You want to grow your business. What's the best way to leverage business networking?

If I want to grow my business ? I pick up the phone and call the relevant contacts. Keep in mind, I have 40 years of contacts. It comes down to dialing a number.

Turning up has alot to do with success in networking. It's a long game. A network is for life. It's not one networking group. Or one event. It's about growing your network with a good blend of both people who could become clients. People connected to the clients you seek without competing with you. And to be frank it's important to network with people you like even if they are not in these two categories - referrals can come from anywhere. But will mostly come from those first two types. Choose events where they hang out. - a general networking event when you have a narrow niche is very much hit and miss. Look for specialist events. And go with the attitude of giving rather than receiving. Listening as opposed to talking.

Sharpen your focus! Before diving into networking, identify your ideal connections. Who are your rockstars? Define your target audience (customers, partners, mentors). Understand their needs, challenges, and preferred channels (online groups, events, etc.). Craft a compelling value proposition. What unique benefit can YOU offer them? Tailor your message and pitch to resonate with their specific interests. By knowing your target audience, you transform networking from a guessing game into a strategic tool for building valuable connections!

Download your OUTLOOK Contacts + LinkedIn Contacts. Clean up the list so all contacts follow a similar structure - don't look at the content yet. Run through the list & mark the people you clearly remember having either worked with, worked for, been relevant for in one way or another. In this first round, be selective - end up with a list of 300-500, max. Evaluate the hitlist for touch-points: industries, positions etc. Hone your story - have canned msg's for: - Your recent history (since coming into current position) - Your longer history (3-5 years leading up to current position) Start out-reach: Where you have a phone or email: Use this first (CALL is best!), then use LInkedIn msgs. COmment on LI posts of hitlist, Get noticed!

Simple. Be honest, and ask the question. Lots of networking events, even conferences. Nothing happens to the wallflower in the room. Know who you are looking for and if are just spreading your gospel then have a definitive ask. After you introduce yourself, introduce your company and then ask the ask. An example you say; okay... "As the Founder/CEO of ABC I am looking for advice on the unknown dangers in our marketplace. We are a new entrant, we know our product is better but I am not sure my product marketing knows enough about our top competitors. How did you find out those industry knowledge nuggets of wisdom? "

When I was first started out, I couldn't find any events that I liked, so I started my own. Bought a dot-com, a Meetup page, and a LinkedIn group. I created the culture I wanted (not salesy, no speakers, no cover charge). Then made sure we were consistent (every 3rd Thursday from 5-8PM. It's a lot of work, but my group is over 9,500 members and we have been running over 15 years.

Focus your networking efforts! Not all platforms are created equal. Know your audience: Where do your ideal connections hang out (online & offline)? Chamber events for local businesses? LinkedIn for global professionals? Industry-specific conferences? Align with your goals: Are you seeking mentors, partners, or clients? Choose platforms that cater to your specific networking objectives. Be strategic! Maximize your time and effort by prioritizing the channels where your target audience actively participates.

A mi me resulta útil primero escuchar a las personas, poder conocer cómo son y qué necesitan antes de abordarlas con lo que yo hago. El escuchar también fomenta el interés del otro por conocerte, y cuando eso sucede eso es el momento espontáneo de generar un vínculo y aprovechar las herramientas de Networking.

"Die Auswahl der richtigen Plattformen und Veranstaltungen ist ein Game-Changer im Networking. Tipp: Fokussieren Sie sich darauf, wo Ihre Zielgruppe am aktivsten ist. Seien es spezialisierte Online-Foren, Branchenveranstaltungen oder LinkedIn-Gruppen, der Schlüssel liegt darin, dort pr?sent zu sein, wo sich relevante Gespr?che entfalten. So maximieren Sie Ihre Sichtbarkeit und bauen gezielt Beziehungen auf, die z?hlen.

A little leg work goes a long way. Google events near me sub in key words for specific " niche" "free" or "paid" "business" "networking" "entrepreneurship". You will find what you need.

Go and give. Go to events where there are humans, find out what they do, connect with them on LinkedIn, and figure out how you can add value to their lives. Can you help them with a project? Can you connect them with someone who might be a help to them or a potential customer? Just give. People will remember that you helped them and will be happy to pass along information and business to you in the future. And if they don't, you still got to add some good to the world by helping someone.

Don't go to networking events just to hunt for clients. That won't get you anywhere. Instead, focus on building meaningful relationships. The more people know you and trust you, the more likely they are to send business your way. Here's how you do it: 1. Be consistent. Show up to networking events regularly and make an effort to get to know people. Don't just talk to the people you think are important. Everyone has something to offer, so don't be afraid to talk to anyone and everyone. 2. Have an abundance mentality. Don't be stingy with your time or resources. Help others out whenever you can, and don't expect anything in return. Networking is about give and take, so the more you give, the more you'll get back.

Be a go-giver. In the world of collaboration, listen and try to help your own network such as making useful introduction, connecting dots, creating meaningful relationships. This will go further than going for transactional relationships. We are all humans and law of attraction prevails.

Para construir relacionamentos de confian?a é preciso verdade, interesse genuíno no outro e suas quest?es, disponibilidade verdadeira para escutar, apoiar e ajudar quando necessário. Costumo dizer que networking é netpeople porque as rela??es que construímos podem caminhar conosco para nossas vidas e n?o somente naquele momento em específico. Acredito tanto nisso que me dedico a praticar e já passou a fazer parte da minha vida naturalmente. Ser autêntica, ser colaboradora, ser “escutante” que é diferente de ser “ouvinte”. O poder da escutatória como dizia Rubens Alves é fundamental e insubstituível.

I believe in authentic connections and am genuinely interested in others, their ideas, views and future success. Listening and establishing friendships means those we network with in business, align with our values and beliefs.

Don't underestimate your inner circle! Your existing network (customers, colleagues, friends) are goldmines for business growth. Here's how: Activate your advocates: Request introductions to potential clients or partners. Testimonials and recommendations from trusted sources hold immense power. Community builds success: Join or create groups with like-minded individuals. Share knowledge, forge connections, and leverage collective expertise. Your existing network is a launchpad for growth! Tap into their trust and connections to propel your business forward.

To enhance my business, I aim to utilize my network by engaging in exclusive groups and connecting with relevant individuals and forums. Additionally, I aspire to contribute to impactful initiatives for the betterment of society, our nation, and humanity, fostering global welfare.

Pick up the phone and start dialing. If that doesn't work for you.... then pick up the phone and start posting. Remember the basic principle -> A closed mouth does not get fed!

Tu red actual es un recurso valioso que puede ser fácilmente subestimado. Pasamos demasiado tiempo en busca de nuevos contactos y poco nutriendo la relación con los contactos (más relevantes) que ya tenemos. Revisa tus contactos existentes e identifica a aquellos que merece la pena invertir un poco más de tiempo y atención. Esto incluye antiguos colegas, socios comerciales, y hasta amigos que puedan tener conexiones relevantes. La idea es mantener una comunicación regular y ofrecer ayuda o valor antes de pedir algo a cambio. Aprovechar tu red existente también significa mantener activas estas relaciones, incluso cuando no necesitas nada específico, para que estén dispuestas a escucharte cuando llegue el momento.

There is so much power in the network! However, most people don't get as much help from their network as they want. The most important reasons are: - your network doesn't know what or who you are looking for - your network is very busy both professionally and personally So, if you want their help, it is your job to help them help you (yes, read that sentence again ;-)) In other words: - reach out (don't wait for them) - prepare (be as specific as possible) - provide them with feedback afterwards

Grow your network, grow your business! Go beyond your inner circle by strategically reaching out to: Industry Influencers: Research and connect with experts and thought leaders who can offer valuable insights and broaden your reach. Offer Value First: Before seeking favors, provide expertise, share insightful content, or engage in online discussions. Remember, networking is a two-way street! By offering value first, you build trust and pave the way for mutually beneficial connections.

Expandir tu red requiere un enfoque estratégico, no es a?adir contactos por a?adir y tampoco es ir de evento en evento como una mariposa social. Identifica huecos en tu red actual que deberán llenarse con conexiones en áreas específicas, como expertos en tecnología, finanzas o marketing, o quizás personas referentes en el sector industrial, legal, etc. Participa en eventos donde puedas encontrar y conectar con estas personas, para aumentar tu visibilidad y atraer a aquellos interesados en tu campo. Las redes sociales profesionales, como LinkedIn, también son herramientas potentes para conectar con líderes de pensamiento y decisores en tu industria.

A lot of people try to leverage business networking before they've done the work. In order to leverage your network they need to want to help you and that comes from building proper trust into the equation. You need to be seen as credible, reliable and they have to like you! When this is in place you need to nurture this relationship and have proper strategic conversations with these contacts about how you can help each other. Then (and only then) will you see quality and sustainable results.

A few quick tips I have picked up whilst building our a pretty solid network in the property sector: 1- networking events are not the right environment to ‘sell’ in. Just find a reason to talk, get their details and follow up. 2- attending an event is a good start. Following up is the only way to get a good end. 3- To prepare; get the attendees list, research them on LinkedIn and their website and mentally make note of subjects you both have interest in. 4- talk about them. Ask questions. They will then engage listen when you talk about your business. tailor what you say to the information gathered. 5- start specific; only engage your ICP (ideal customer profile) in time, your contacts will naturally grow into other areas

Track your progress! Analyze your networking efforts to maximize their impact. Here's how: Quantify your Success: Track connections made, meetings held, referrals received, or revenue generated. This shows the tangible impact of your networking. Evaluate & Adapt: Analyze what worked well and what didn't. Refine your approach based on insights gained. Set SMART Goals: Establish clear objectives (e.g., number of new contacts, referrals). Track progress and celebrate milestones! By measuring and refining your approach, you transform networking from a random activity into a strategic tool for achieving your business goals!

El seguimiento y la medición de tus esfuerzos de networking son cruciales para entender su efectividad. Esto puede incluir el seguimiento de las referencias obtenidas, las oportunidades de negocio generadas, o incluso cómo se han fortalecido las relaciones a lo largo del tiempo y cuál el nivel de reciprocidad. Usa esta información para ajustar tu enfoque; quizás necesites participar en diferentes contextos, o tal vez descubras que ciertos tipos de contenido compartido en redes sociales generan más interacción. La idea es aprender continuamente de tus experiencias y "ajustar las velas" para mejorar los resultados de tu networking de manera constante.

Although, it can help to measure your results, that is not always possible nor desired. It might derive your attention about what is really important: making meaningful connections. And the most interesting part of networking is that it is a long term game plus you never know via which way your help will come back. If you put too much emphasis on measurement, you might miss magic opportunities.

Everyone has value. It’s not just the person you are talking to, it’s all the people they know. Do yourself a favour never underestimate or overestimate anyone. Treat everyone with respect. That’s true networking.

Regardless of how you intend to meet people, make sure you have a canned story, something to introduce yourself by & let them be known who you are, what you stand for & what you are working on. Make it lively & short, keep it interesting. Practice it in front of the mirror or, better yet, record it and look at it to see where u can do better. When u then go out and meet people, try to meet as many as possible on any given event. Engage in conversation but don’t become sticky - network & take notes (on the phone or smth) who to rekindle with later.

To effectively leverage business networking, focus on building genuine relationships. Attend industry events, join relevant online communities, and engage in conversations to establish connections. Offer value by sharing insights, advice, and resources without expecting immediate returns. Follow up with contacts regularly to maintain relationships and explore potential collaborations or partnerships. Additionally, seek mentorship from experienced professionals and be open to learning from others. By nurturing authentic connections and demonstrating your expertise, you can expand your network, gain valuable opportunities, and ultimately grow your business.

The problem with most of the people today, is that they feel networking is a secondary task in building a business. I think Networking is the primary factor where you get everything you don't have in any business.?? ??Don't wait, reach out to the people and ask for help. ??Identify how you can contribute with your skills in other's lives, so that it comes back, remember deposit before you withdraw. ??Don't hesitate to take the first action to connect, call, ask for meetings. Your hesitation in connecting people will cost you more than you think. Build good people around, they will help you build great business opportunities.????

Everyone has value. It’s not just the person you are talking to, it’s all the people they know. Do yourself a favour never underestimate or overestimate anyone. Treat everyone with respect. That’s true networking.