Expanding Your Business Network: Strategies for Success

There’s no doubt in my mind, that expanding your business network, and building strong relationships where people get to know, like and trust you, and therefore refer you, is one of the best ways to help you build a better business. The old saying, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is as relevant today as ever before, maybe even more so. When you consider that the average person has 150 people[1] in their close network, (and indeed it could be significantly more than that if they are part of a business growth community or network) imagine the possibilities for getting your business seen when you network effectively. ?You’re not just connected to your network, but to everyone they are connected to.

If you hadn’t already noticed, I’m an advocate for building strong business relationships and networking in general, but what if you’re just starting out in business, or just haven’t made time for networking in the past? How do you build a strong network of supporters if you’re starting from scratch? Well, it’s not difficult, but it’s not easy either.? It takes action and consistency, connecting with industry leaders and creating a compelling reason for them to interact with you.

Here’s a few basic strategies you can use right now to start growing your network.

• Make a Plan

If you want to do something well, no matter what it is, you need to have a plan. Yes, you might be lucky enough to meet some good contacts at the odd event, but if you keep trying to ‘wing it’, growing your network will take a lot longer.? A plan means you set goals.? You could plan to attend two networking events every month.? That you will post a blog on social media every month.? That you will aim to connect with one industry leader on Linkedin every week.? When you have a plan in mind, and take positive steps to complete these goals, there will be so much energy created that you’ll see results quickly.

• Identify and Attend Networking Events

Whether it’s face-to-face or online (or a combination of both) attending events is where people start to get to know you. Identify events where you might have the opportunity to showcase your expertise, like industry events and tradeshows. Online, identify events that could be of benefit, and become active in your industry’s online community.

Regular monthly or fortnightly meetings, or as a member in a business growth community, can be extremely beneficial. This will allow you to develop long term business relationships, which could see a steady flow of referrals, as well as business support, mentorship and collaborative opportunities.

• Follow Up and Nurture Your Relationships

Meeting people at events, or even getting to know them well through regular networking, will only get you so far.? You must build on those relationships and a great way to do that is through 1-1 meetings.? From my own experience, I’ve known many contacts for years through regularly networking, thinking I knew them well, but it was only through meeting 1-1 that I really got to know them and discovered their true values and skills.? If you identify someone who could potentially refer you to others, or perhaps someone you could collaborate with, make sure you nurture that relationship and build trust.

• Leverage Social Media

Most of us have a multitude of social media platforms these days, but do we use them effectively??? LinkedIn, in particular, is a powerful tool where you can research industry leaders and start creating relationships.? Build a strong profile that highlights your skills and experience, so others can easily see your expertise.? Join online groups and forums in your industry and connect with like-minded individuals.? Showcase your knowledge by writing articles and creating content that is valuable to others. By putting energy into social media and being active, you will almost certainly raise your visibility and your professional profile … and in turn, expand your network.?

• Podcasting Raises Your Visibility

As an extension of raising your profile through social media, Podcasts are gaining huge traction and are a fantastic way to showcase your expertise.? Many podcast hosts are on the lookout for guests to interview, so work on your compelling business story, or the message and values you want to share with the world.? Being a regular podcast guest raises your credibility as an industry leader.

Additionally, consider starting your own podcast.? It’s not that hard to do, and network expansion would be an added bonus.

• Look to Future Possibilities

Relationships take time to build. Be patient and hang in for the long term. Always keep in touch with people you like.? They may not be able to refer business to you straight away, but if you are top of mind when they do meet the right person, the connection could be off the charts.? As an example, several years ago, I introduced two people who built a great relationship but didn’t share similar business interests, so referrals between them were few and far between.? However, some years on, one referral between them literally changed the trajectory of the other’s business.? The trust in their long-term relationship was the catalyst that created an amazing collaboration.

• Volunteer and Give Back to Your Community

In your local community, a great way to increase your visibility, and ultimately your network, is to volunteer your time and skills to the local chamber of commerce and non-profit organisations. You can sponsor a local sporting team or hold an event that gives back to the community while showcasing your skills.

If you are part of a business growth and networking community, be active within the community, volunteer your time and skills in a valuable way or offer to speak at an event.

It’s fair to say that all of these strategies will lead to network expansion, which will ultimately lead to business growth. But remember, it all comes down to you.? You have to take action and be visible in your networking activities.? Being part of a business growth community like District32 can support you to increase your network rapidly, as members all support one another towards mutual success.

If you’d like to discuss any of this further, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with me – [email protected]

Dunbar’s number: Forbes.com