What Is The Secret To Building A Valuable Network?

Networking is a skill that is essential for business owners like yourself need to hone.  

According to leadership author Diane Helbig, “Networking is an investment in your business, and it takes time and when done correctly can yield great results for years to come.”

When you network with other business-minded people like yourself, you make business associations, friendships, and referral partner relationships that can last for decades. 

Network building takes place in meetings, conferences, or even online groups. There is always an opportunity to build networks wherever and whenever. 

All it takes to build a productive network is knowing how to master the art of building partnerships that you can translate into long-term success. 

The best part is that you don’t need to take a crash course to become an expert in building networks, and you only need to apply these seven best-kept secrets to building valuable networks.

1. Know your goals.

Are you looking to expand your business across borders? Are you planning to offer new products and services? Perhaps, you’d like to attract investors or raise awareness?

Whichever the case, setting up clear networking goals allows you to focus on building relationships that add value to what you do.

2. Do your homework.

Before you go out setting appointments with like-minded business leaders, you need to know where they come from and where they stand. Take time learning the industries they are in and the challenges they face.

From this, you can come up with relevant talking points that will draw them towards your inner circle.

3. Make the meeting count.

Business leaders run on a tight schedule, and getting one to spare some time to meet with you is an impressive feat. The very least you could do is provide them with something they don’t need.

Networking appointments should benefit both you and your contact, so you must know how to end the meeting productively by laying down future opportunities and benefits.

4. Show empathy.

Respect begets respect. If you are building networks, step into the shoes of your potential contacts and realize that they want to secure their interests. For this reason, talk less about yourself and let the meeting revolve around them. 

It would help if you also respected their schedule. Please don’t be late, and don’t keep them in the conversation too long unless they want to keep it going. 

5. Observe etiquette.

Observing etiquette seems like a no-brainer, but first impressions matter if you build networks with executives and thought leaders. Be confident and polite. Also, remember to exchange business cards and send them a follow-up email to thank them for their time.

6. Get to know others.

Get to know others, LISTEN and genuinely see how you can help them!  If you focus on the other business person, you will be amazed at how much you have helped yourself and your business

7. Do not try to sell others.

Many novice networkers push their product on their new contact. Don’t be spouting off to your new friend sales information about your latest product; this IS A MAJOR TURN-OFF! You must cultivate, educate your new associates, and show them you care before you share.

A healthy business network can help propel you closer to your long-term targets.

If you want to spend more time forging alliances and getting your brand out there, Business Untangled can help!

By implementing the Business Untangled System, you can simplify your business processes for the best benefits so you can focus on building your own valuable network.

Contact Business Untangled today to learn more!