How to master business networking
I was stunned while reading this article about How to master business networking. Here are some of them:
Growing your business means building and maintaining productive relationships, not only with your growing base of customers but also other professionals and decision makers. No business operates in a vacuum, and other traders and business people can be an invaluable source of inspiration, support, advice and opportunities. Business networking is the process of building up these relationships in the hope that they can benefit your business.
Why is networking important for your business?
It’s easy to get caught in a bubble when running a small business. By connecting with your peers in the business community, you can make sure that you are keeping up with the latest developments. In particular, it’s important to ensure that?technological advancements ?don’t pass you by while your competitors benefit from them. Changes in regulations are also important to identify as early as possible. You can pick up a huge amount of useful information ‘on the grapevine’.
Furthermore, business networking gives you access to a far wider knowledge base and a richer source of expertise. Yes, you can search out what you want online – but personal recommendations and contacts are also highly valuable. You may also achieve special deals or favours, if you’re in a position to reciprocate.
Types of business networking
The best network is achieved organically, in environments specially designed for that purpose. Often business networking will take place in the context of some other event, such as a seminar or conference, even if networking is the real reason why most people are there.
·??????Informal networks
·??????Professional associations
·??????Strong contact networks
·??????Community groups
·??????Conferences and seminars
The benefits of networking in business
·??????Properly planned and executed business networking can help you to:
·??????build relationships with new partners
·??????create new business from?referrals
·??????find out more information about your competitors
·??????improve your recruitment
·??????promote your business throughout the local community
·??????stay on top of industry developments
·??????seek advice ?about the problems you are facing
·??????learn about new technology or business strategies that could in turn help your business become more efficient and productive
Always remember that business networking is not simply about getting new clients and increasing your sales. It can make your business stronger in a number of other important areas and help you operate more effectively. Merely expanding your network is useful in itself, as this makes you more attractive to other potential networkers. For example: A may be of no interest to B, but if B knows C (and A needs C)
Want to know more? Head on over to the full article here for more ideas and perspective. Afterwards, why not drop me an email to share your thoughts at [email protected]; or call me on 0467 749 378.
Thanks,
Robert