Critical Business Networking Tips That Create Goodwill to Drive Success

I’m always on the lookout for articles about networking. Here are a few snippets:

Investing your personal time and interest in other businesses in your community pays huge dividends, both personally and financially.

When you connect with a top business leader network in your community, not only will you gain greater visibility, but you will also garner goodwill and gain important new friendships and potential business partners.??

No business can succeed by “going it alone.” You need to make strategic local business connections with people and organisations whose goals align with yours. You also need to build connections in your local business leadership community that keep you sharp as a leader.

Here are just some of the types of connections you can identify and nurture over time:

Community Organisations?

Some of the most influential people in your community are in the top business leader networks and help lead local community organisations. Find out what their goals are and offer to help them achieve those goals.?

Some local community organisations may be national organisations with local branches and others may be entirely local. These organisations can include charities, nonprofits, economic development organisations, community service providers, youth and education-focused groups. You may also want to look specifically for groups that mentor local startups and innovators.?

Contribute regularly and sincerely - in time, financial support, and word of mouth or other marketing - and not only will you feel great about helping your community, it will also boost local awareness and appreciation for you and your organisation.?

Finance Professionals

Connect with finance professionals in your community, both on a professional level and a personal level. Identify service providers in some of the following fields:?

• Accountants
• Bankers
• Financial planners
• Insurance agents
• Investment professionals
• Tax specialists

Get to know people in the financial industry in a more personal way by taking them out for lunch or to music or sports events.??

Make these connections a win-win for both of you. When you hire a financial professional for your business or personal finances, they can give you more targeted, useful advice as they get to know you. In addition, collect the names of recommended service providers and refer them to your clients and customers.?

Legal Advisors

Every business owner has to stay on top of relevant legal issues, but this can feel overwhelming. Such issues include understanding the laws that govern your industry, state and local ordinances, and general business laws that guide day-to-day operations. You may also need specialised help to protect your intellectual property or to guard against legal actions.?

Having a relationship with a legal advisor can help you navigate standard business issues as well as tricky situations. You can start with a general business attorney, but you may need to tap into professionals from various legal disciplines, including:?

• Contract law
• Employment and labor
• General business
• Tax law

As you develop connections to local legal advisors, invest the time to get to know them, identify what their personal and professional goals are, and then see what you can do to help them as well.

Education Organisations

Local education organisations are generally focused on providing students access to information and opportunities that prepare them for success. This includes organisations associated with community colleges, universities, and trade schools. It can also include groups that work with pre-college students, like programs that facilitate internships for high schoolers.?

Having a relationship with education organisations is a great way to give back to the community. It also helps you meet area leaders and generate positive brand awareness for your company.?

As you build these connections, you can seek out a leadership or mentorship role. Or you can become a business partner by offering sponsorships and internship opportunities to local college and high school students.?

Other Types of Business Owners

Few people know the joys and pains of running a business like fellow business owners. Business growth networking helps you create relationships with top business leader networks, so you can tap into relevant local information that impacts the business world. This may be information about upcoming events, insight into laws being considered locally, or new competitors entering the market.?

You can follow companies online and send an introductory message, attend networking events or join local leadership organisations. You can also simply walk into establishments near your own and introduce yourself as a neighboring business owner. Aim to create connections with business owners from a variety of industries. Set a goal of meeting someone new each month while making sure to follow up on connections you’ve made using social media, an email, or a phone call.

Industry Leaders

It is also helpful to connect with business leaders within your own industry, especially from non-competitive markets. Leaders from your own industry face similar challenges and could shed light on solutions you’ve never considered. You can share insight on regulations, processes, vendors, and other relevant topics.?

You can find industry leaders by joining trade organisations, reading trade publications, and by searching for online forums dedicated to your industry. Social media platforms may also have industry-based communities you can join.

Want to know more? Head on over to the full article here for more ideas and perspectives. Afterwards, why not drop me an email to share your thoughts at [email protected] ; or call me on 0467 749 378.

Thanks,

Robert