Interacting with influencers at parties and collecting their business cards is just one point of contact. Capitalizing on your business on this network is an entirely different ball game.

It takes due diligence and dedication over the years to build a relationship for a strong network. Once you have done that, it becomes a derivative of your success.

Networking shouldn’t be a temporary activity, it has to be an ongoing process, even when you’re not at your desk. Aspiring business leaders need to learn the technique of strategic networking for rapid business growth.

Main Reasons for Networking

Why is it desirable to build a network with influencers and business groups from your domain?

Immediate access to all service providers and vendors

Quick response rate for contract basis hiring

Full extension to peer help

Never face a job crisis problem.

Third Party Referrals

· Updates on the latest trends and technology related to your business.

Share ideas with similar business groups

Common business networking mistakes

If the success of your business depends on networking, why leave any corner of networking untouched, no matter how small or large your company is?

Unlike your business location, your network is not limited to physical address. It has to proliferate in all directions. There are many ways to build the network that are often overlooked.

Not connecting with other communities

When it comes to bonding with people, you generally choose the familiar path of connection, which is social media. It may look promising to connect through it, but it limits the spectrum of your network. You have to explore another dimension for networking as well. Try connecting to lesser-known communities like “Quora” or sign up for a “common platform for service providers.” There are multiple other online platforms where you can meet the same business groups like Tumblr, musical.ly, tinder, etc. depending on your domain expertise.

Do not connect to the Niche forum or group

If you really want to build a close relationship with your clients or domain experts, join a Niche “forum.” But joining too many forums sometimes gets tricky, try to focus on two or three forums in your field. There are big companies also joining this forum for solutions and you can connect with them instantly.

Do not justify your knowledge

Let your customer find you with your skills. Networking becomes easy if your customers know your whereabouts. There are very few networking sites that have a portal created especially for employees, where employees can create and upload their portfolio. It helps the employee in two ways, building their own network and establishing themselves as a brand.

· Do not pay for referrals

You should pay attention to references that come from third parties or from the provider’s site. Follow up immediately and honor these references.

Do not use Reviews/Testimonials to network

This is the most overlooked attribute by providers. Many of them believe that “Reviews and Comments” are made for critics only. No, that’s not true. You can turn those reviewers into your potential customer. Ask for “Opinions and Comments” from them, you can even ask for the improvement area for better service. It will help you identify your weak area and, at the same time, you will have the opportunity to build a positive image in front of your clients. So always be ready to listen to your customer and bond with them through Reviews/Testimonials.

Not actively connecting with co-workers

Actively connecting with co-workers helps you share ideas and gain knowledge. You develop this special “give and take” relationship with your co-workers over a period of time. Your equation with them will decide how your network will expand.

Not connecting with a diverse population

It’s usually a human tendency to connect with like-minded people, which is fine. But if you want to build a B2B network, then you need to break out of that cocoon and connect with a diverse population. Diversity gives you the perspective to think outside the box and implement new ideas in your business.

Some Key Takeaways for Business Networking

Make your social media activity a key part of your daily work.

Locate and join the networking site where other members are selling your service or product just like you

Instead of building numbers, focus on the people who show an interest in your service.

· Don’t lose the customer by not joining a common network platform or by joining much later than they should.

Use software tools or plugins to optimize your network activity

To you!

What challenges do you often face when trying to connect or find the same business groups?