Interacting with influencers at parties and collecting their business cards is just one point of contact. Capitalizing your business on this network is a totally different ball game.
Due diligence and dedication is required over the years to build a strong network relationship. Once you have done so, it becomes a by-product of your success.
Networking shouldn’t be a temporary activity, it has to be an ongoing process, even when you’re not at your desk. Aspiring business leaders have to learn the technique of strategic networking for rapid business growth.
Top reasons for networking
Why is it desirable to build a network with influencers and business groups in your domain?
Immediate access to all vendors and service providers
Rapid response rate for contract base recruitment
Full extension to peer help
Never face a job crisis problem.
Third party references
Updates on the latest trends and technology related to your business.
Share ideas with similar business groups
Common business networking mistakes
If the success of your business depends on networking, why leave any corner of networking intact, no matter how small or large your company is?
Unlike your business location, your network is not limited to physical address. It has to proliferate in all directions. There are many ways to build your network that are often overlooked.
Not connecting with other communities
When it comes to bonding with people, you generally choose the known path of connection, which is social media. It may look promising to connect through it, but it limits the spectrum of your network. You have to explore another dimension to networking as well. Try connecting to lesser known communities like “Quora” or signing up for a “common platform for service providers”. There are multiple other online platforms where you can converge with the same business groups such as Tumblr, musical.ly, Tinder, etc. depending on your experience in the domain.
Not connecting to the Niche forum or group
If you really want to build a close relationship with your clients or domain experts, join a Niche “forum”. But joining too many forums sometimes gets tricky, try to focus on two or three forums in your field. There are big companies that also join this forum for solutions and you can connect with them instantly.
Not justify your friendship
Let your client find you with your skills. Networking becomes easy if your customers know your whereabouts. There are very few networking sites that have a portal created especially for employees, where employees can create and upload their portfolio. It helps the employee in two ways, building their own network and establishing themselves as a brand.
Not paying attention to references
You should pay attention to references that come from third parties or from the provider’s site. Follow up immediately and honor these references.
Don’t use Reviews / Testimonials to network
This is the most overlooked attribute by vendors. Many of them believe that the “Reviews and Comments” are made for critics only. No, that’s not true. You can turn those critics into your potential customer. Request “Opinions and Comments” from them, you can even ask for the improvement area for better service. It will help you identify your weak area and, at the same time, you will have the opportunity to build a positive image in front of your customers. So, always be ready to listen to your customer and connect with them through Reviews / Testimonials.
Not actively connecting with co-workers
Actively connecting with coworkers helps you share ideas and gain knowledge. You develop this special “give and take” relationship with your co-workers over a period of time. Your equation with them will decide how your network will expand.
Not connecting with a diverse population
It’s usually a human tendency to connect with like-minded people, which is fine. But if you want to build a B2B network, then you need to break out of that cocoon and connect with a diverse population. Diversity gives you the perspective to think outside the box and implement new ideas in your business.
Some key takeaways for business networks
· Make your activity on social networks a key part of your daily work.
Locate and join the networking site where other members sell your service or product just like you
Instead of building numbers, focus on the people who show interest in your service.
Don’t lose the customer by not joining a common network platform or joining much later than you should.
Use software tools or plugins to optimize your network activity
To you!
What challenges do you often face when it comes to connecting or finding the same business groups?