5 ways to network for business growth

The saying is as old as time, “your network is your net worth.” Let’s face it, isn’t that true? Success is never always about your skills, qualifications, or personality. Sometimes, it’s all about who you know. Fair or not, the game is the game.

It will interest you to know that 80% of jobs are filled through personal connections. The good thing is these bonds can be built simply by networking. What’s more? Networking helps you generate leads, understand your industry, and increase your expertise.

So how do you ‘network’ exactly?

Read along as we have compiled five ways you can network to grow your business effectively.

1. Have a plan before you network

Before you start networking with others, you must clearly define your objectives. You should be able to determine what goals you want to achieve. Afterward, you should make plans to work towards it. This will help you to be intentional about your actions and streamline your efforts towards them.

What can you network for?

When planning your networking strategy, consider the following objectives:

When planning your networking strategy, consider the following objectives:

• Searching for job opportunities: Networking can connect you with potential employers and industry insiders who can help you find job openings or referrals.
• Improving your industry knowledge: Engaging with professionals in your field allows you to gain insights, share experiences, and stay updated on industry trends.
• Increasing your brand awareness: Networking helps promote your personal or business brand, making it easier for others to recognize and remember you.
• Joining a community: Building relationships within a community can provide support, collaboration opportunities, and a sense of belonging in your industry.

2. Position yourself in the right place

You should ensure you connect with like-minded individuals who can provide you with the help you need. Position yourself in the places they are, either physically or virtually, and network seamlessly. One thing you can also do is to leverage your contacts who can help you get to the people you need.

Where can you find them?

• On social media like LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook.
• On professional websites like Meetup and Eventbrite.
• Online communities like Slack and Telegram.
• Your industry events.

Pro-tip for networking at events:

Focus on asking insightful questions and offering value rather than just talking about yourself.

At industry events, many people will be eager to talk about what they do. To stand out, engage in conversations by asking thoughtful questions about their work or the challenges they face.

This shows genuine interest and positions you as someone who listens and adds value, not just another person reeling off an elevator pitch.

3. Show up in every way

To truly make an impact, it’s not enough to simply find your potential network, you need to win them over.

Consistently showing up at events or places where they gather builds brand awareness and strengthens recall. More importantly, it signals to potential clients, mentors, or employers that you’re not only dedicated but also reliable.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Research the individuals you want to connect with: Understand their backgrounds, interests, and pain points.
• Prepare meaningful talking points: Tailor your conversation to add value, rather than just talking about yourself.
• Approach with confidence: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Boldly introduce yourself and initiate the conversation.
• Follow up thoughtfully: After the meeting, send a personalized message to reinforce the connection and show genuine interest in continuing the conversation.

4. Establish personal contact

After meeting someone in your potential network, make sure to establish personal contact. Send them a personalized message to continue the conversation and engage with them meaningfully.

Remember, behind the business personas, they are people too. Focus on building and nurturing a friendly, professional relationship that goes beyond just business.

These are some ways to do it:

• Send a personalized follow-up message – Reference specific details from your conversation.
• Engage on social media – Like, comment, or share their posts to stay connected.
• Offer value – Share relevant resources or make useful introductions.
• Reach out occasionally to see how they’re doing.
• Be authentic and human – Show interest in their personal and professional life.
• Celebrate milestones or achievements – Acknowledge their successes.

5. Pitch yourself genuinely

Once you have established personal contact with your potential network, you can then pitch yourself. Networking is a two-way street; thus, by offering your time and expertise to others, you are building a solid foundation for goodwill.

How can you pitch yourself?

• Share updates on your work – Casually mention new projects or achievements to keep them informed.
• Offer value first – Share helpful resources, articles, or insights before pitching yourself.
• Ask for feedback – Request their thoughts on your work or ideas to engage them in a collaborative way.
• Engage in relevant conversations – Bring up topics aligned with their interests or needs to introduce your expertise naturally.
• Create collaboration opportunities – Pitch collaborative ideas that benefit both parties.
• Stay consistent with touchpoints – Regularly check in with a simple message to keep the relationship active.

Final thoughts

There are some doors that you can never open without being in the room first. But you can be in the right room by being a part of a strong network. Networking is more than just buzzwords or attending parties, it is a long-term investment where humanity meets strategy.

As a business owner, employee or client, who you know shapes what you know. Thus, building meaningful relationships and mastering the art of networking can drive business growth. To that end, implementing these five tips will help you in that regard.

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