Why Is Networking Important In Business

Why Is Networking Important In Business? 5 Tips To Success

Why Is Networking Important In Business? 5 ways to expand your network and gain more exposure for your business, the products, and services you provide.

Hi Trish Davies, here from BuildYourAU.com and today I want to focus on networking. What I mean by networking is for you to connect with as many influential people as you. Both in the business and consumer marketplace and I will share some insights on how to do this.

The life of a business owner can be lonely unless you are prepared to put yourself out there. One of your priorities must be to build and create a network around you and your business. There have always been many traditional ways to do this which still work. Also, there are many ways to do this within the virtual and digital world.

Strategies and tactics that you must leverage to build up your professional profile and the profile of your business. Each connection you make will be like a new door of opportunity opening which you must take advantage of to the fullest.

Therefore, I am going to look at some old school methods, strategies for the 21st century and leveraging existing customers. At the end of the day a strong professional network around you can help you achieve things that you couldn’t on your own.

However, networking is only effective if you smart in your actions. Therefore, here are 5 strategies to answer the question, why is networking important in business?

Why Is Networking Important In Business – 5 Tips To Success 

Give First & Thou Shall Receive 

So, picture this scenario, you are at a networking event there are hundreds of people attending. That is when Covid-19 allows. Practically all of the people attending have a problem or challenge that they are experiencing.

The nature of these events is that you strike up a conversation with many people over the day, or duration of the event. You must be proactive and ask them questions to ascertain how you can help them and not wait until they ask you.

You then help them by providing value by sharing tips and advice which helps alleviate their problems. Positioning yourself as a person who delivers value from the outset will set you apart from other people.

Usually, you then find that the sharing of value is reciprocated.

Leverage Social Media 

Social media has brought networking into the 21st century. Digital networking platforms are plentiful but there are some that hold more weight than others. For business networking you are probably looking towards LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter.

You leverage these platforms by publishing high value content around your industry. Also, you actively comment and engage with other contributors by providing value, help and advice.

The purpose of this is build trust which enables you to attract a following. It is a basic law of attraction principle where people actively seek you out then reach out to you. Basically, it is like a filtering system where people who are aligned with you want to connect. It saves you time as you are not the chaser, rather being hunted down but in a nice way.

Practice Some Media Outreach 

As each and every day passes the media becomes that little bit more powerful, I know that can be hard to believe. A great networking ploy is to reach out to influential people with your local and industry media.

This is all about creating a relationship with the media so that at some point they can tell your story. Keep an eye to the ground on what is happening around your location and within your niche.

Compile a list of the prominent reporters or people of influence. Editors of traditional publications and online alternatives. Make a point of contacting them expressing your admiration for their work and the work of their publications.

What you are doing here is teeing them up for when you want to tell them more about who you are and your business. If they already have an idea of who you are then they are more likely to want to feature you in some way. Therefore, more exposure and potential to attract a further audience, an audience who are looking for your solutions.

Convert Your Customers Into Ambassadors 

I have just mentioned your audience who are your potential customers. What better way to grow your network of customers is to encourage them to become advocates. Advocates, ambassadors and sometimes referred to as affiliates can become a powerful salesforce.

You can offer an ambassador or affiliate program which incentivises them to promote your brand. This obviously helps increase your brand awareness and exposure which can generate more sales.

Also, it is a way for your existing customers to become part of your brand and receive compensation along the way. That could be financial reward, obtaining discounts or product rewards. Your overall network is not exclusive to industry professionals, it includes your loyal customers. The more you can get of both the better.

Be Present In Your Local Business Community 

Every local business community has local bodies such as chamber of commerce, advisory committees etc. Although this could be a little time consuming it is still worth your while getting involved.

The business world has evolved from the local business community with the invent of technology. With that said though you shouldn’t forget your grass roots. Similar to the first point I made about attending events this is a way to make impactful relationships.

Relationships with people who live and work where you do the same. There is a world of opportunity within your own local business community for offering your services and using other people’s services.

I hope by know I have answered the question of, why is networking important in business? I am involved in a number of networking groups for business. I also have my own mastermind group full of highly motivated digital entrepreneurs.

My next session with them is in just a few hours from now where I will be discussing goal setting for the next 12 months. Asking them what their wants are and how they expect to achieve them. I know full well that the discussion will unveil huge nuggets of gold for all concern. If you would like to know more about my own networking group called Build Your AU click here.

Helping you build your authenticity, authority, and audience.

Trish Davies

Build Your AU