How to Build a Strong Business Network
An effective business network can be essential to your professional success. By applying tried-and-tested networking tactics alongside social media strategies, you can forge lasting connections.
Effective networks are tailored to your career and comprise of people you trust. To develop these, invest time in cultivating genuine working relationships.
1. Attend Networking Events
Attending networking events is a key component of building an effective business network. Attendance at these events provides opportunities to meet industry thought leaders, potential employees and future clients.
Many people mistakenly assume networking events only take place after work hours, yet they can be invaluable during the day as well. Many virtual event platforms provide live chat features so attendees can discuss ideas being presented and connect in real-time.
At networking events, it’s essential to have a specific goal in mind when attending them. Whether your intention is to impress prospective employers or establish new connections, having an endgame in mind will keep your focus intact and help you maximize the time you spend there.
Researching an event beforehand can also be useful. Find out who will be attending and study their social media profiles, looking for connections you could leverage when conversing. This can help break the ice more quickly and allow you to get to know people better.
2. Network Online
Networking through online tools helps you reach more people and build relationships. Business professionals also rely on their networks to stay abreast of trends and opportunities within their industry, while having a solid business network can also help find clients for expansion purposes – one study showed networking contributed significantly to 78% of startup success!
Building an effective online network requires active engagement. Attend virtual events relevant to your profession and participate in discussions on Quora. Doing this will allow you to become an authority in your field while making new contacts.
Networking regularly with people is important, but don’t make the mistake of networking without listening. Ask questions about other’s goals, interests and challenges so they feel valued – this will establish lasting business networks!
3. Network in Person
Building a powerful business network requires being present both online and off. Meeting in person provides better interpretation of body language, eliminates audio latency between people talking at the same time, and allows you to form genuine connections.
In-person meetings offer another great way to network and gain advice on your career from other industry members. When networking, don’t treat anyone rudely – even those that may seem insignificant may hold connections with potential employers or possess useful pieces of information that can boost your professional life.
As soon as a networking meeting concludes, be sure to follow up with contacts by either phone or email in order to continue the dialogue and reconnect with them at least twice or three times annually.
4. Network on Social Media
Social networking can be an excellent way to expand the reach of your business. Not only can it provide an avenue to share valuable content and start interesting dialogue, but it can also connect you with role models who can support and mentor your career or business development.
Networking should always be about building relationships and forging meaningful connections, whether online or off. Establishing an effective professional network takes time and dedication; remain patient as you pursue long-term goals.
Utilizing tried-and-tested business development tactics and social media networking strategies, you can effectively form an impressive network that will support both your personal and professional life. Focusing on building quality relationships that foster growth and opportunity will lead to a powerful network – so get out there and start networking – it may take some time but will pay dividends!
