Networking as a skill for business relationships

Welcome to the second edition of Thursday Thoughts in 2023, a newsletter for young entrepreneurs and digital nomads. This week, we’re going to talk about the importance of networking and building professional relationships.

Networking is a crucial skill for any entrepreneur, and it’s something that you should start doing as early as possible. Building a strong business network can open up opportunities, provide valuable insights and advice, and help you grow your business. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

•     Attend events: One of the best ways to network is by attending events in your industry. These events can be conferences, meetups, or even casual happy hours. Look for events that are relevant to your interests and goals, and make an effort to meet and connect with people.

•     Use social media: Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can be great places to connect with other professionals in your field. Follow relevant accounts, engage with content that interests you, and consider joining relevant groups or communities.

•     Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and build your network at the same time. Look for opportunities to volunteer your time and skills, and you’ll have the chance to meet new people and make valuable connections.

•     Join a professional organization: Professional organizations are a great way to meet other professionals in your industry and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in your field. Many organizations offer networking events and other opportunities to connect with others.

•     Be genuine: Building professional relationships is about more than just networking for the sake of it. It’s about building genuine connections with people who share your interests and goals. Be authentic, be interested in others, and be willing to help others when you can.

Networking and building business relationships takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. The connections you make today could lead to opportunities and partnerships in the future. You never know who will need your help, today or in the future. So, don’t be afraid to get out there and start building your network.

Here are a few additional tips for networking and building business relationships:

•     Follow-up: After meeting someone at an event or online, be sure to follow up with them. You can send a quick email or LinkedIn message thanking them for their time and reminding them of who you are. This is a great way to keep the conversation going and build a relationship.

•     Keep in touch: Building a business relationship isn’t a one-time thing. It’s important to stay in touch with the people in your network and keep them updated on what you’re doing. This can be as simple as sending a monthly email or checking in with them on social media.

•     Offer value: It’s not all about what you can get out of a relationship. You should also be thinking about how you can add value to others. This could be as simple as introducing them to someone you know or sharing an article or resource that you think they might find helpful.

•     Be willing to help others: Building a business network is about more than just advancing your own interests. It’s also about helping others and being a valuable resource for others in your network. If someone asks for help or advice, be willing to offer it. This will help you build stronger relationships and create a reputation as someone who is willing to give back.

•     Practice networking: Like any skill, networking takes practice. The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become. So, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and start building your network. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities might come your way.

Don’t ignore networking and building business relationships as it is an important part of any entrepreneur’s journey. It takes time and effort, but the connections you make can be invaluable for your business.
It’s about building genuine connections with people who share your interests and goals and being willing to help others when you can.

By attending events, using social media, volunteering, joining professional organizations, and following up and staying in touch with the people in your network, you can start building a strong professional network that will help you grow your business and achieve your goals.

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of Thursday Thoughts. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with your friends and colleagues. We’ll be back next week with more insights and tips for young entrepreneurs and digital nomads.

We talk more about this in our Leadership Destiny group where leaders share their experiences in view to constantly improve and grow as a result.

Keep going, keep growing.

John Higham
BlueHAT.coach