3 How to analyze and use feedback

Once you have collected feedback from your network, it's important to analyze and use it to improve your products or services and grow your business. To do this, you should organize and categorize the feedback using tools such as spreadsheets, charts, graphs, or software. Look for patterns, trends, themes, gaps, or outliers in the feedback and group them accordingly. Additionally, evaluate and prioritize the feedback based on criteria such as relevance, urgency, feasibility, impact, or cost. Then implement and test the most valuable feedback with your network or a subset of it. Measure the results and outcomes of the feedback implementation and test its effectiveness and efficiency. Finally, communicate and share the feedback and its results with your network and other stakeholders. Show them how you used their feedback and what impact it had on your products or services and your business. This will increase their trust, engagement, and satisfaction.

4 How to expand your network

Getting feedback from your existing network is essential, but you also need to expand your network to reach new audiences, markets, or opportunities. To do this, you can leverage your current network by asking them for introductions, recommendations, or referrals. You can also attend events and join communities that are relevant to your industry, niche, or target market. Additionally, create and share content to showcase your value proposition, credibility, and authority. Finally, follow up and nurture relationships with your new contacts by sending personalized emails, messages, or calls, offering free consultations or demos, inviting them to events or communities, or asking for feedback or referrals. This will help you build trust and rapport with the people in your expanded network.

5 How to maintain your network

Expanding your network is important, but you also need to maintain it to keep it engaged and active. To do this, you should provide value and support by sharing useful information, solving their problems, or recognizing their achievements. Showing appreciation and gratitude through thank yous, gifts, or testimonials is also important. Engaging and interacting with your network by asking questions or inviting them to events will help keep them connected. Finally, updating and refreshing your network by informing them of new products or services or reconnecting with old contacts will help keep it relevant.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?