Business networks are key to business success

Business networks are key to business success

How do you get your great idea – your BHAG from a lightbulb moment to reality? It’s no longer just about what you know, it is about WHO you know that is going to make the difference - and that all depends on how well you build your business network.

The importance of having a truly professional and exceptionally strong business network, is something that cannot be emphasised enough in today’s highly competitive and challenging markets.

Strong professional networks are the key to proving you with opportunities for learning, new collaborative relationships – which are particularly vital in the gig economy – your growth and your exposure in the marketplace. Having a strong network, also provides a high degree of credibility.

The more influential your network is, filled with top decision-makers and influencers today, the more likely it is for prospective new clients and partners to be reassured about who you are and your trustworthiness.

Building a business network no longer requires endless meetings - with the technology we have today and the availability of information freely on the web, there is no need to leave your desk to build your business network effectively. This is even more prevalent now as the globe stands together working to fight against the pandemic which is not only restricting our daily normal activity, but it’s preventing any forms of these ‘gatherings’ of likeminded people.

So, how does one go about building this network that will provide you with the exposure you need to grow both personally and professionally?

Where you begin is with your existing network that might be unknown to you – it’s made up of your existing clients and business partners, those people you speak to just about every day, the ones you send emails to every day.

Word of mouth is your best asset in this building of your network because the people you already know and work with, are your best points of referral because they’ve had first-hand dealings with you. “So, when using this line, ensure that you are always professional and using your personal brand to gain trust and momentum in this network. It’s your most powerful weapon.”

Other ways of building your business network involves a combination of activity, using the technology that we have at our disposal and the fact that people are constantly mobile. You can reach anyone at any time these days with the technology we have, and it makes the world a ‘smaller’ place through connectivity.

Use the social platforms we have in LinkedIn and other groups to build your network. “LinkedIn is like Facebook for professionals and businesses.” Build your ‘friends’ network on LinkedIn with like-minded professionals and influencers in your space and market, it builds credibility and trust and shows the world that you take your job seriously too.

Join alumni and other relevant groups. “Find those people (like you hunt for people on Facebook) that you went to school and university with, it’ll extend your reach exponentially.” They’re all working at various companies now in so many sectors, nationally and internationally, and that will help you to gain even more exposure into new markets that you may not have even thought about.

“ Word of mouth is your best asset in this building of your network because the people you already know and work with, are your best points of referral”

Use LinkedIn and join a variety of groups there too. Consider joining those that are in your industry first and have valuable conversations with professionals in those groups which will broaden your network. This also gives you the power of information – you’ll stay in touch with industry trends and developments, you know the quality of your connections will be excellent and you also gain access to jobs and growth opportunities within these groups of like-minded people.

Ensure you stay relevant in your field or network. In this light, make sure you are always keeping up to date with the industry trends and developments in your industry. Read industry-related articles and publications, follow industry leaders on LinkedIn and keep an eye out for events and meet-and greets in your sector that you can attend to expand your network. Also, stay relevant by upskilling yourself and continuing your education in your chosen field. Gaining new, relevant and up-to-date skills, makes you an invaluable asset to your current company but also to those in your network – it drives others to connect with you when you share valuable insights and information.

Lastly, keep in touch with your network, existing and new, constantly. Don’t ever just disappear of fall off the radar in your network and constantly follow-up and engage in conversations. Even if it’s just a check-in to see how they’re doing, wishing them a happy birthday or congratulating them on a working anniversary. Stay in touch.

Building your business network is one of the most important tools in your personal and professional development and it’ll build your confidence through enhancing your personal branding too. Use it, constantly and leverage off those you know.