Andrew Ford: Why Business Networks Are Essential & Top Tips

Having a successful business referral network is essential to succeed in today's business landscape. Joining a business network can lead to new business, sales, and investment opportunities. It also plays an important role in enhancing a company's profile.

Your network is your net worth. A strong network can help you find mentors or contacts in the business world who can assist you with specific challenges. Business networking also allows you to stay on top of the most recent trends and technologies in your profession.

Top Tips for Business Networking

Here are some tips to keep in mind when building business relationships.

Be helpful and give good advice

Being helpful is one of the top networking strategies. Help others whenever possible because many others have helped you get to where you are.

Give individuals helpful advice and information so they recognize you as trustworthy, understanding, and knowledgeable.

Interact with positive-minded people

Interacting with positive-minded people enables you to shape your identity and actions. True business success is only possible with a network of supporters and mentors.

Give referrals

Business relationships and referrals are more critical this decade than ever before. Whenever possible, give business associates a way to contact you directly, such as your LinkedIn profile, email address, or phone number.

Listen

Listening is one of the most important but frequently undervalued business and networking skills. People enjoy sharing information about themselves and value it when you are interested in what they say.

Andy Ford

Find points of commonality that you can bring into the conversation. Be truly curious and show interest by asking open-ended questions.

Follow networking etiquette

Never force someone to take your business card or pamphlet out of your hand at events. A hard sale in this type of setting is typically ineffective and has a negative first impression, even if you have a product or service that the attendees could find useful. Instead, your main focus is helping people and building a strong business network.

Treat everyone equally

Treat everyone you meet with respect and courtesy; you'll never regret being a good person. Being kind to others will make it easier for you to interact with a range of people. Remember that you don't need to tread on others on your way to the top. Perth is a small place and people will remember.

Andy Ford

Ford & Doonan

0413 957 020 www.fdair.com.au andy@fdair.com.au