The Importance of Networking for Entrepreneurs

How Networking Contributes to a Good Business Reputation

One of the things I am most proud of is building a strong business reputation for BBR Creative. People that I meet continually tell me, “your firm has an excellent reputation.”

When I took the time to think about how that was accomplished, I came up with these vital factors: the ability to consistently produce exceptional work, provide outstanding customer service, operate with integrity, treat people right and adhere to a strong set of core values.

To the majority of the people that worked for us and with us over the years, these things ring true.

But what of all the others—those who supported us, spoke highly of us and referred to us without ever working with or for us? Where did their perception come from? Chances are it came from word of mouth, and some from some form of networking.

Throughout my career, I’ve come to understand the importance of networking. I have built a strong network by being a member of several different kinds of groups that have benefited me personally and professionally in distinctly different ways.

Peer Groups Peer groups can be defined by your role, by your industry or by the industry you serve.? For the entrepreneur, belonging to a CEO peer group helps you feel less alone in the world as you benefit from being with a group of like-minded individuals in a confidential ?setting. These people become a support system for you as you encounter the challenges of running a business.? An industry-specific peer group can provide you with industry knowledge and valuable insights that will help you level up. It is invaluable to interact with others who have faced or are facing the exact same challenges as you as an organization. ?? Through participation, you will establish meaningful and long-lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Your fellow members will help you, refer to you and share resources with you.

Community, Business and Economic Development Associations

Business membership groups, like your local chamber of commerce or economic development associations, can help you put your own knowledge on display and directly create awareness for your business. By joining committees, you can utilize your leadership skills to stand out by offering value to the group, while making connections to not only new customers but to individuals who may speak highly of you and refer business to people they know.? You will surely walk away with much deeper connections to a wider network of individuals that you didn't know before. These connections can help with every aspect of your business, including sourcing reputable suppliers, vendors and professional service providers.? Not only that, you will forge long-term business relationships that will bring value, even if you cannot identify exactly how that will play out at the moment.? Non-Profit Boards and Involvement How can supporting a non-profit board aid in improving your business reputation, you may ask?? For starters, it shows that you are a good community partner. By selecting a non-profit and getting involved, particularly at the board level or as a donor or volunteer, you will meet a whole new host of people who appreciate the donation of your time, talent and resources.? People get to know you when you serve on boards or non-profits. They get to know you on a personal level. They see your work ethic, can-do attitude and spirit, and that alone can cause them to refer others to your business.? By helping out, you will most surely build trust. And that trust will lead to the non-profit employees and volunteers often being willing to support your business by providing testimonials, positive reviews or endorsing your business in some way. You would be surprised at how far positive goodwill can get you.

And your fellow board members? They are almost always a group of elite business owners, managers, directors of other businesses. You will gain access to a group of individuals that may otherwise be non-accessible to you. They are great people to know and to be members of your network.? In the end If you’re wondering how to build a good reputation in business, start by taking a look at the contributions you make to the network you’ve established. Successful networking for entrepreneurs is actually not all about you. It is not about instant gratification or an instant uptick in business. It is about creating relationships and friendships and helping other businesses and professionals get ahead. And because of this, the natural order of the universe rewards you. When you put out good intent into the world, you receive a return. And for that, your business reputation will improve, no doubt about it.?

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