The Value of a Building a Strong Network
Networking - all the cool business kids are doing it to increase their reach. Virtual, in person - networking is great for business. But do you understand the value of building a strong network?
I’ve had a lot of different experiences with people I’ve met. Some that skip right over getting to know you and move right in for the sale. Or immediately ask for a referral before I’ve had a chance to decide if they are a good fit for me or my clients.
When I was new to networking, I was introduced to a woman who offered services similar to mine. I was excited to meet someone who I might be able to connect with and talk about the challenges in our industry. She felt very differently. As soon as it clicked for her, she left mid-sentence and avoided me for the rest of the event.
Here’s a truth bomb - not everyone is my client, I’m not for everyone, and sometimes I’m busy. I have opportunities to refer people, even if their work is similar to mine.
Networking is business, but it also needs to be genuine. It’s less like speed dating and more like a courtship. You need the “know, like, trust” factor when communicating with potential clients, and you need it when you’re building strong network relationships. It can boost your business in so many ways:
Improve your reputation
Visibility in other circles
Provide steady support
Growth of your business
Long term connections
I got a lovely compliment from a client recently: “A huge part of your value is that you can connect me to the referrals, the people I need - it’s like a package, even if they’re not officially on your team.”
There’s a give and take with referral partners and networking pals. A value that some people don’t see initially is that building a relationship with one person in your network means you’re also getting closer to each other’s expanded networks.
When I work with clients and I’m listening to them explain their goals and we discuss what has to be done, I’m reverse engineering how to get them from point A to point Z in my head. I’m also going through my mental rolodex.
What type of help do they need? Who do I know who does that? Who would be the best fit for this particular client. I not only see the plan framework, I start to see who needs to be a part of it. Here are just a few areas of expertise I love connecting my clients and colleagues to:
Are they building or refreshing a website?
I know designers, developers, copywriters, branding specialists, and photographers
Do they need help with marketing?
I know experts that specialize in email, social media, SEO, platform ads, and implementation
Are they choosing systems for organization, email, social media scheduling, client relations and service?
I know people who specialize in the teaching, coaching, and implementing those systems.
Do they need to track and maintain finances?
I know accountants, bookkeepers, financial planners.
I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention virtual assistants - VA’s who specialize in marketing, admin, tech, etc. Everyone needs a VA at some point in their business.
Notice that I didn’t ask myself if I knew someone. Because I do pride myself on knowing almost anyone my clients need to achieve their goals. But that’s because I’ve invested the time in getting to know people and creating business friends and allies.
And I really know the people I refer, they aren’t just email addresses in my data base. I’ve had multiple conversations with them, have networked with them in different groups, and I’ve checked out their work.
Network without agenda has always been my mindset. Each new connection opens doors and clears paths. They might be an eventual client, introduce you to a possible client, or introduce you to new people so you can expand your networking circle. They or someone in their network could be your potential accountability buddy or business bestie.
If you’re searching for a business strategist who offers a wealth of connections to close the gap and get you to achieve your goals, or we haven’t met before and you’d like to schedule a coffee chat, I’d love to meet you.
P.S. Ready to stop spinning in place and get to the other side of your goals? Here are several ways I can help:
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