How to Network Like a Boss: How To Develop Strong Business Networks

You’ve worked hard to build your business. You’ve done market research, calculated your budget, and prepared your financials. But now what? How do you continue to grow your company and reach new customers? A key way to continue scaling your business is by joining other like-minded entrepreneurs in a strong business network. As we discussed previously, working with like-minded individuals helps build trust, accountability, and camaraderie that can be instrumental as you continue scaling your company. If you want to make sure you have the support you need as you continue scaling your company, ensure that fellow team members aren’t just willing to help out but are also people you can trust with sensitive information. It’s also important not only to join other entrepreneurs who have similar goals but those who share similar networks as well.

Who to Network With

As we mentioned above, a key to scaling your business is developing strong business networks. There are a few ways to identify people who you may want to connect with as you continue scaling your business. First, search online networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Second, scan your email address book for colleagues and contacts you may want to invite into your network. And lastly, look for entrepreneurs who you know or interact with in other ways who you may want to invite into your network. You can also look to build your business networks outside of your immediate industry. For example, if you’re in the nutrition industry, consider reaching out to other business owners in related industries such as supplements and health food. Or, if you work in the legal industry, consider reaching out to other lawyers in related industries such as accounting, tax preparation, or HR.

Focus on People You Trust

One of the best ways to grow your business is by tapping into the vast network of talent and expertise available out there. All you have to do is focus on building relationships with people who trust you and believe in your mission. It doesn’t matter if they have a different industry than you. All that matters is that they share your passion for helping others and care about the mission of your company. When you focus on building relationships with people you trust, you will naturally expand your network. Some of the people you should focus on building relationships with are: – Those who have experience in the areas you struggle with most. – Those with whom you have a genuine connection. – Those who share your values. – Those who believe in you and what your company is doing.

Establish and Maintain Networks

Networking isn’t just about keeping up with individual connections. It’s also important to think about how you can create and contribute to networks. A great way to build a business network is by participating in business and professional association (BPA) events. Cultivating relationships with people who attend these events. When you attend these events, you’ll encounter other entrepreneurs who may have similar challenges to your own and may be able to offer assistance and advice. In addition to these external networks, it’s also important to cultivate internal networks by tapping into the network of people who work for your business. While it’s helpful to build connections with those outside of your organization, it’s just as important to think about developing connections with colleagues inside your company. When you do this, you’ll have people to turn to when you need help, advice, or just someone to bounce ideas off of.

Be selective about who you invite into your network

When you’re building a strong business network, it’s great to meet as many people in your network as possible. But, don’t go overboard and invite everyone who contacts you into their network. Ultimately, you want to build relationships with people who you trust. These are like-minded individuals who share your values and who you can trust with sensitive information. When you want to invite people into your network, be selective and think about the following before you hit send:

• Is this person someone you genuinely want to build a relationship with?
• Is this person someone who has similar goals as you?

• Does this person also have a strong business network?

Networking Doesn’t Have to Be Standing Room Only

Networking can be a great way to meet new people, make new connections, and expand your business network. But, networking doesn’t just have to be a one-way street. You can also promote your business and generate leads by attending networking events. Business expos, chamber of commerce events, or industry conferences are great for this. These events can be a great way to expand your network and meet new people. In addition to expanding your network, you can also use these events to promote your business. You can do so by sharing your booth with information on how to connect with you or your company.

Conclusion

For many entrepreneurs, networking isn’t something they think about. In fact, they may have been instructed by mentors, peers, and colleagues to only build one-on-one relationships. But, that’s simply not enough. To truly scale your business and create lasting change, you need to network with other entrepreneurs. While it’s important to develop strong one-on-one relationships, it’s even more important to think about building strong business networks. It’s important to think about who you want to invite into your network, what you want their roles to be, and how they can contribute to your company. Breaking these down, small business networking isn’t just about connecting with other entrepreneurs. It’s also important to think about how you can promote your business and generate leads at networking events.