Entrepreneurs Share Their Networking Tips

Tiffany Payne

Title: Head of content

Company: PharmacyOnline

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiff-payne/

Establish a regular monthly meetup schedule.

Set up lunch and coffee dates with a select group of people you want to develop a relationship with in the future months, such as possible mentors, senior leadership, and coworkers from various departments. (If face-to-face meetings aren’t possible, think about setting up video conferences.) Do not forget to prepare some background material before the meeting and make an effort to add value by inquiring about the participants’ interests and professional achievements.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Alli Hill

Title: Founder & Director

Company: Fleurish Freelance

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alli-hill/

My business would have struggled severely during the early days of the pandemic if it weren’t for a great network. Just weeks before lockdowns, I spoke at a freelance writing event and made lots of valuable connections with fellow writers — I was able to quickly hire a few of them when demand for my writing services soared during the pandemic. My simple strategy for growing a network: treat every connection like a potential opportunity. Each time I connect with someone in the inbox, at an event, or even at my local coffeehouse, I find them on LinkedIn and send them a quick message. This timely response helps to improve recall, plus it shows I’ve taken a genuine interest in them and how we might help each other.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Loren Howard

Title: Founder of Prime Plus Mortgages

Company: Prime Plus Mortgages; hard Money Loans Scottsdale

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenhoward/

One of the most effective ways I have built my network is by becoming involved in entrepreneur associations and mentoring programs. This gets you connected with other up-and-comers, and seasoned business owners local to your area. It is a great way to build out your network, help other business owners and give back to the community.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Tia Campbell

Title: Director of Marketing

Company: Practice Reasoning Tests

Linkedin: Nill

Build Authentic Connections
In my opinion, networking is fundamentally about meeting new people and cultivating relationships. Before a relationship to establish and develop, there must be a genuine connection. Be sincere and show interest in the other individual. It could be a common professional ability, experience, or even a personal passion. Finding a true connection will boost your chances of remaining in contact. This will contribute to the relationship’s longevity. It is also crucial to extend out into unfamiliar organizations as a means of establishing new relationships and marketing your business services to a new audience. You may find that this presents interesting new growth, support, and customer acquisition prospects.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Adam Fard

Title: Founder & Head Of Design

Company: Adam Fard’ UX Agency

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamfard/

Understand Your Goals
I would say, that the establishment of a goal is an essential component of the process of networking, as it prevents you from feeling aimless in the process. You could be in search of new people to add to your team, or you could be on the lookout for a business mentor or even hope to become one yourself. This will also assist you in determining the areas in which your efforts to the network will yield the most returns. If your network in the incorrect place, you won’t be able to accomplish what you set out to do.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Adam Wood

Title: Co-Founder

Company: RevenueGeeks

Linkedin: Nill

Target Company Insiders
In my opinion, there are probably some businesses that you have either always wanted to work for or about which you have heard positive things. It’s possible that they are even competitors. These are the kind of businesses that fall into my “target” category. You should consider identifying target firms even if you are content in the role that you are currently in. Include the names of any employees that you are aware of on the list. If that’s not the case, you can investigate them on LinkedIn.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Rebekah Smith

Title: Founder and CEO

Company: The Film Festival Doctor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahfilmdr/

Any business owner will know that networking events can be very hit-and-miss. I used to attend any networking event I could. I took the ‘you never know whom you might meet’ approach, which is not at all strategic as you can end up going to events that are too broad and not specific to your certain niche, and there ends up being no useful people for you to connect with in your area of business. I now take two approaches –

When I’m going to a networking event aimed at my clientele, like a filmmakers networking mixer, I’m specifically there scouting for new emerging talent I can potentially work with.

When I’m going to a business or entrepreneur networking event, I’m looking for people to connect with who can help me grow my business and learn new skills and knowledge from them.

At the latter type of networking event, I met one of my business coaches, Gerlanda Milioto. She gave an amazing presentation during the event that clearly defined what she does and how she can help a business transform, grow and become more successful.

I spoke with her for a long time during that event, and during our follow-up phone call, she told me what was missing from my company infrastructure. I had spent the first couple of years running my business in what I thought, at first, was an organized system as I was good at putting the hard graft and work into the business and looking after my clients. However, Gerlanda soon made me realize that my main problem was with regards to the ‘back end’ for example, my accounting system was nowhere near as organized as it should be, and I needed to create a pipeline, monthly key performance indicators (KPI’s) and I also needed to position myself as an expert to my clientele.

The latter technique she taught me helped to close deals with filmmakers at film industry-focused networking events. Both of these approaches successfully help you to grow your network and net worth!

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Paige Arnof- Fenn

Title: Founder & CEO

Company: Mavens & Moguls

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigearnoffenn

We have pivoted to a hybrid model of mostly online events for networking to meet prospective clients/customers, employers, employees, thought leaders, etc. For the foreseeable future we will continue to build our networks starting with LinkedIn to add credibility and transparency when you know the people you are meeting or working with know people in common. LinkedIn has become more than an online resume or rolodex, it is the foundation for building trusted relationships in the digital economy. Now it is about quality more than quantity though. We’re attending fewer in person events but getting much more bang from them today. Less is more now.

The bar to attend in person events is higher now post pandemic so we have to be more prepared to get as much value as possible by being together. By starting with LinkedIn, you don’t have to wait for a physical networking event to make meaningful business connections. You get one chance to make a great first impression so make sure every section of your LinkedIn profile is complete, with no blank spaces or gaps. Include a professional head shot and powerful headline followed by a summary with highlights of your personal brand, what you do well and how you can benefit potential clients or employers. Keep this section brief and easy to skim for best results. Keywords are a great way to help professionals in your industry find your profile and strategic keywords in your profile give you an advantage in networking too. To present yourself as an expert in your industry post interesting and educational content by sharing a great article you’ve read recently or if you truly want to make valuable connections and represent yourself as a talented thought leader in your industry, you should be crafting your own articles on LinkedIn.

For reaching out cold e-mail is a big part of my communications strategy. Here are a few tips that have worked successfully for me:

* If you have a contact in common who mentioned the person to you I start the e-mail with a subject line of “XYZ suggested we connect” so that even if they do not recognize my name in their inbox XYZ should ring a bell. If you saw them speak at a conference or read an article they wrote you can tailor the subject line to that such as “Loved your piece on ____ in HuffPo!” or “Great talk at the conference this week!”

* Then I check them out on LinkedIn and let them know in the e-mail that “I see we also have # connections in common” to make me seem more familiar to them.

* Then I explain why I would like to connect to bridge the intro and suggest we set up a call at their convenience.

It usually works and it shows I have done my homework and am respectful of their time. Another tip is that the worst time to make a cold call to prospects in any region is 8-10am when everyone is rushing to work and preparing for the day but the worst time to call is the best time to e-mail. Once employees are at work, the first hour is generally spent checking e-mails and organizing the day. During this hour, your e-mail has a higher chance of visibility. Sending an e-mail during their transit period places your e-mail on top, and would be among the first they see as they open their inbox. E-mails that are sent late in the evening or early morning have a chance of being buried/missed.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Dan Stewart

Title: CEO

Company: Happy Grasshopper

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danstewart2

At Happy Grasshopper, the core of our business is networking. Our largest client base–real estate agents, brokers, and franchises– are looking to nurture and stay in touch with their network, their sphere of influence, current and past clients. That’s where our message content comes in – rather than being relevant to you, your industry, or your need to sell something – it’s solely focused on interesting things that are happening right now. Every message we send grows my own network. Not only am I helping our customers, I get to know the clients and provide my expertise/tips through webinar series. I’ve had the opportunity over the course of my career to speak and attend many industry related events, which is a great way to meet other CEOs/entrepreneurs and have built lasting relationships with many others in the industry.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Jimmy Huh

Title: CEO and Founder

Company: JH SEO

Linkedin:

One of the best ways to grow your network is to offer to help others. This can be done by offering advice, mentorship or even just listening. When you offer to help others, you are not only helping them but also building your network. You are expanding your circle of contacts and strengthening the relationships that you already have. Offering to help others is a great way to grow your network and make new friends. It is a win-win situation for both parties. For example, if you have a friend who is struggling with their work or personal life, offer to help them out by offering advice or lending a hand. You will be helping them get through the tough time while strengthening the relationship that you have with them. Offering to help others is one of the best ways to grow your network. It’s a great way to not only make new connections, but also get your name out there.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Peter Lucas

Title: CEO

Company: Relocate To Andorra

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-lucas-andorra/

Visit your local golf course, tennis club, or gym.

While you may not think of your local golf course, tennis club, or gym as a place to network, these types of establishments can actually be great places to meet potential business contacts. This is because people who frequent these places are often those with disposable income, which means they are more likely to be in a position to make informed decisions about investments or purchases. Additionally, because these individuals share a common interest, they may be more open to networking and forming business relationships.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Mary Jurgensen

Title: Community Outreach Director

Company: Gary and Mary West PACE

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gary-and-mary-west-pace/

Participate in community initiatives

Networking is a skill that you have to put to work 24/7 and in every scenario for great results, and what better way to build a network than to fill it with people closest to your business or brand? After all, every market has its own community, and as a company representative, you have access to all these communities as well as the option to explore them for networking purposes. Participating in community initiatives is a great way to do this. This community-oriented approach doesn’t help you as a leader and entrepreneur; it also boosts brand engagement.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

David Northup

Title: CEO

Company: InShapeMD

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inshapemd-louisville/

Interact with professionals outside your industry

We often restrict our networking to building collaborations and partnerships with peers within our industry. While this is undoubtedly an excellent direction to move in at the start, there’s no reason why you cannot expand your boundaries once you’ve exhausted your industrial connections or even simultaneously. Every industry has its strengths and innovations, and every leader has something or the other you can learn from. Even when you’re not in the same business, there is always a strategy or move you can mirror in your own entrepreneurial or leadership approach.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Charles Cridland

Title: Co-Founder and CIO

Company: YourParkingSpace

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-cridland-53298316

In the age of media, pay attention to your socials. Gone are the days when people just exchanged business cards. Now your LinkedIn page is your business card. People look up others and form opinions about them through social media. You must complete your profile by filling up each description section with specific details. So when someone is looking at your page, they can clearly see who you are, what you do, and how you can benefit others.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Riley Beam

Title: Managing Attorney

Company: Douglas R. Beam, P.A.

Linkedin: https://www.dougbeam.com/our-firm

Taking advantage of the global ecosystem

Every industry and workplace is undergoing changes, and the worldwide business and work environment is steadily evolving as one that is opening its doors to global networking opportunities too. Industries across regions and markets are now learning from each other, and businesses are trying to emulate strategies they can now access through their peers across borders. This heightened sense of collaboration has opened up a whole new networking ecosystem for leaders, entrepreneurs, and even employees with the foresight to go global.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Zephyr Chan

Title: Founder

Company: Better Tools

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zephyrchanch/

Attending networking events is a must for me to build strong connections. Initially, going to these events was always a big no for me as someone who’s pretty asocial. But I realized I could never meet like-minded people while sitting at home or through the small group of people I hang out with in the office.

So, I decided to go to events and make meaningful connections. I even found my mentor through one of these events. Now, I cannot stress enough how important it is to go to networking events. You can meet industry experts and successful entrepreneurs this way. Plus, it’s always a big learning opportunity for you. So, don’t miss out.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Frank Barber

Title: Finance Expert

Company: Learn About Gold

Linkedin: /

We could not connect with our customers for a long time by focusing more on the product. Eventually, it was painfully clear that both parties must benefit from growing a network. The first thing we did was initiate activities like joint content marketing, where new materials and pieces were produced, then eventually shared with both companies. Publishing blogs, articles and collaborated content on two websites multiplies the probability of growing a customer base. The same strategy is also being deployed for co-hosting webinars. Also for launching new services. And referring to each other to other connections when it makes sense.

The company is offering something of value. While setting an action plan in place to follow up on, you’ve connected with someone and are setting up the chance to get to know them better. Build the relationship first if it makes sense to do so; work towards common goals and take pride in each other’s successes.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Will Yang

Title: Head of Growth

Company: Instrumentl

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willcyang/

In order to grow my network, I am focusing on quality over quantity. First, I am evaluating my current network and identifying the relationships that are most important to me. Then, I reach out to those individuals and talk with them from time to time. I am also looking for opportunities to introduce my contacts to one another. By creating a web of strong relationships, I am positioning myself to have a more powerful and influential network. Additionally, I am using social media, especially LinkedIn, to connect with potential contacts and share my expert insights on a variety of forums.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

April Maccario

Title: Founder

Company: Ask April

Linkedin: none

What are you doing to strategically grow your network?

Constant communication and keeping in touch. Even staying in touch is a strategy. You can’t expect your network to grow without communication with the people that you’ll include in your network. Think of a creative way to keep in touch, it may be through work relations or interests.

Utilize your LinkedIn profile. If you already have a LinkedIn profile, you can use that to promote yourself and your business to help build your network. With this, you get to encounter professionals and possibly include them in your network.

Make use of networking apps and tools. This can be unusual but it can be one of your strategies to build and grow your network. You might meet new people and build connections with them as you interact with these apps. Discord, Twitch, and even Tiktok are apps that can be used to grow your network. You’ll get to meet interesting and unique people there.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Kris Harris

Title: Owner

Company: Nootka Saunas

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-harris-4b5b164a/

Increase your social media interactions

Every social media platform is being explored as a networking medium, and no, LinkedIn is not the only platform where you can build your professional network. From Facebook and Instagram to Pinterest and YouTube, every platform has its share of networking enthusiasts and industry leaders. These users are not only sharing their connections with others but are also leaving behind interesting bytes of information and insights for eager learners. Whether it is latching on to these existing networks or creating your own, it is indeed time you began exploring and expanding your social media connections.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

​Sonya Schwartz

Title: Founder

Company: ​Her Norm

Linkedin: ​https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-schwartz-84797a16b/

You have to establish your LinkedIn profile so they have references and they can see reviews and might refer you to others.

You have to keep in touch with different people and establish professional relationships. Networking doesn’t end with just a simple professional relationship as you have to keep in touch and speak with them often.

Always look for opportunities but be mindful and careful of the opportunities you will choose to grab. You should not grab just any opportunities as you have to think about it thoroughly and how it will benefit you.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Aimee White

Title: Co-owner

Company: Keyboard Kings

Linkedin: N/A

Don’t Start From Scratch, Use Your Own Relationships And Experience

Remember that old friend you used to bartend with who is now a big player at Microsoft? Well, if you can bury your pride, they might be your way into the market you want to be in. This is what networking is all about, relying on relationships you have already made to make new ones. Starting from scratch is hard and not recommended, but the likelihood is you already know someone in the game. Whether that is an uncle, one of your mom’s friends, or an old college buddy. If they are in the area you want to explore, then it’s time to reconnect. Sometimes, you don’t need to be so direct, just ask them for a drink and then bring up how you are looking to go into the business they are a part of. You’re not asking them for a job, just looking to find out information you didn’t know about the business you want to learn about.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Leo Coleman

Title: Editor-in-Chief at Gambling ‘N Go

Company: Gambling ‘N Go

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-coleman-098471206

When I first started, I shared my success stories online. I would share my growth with many followers and get a lot of interaction and feedback. I’ve also been sharing my LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media posts. I’ve been trying to build a presence on these platforms, create a following, and run campaigns to get more followers and exposure. I’ve also been attending events and using this time to network and build relationships. Keep the new people coming in by sharing stories with them. As you build your network, you can share stories of your success, like how your business started. Remember that people bond over success stories and personal life experiences. The general rule of thumb is to share more than you ask.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Marko Oksanen

Title: CEO

Company: Coventures

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markooksanen/

There are many tips and tricks on how to strategically grow your network, but to achieve the best possible success you can’t avoid writing high quality content. However you can be strategic in where and how to write. The strategy for writing effective content is always medium specific. You will save lots of time if you pick a medium that suits your writing style. For example, Linkedin suits me and there is a formula for what type of posts resonate there: no links, personal touch, concrete findings, catchy start, and call to action for inviting comments. You should always tailor your writing style to fit the medium.

When you have the baseline content strategy working for you, you can turn to other tricks that will help you boost your network faster. Most of these are based on automating your social media behavior. With tools like Dux-Soup or Phantombuster you can e.g. automatically invite people to your networks, visit profiles, send messages etc. When automating you should do your homework with prospecting, so that your lists represent your target audience and you know how to reach them with targeted messages that sound genuine. You can use different creative tricks to build hyper targeted lists like e.g. scraping your competitors’ followers. The same automation tools will work here to automate lots of the work, but some manual work is always required to build high quality prospecting lists.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Jared Floyd

Title: Founder

Company: Ajax Creative

Linkedin:

The most successful people in life are the ones who take action, not wait for good luck to find them. To grow your network, you need to be proactive and put yourself out there. It’s not enough to just hope people will find you. You need to make sure that your network is growing by reaching out to people who are relevant to your field. You have to take the initiative to connect with new people and make friends with them. There are many ways in which you can go about this. You can go on a networking event or two, join a club or two, or even just start talking with people at work during your coffee break. The more proactive you are about it, the more likely you are to succeed in building a strong network of connections.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Aaron Rice

Title: Expert Dog Trainer

Company: Stayyy

Linkedin:

Networking is one of the most powerful tools that you can use to grow your business. It’s a skill that will help you in every area of your life. Networking isn’t just about showing up to events and hoping for the best. Networking is about meeting people, understanding their needs and goals, and then finding ways to make introductions on their behalf or help them achieve their goals. You should also focus on building relationships with people who are already connected with each other; this will give you access to more resources and opportunities than if you were networking alone. It’s also important to understand the different types of networking events so that you can choose which ones work best for your goals.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Jensen Lee

Title: Founder

Company: bidetsPLUS

Linkedin:

Networking is not just about attending networking events. It also includes building relationships with people in your industry, as well as meeting new contacts and getting to know them better. Networking events are a great way to meet new people and have conversations with them. They are also a great way to find out about job openings, connect with potential partners, and expand your knowledge of the industry. The most important thing when attending networking events is to be prepared for it.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Vance Tran

Title: Co-founder

Company: Pointerclicker

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tran-huu-van-4b78a277/

In my opinion, connecting with individuals from numerous industries is a fantastic approach to building a diverse network. People in powerful positions within the same industry frequently engage in rivalry and confrontational behavior, hoping to build a network there but often experiencing a setback. Making contacts outside of the industry can give an edge, even though making friends with rivals is crucial to doing business. Having a few friendly faces from miscellaneous industries will be quite helpful when one desperately needs numerous favors to sustain the good fortunes of one’s company.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Ryan Stewman

Title: Founder and CEO

Company: Hardcore Closer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanstewman/

Even at my level, I have 2 paid mentors. I pay one of them to mentor me mentally and spiritually, and the other to mentor me in business. Yesterday I spoke with both of them. It was my monthly zoom with each of them.

One at 9am the other at 2pm. The 9am was all business. We put together a plan to make an extra $600k in the next few days, switching things up. After I got off the phone I closed an extra $300k IN ONE DAY! It’s not a record but his strategy and my action made it happen.

That afternoon my other mentor gave me the biggest secret to marriage anyone has ever said. He simply said HONOR > LOVE It’s easy to say or show you love someone, especially your spouse. But what’s greater than love is HONOR. Sure you love your spouse, but do you honor her?

I immediately knew I needed to step up and that there is a whole new level to marriage and relationships in general. This is why I pay a massive amount of money each month to be mentored, and have for almost 2 decades now long before I had a lot of money. The information I’ve received and implemented over the years is what makes Apex (my own mastermind) so unique. I’m able to collapse a decade in a day for our members.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Jonathan Merry

Title: Vice President & Co-Founder

Company: Bankless Times

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-merry/?originalSubdomain=uk

Plugging in to Online Communities; I have purposed to stay connected to professionals within my community through being part of online communities. I am also participating in all the activities that happen there including contributing to helpful discussions that keep other people empowered. At first, this was not easy given my busy schedule but after I became aware of how necessary networking is, I put in intentional effort to ensure that I am activities in those online spaces. I have been able to spot great talents needed in my company and also connect with other business leaders that we share insights on how to run our businesses.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Dr. Staci Holweger

Title: Co-Founder @ Life Patches

Company: Life Patches

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-staci-holweger

1. Consult with loved ones and friends

Don’t discount your friends and family as a networking resource just because you
don’t want to work with them. There might be persons in their network with whom you
wouldn’t normally be able to make contact. So don’t be timid and seize this once-in-a-lifetime
chance.

2. Go to networking occasions

You may meet important people and network with business leaders both online and in
person at networking events. At one of these events, you might also meet a potential
hiring manager or possibly your future mentor.

3. Get Social

Even if social networking isn’t your thing, it might be one of the simplest methods
to expand your network of contacts in the business world. Of course, LinkedIn is
the top professional social media site.

For many reasons, it’s crucial to have a completely optimised LinkedIn profile, but
this is just one aspect of your overall networking strategy. Join select LinkedIn
groups and participate in discussions with consideration. Giving sound advice establishes
your worth as a network member to the other group members. That relationship may
eventually be advantageous to both of you.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Kamil Kowalski

Title: President

Company: LimakWay Remodeling

Linkedin:

There are many things that you can do to strategically grow your network. One of the most important things that you can do is to identify who the people in your network are and what they do. This will help you in identifying how they fit into your goals and what they can offer you. One of the most powerful ways to grow your network is by building relationships with people who have similar interests as you. These people may not be in an industry or company that you work for but it is still important to build these relationships with them because they might be able to provide insight into what’s happening within their industry or company.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Sameed Alam

Title: Founder

Company: Softmany

Linkedin: Nil

Volunteering gives you the cause you believe in. It is the unique way to grow your network.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Ryan Bolling

Title: Behavior Analyst & CEO

Company: Bolling Behavioral Consulting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bolling-32295411/

There are a few key things that I believe have contributed to my success in building my network:

1) Being genuinely interested in others and their stories. When you take a genuine interest in others, they are more likely to be interested in you. People can spot a fake from a mile away, so don’t try to be someone you’re not.

2) Finding common ground. When you can find something that you have in common with someone, it makes it much easier to connect with them. Whether it’s a shared interest, background, or values, finding common ground is a great way to build rapport and create a connection.

3) Adding value. One of the best ways to endear yourself to others is to be of value to them. If you can find ways to help others or make their lives easier, they will remember and appreciate you for it.

4) Being authentic. People can spot inauthenticity from a mile away, so it’s important to be genuine in your interactions with others. Be yourself, and don’t try to act like someone you’re not.

5) Following up. After meeting someone, it’s important to follow up with them and stay in touch. A quick email or phone call goes a long way in maintaining relationships.

Building a strong network takes time, effort, and authenticity. If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to growing a powerful network of your own.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Kathleeen Ahmmed

Title: Co-founder

Company: USCarJunker

Linkedin: N/A

While it can often seem to be counterintuitive to network with our competitors, I make it a habit to get to know some of our local rivals, in order to see if there could be an opportunity for us to be mutually beneficial to each other. For instance, this usually means reaching out to some of them with the intention of opening up a new market segment that either one of us may not be able to access alone at the same cost or in the same timeframe. This, in turn, allows me to steadily and consistently grow my professional business network by building solid relationships with other business owners that not only allow us to solidify each other’s strengths, but also learn from each other over the long run. Plus, it is through these strategic partnerships that I have been able to establish brand credibility for my business more effectively than through traditional marketing strategies.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Michael Hess

Title: eCommerce Strategy Lead

Company: Code Signing Store

Linkedin: N/A

Engage in networking and become a bridge.

What I think is that An indirect benefit from networking might be just as valuable as a direct one. An efficient and meaningful introduction occurs when two or more persons can help one another meet. It’s easier to connect with more individuals, and those relationships can lead anywhere.

Do not forget to reconnect.

It is my firm belief that Numerous people, including myself, have had long-lost acquaintances get in touch with me out of the blue. After all, if they haven’t made an effort to keep things going, you might not feel like going out of your way for them. Keep in touch with the people you’ve determined to be valuable additions to your network. Follow-ups and quick checks are often more appreciated by the other party than you might think.

Make use of social media.

As far as I’m aware, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as LinkedIn, can help you make meaningful personal connections with people in your field. One way to meet new people on LinkedIn is through introductions made by your existing network. LinkedIn can also be used as a database of professionals in your field.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

EDWARD EDWARD MELLET

Title: Director

Company: WikiJob

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/edwardmellett

Building a network of professionals is essential.

What I think is to Create a database of professional contacts to keep track of the names, emails, phone numbers, and other contact details of people you’ve encountered in the workplace. They could be current or former superiors, coworkers, or even customers of your company or one of its partners. If you need to get in touch with a certain person for professional guidance, a job reference, or an introduction, creating one of these databases could prove useful. If a contact of yours knows a certain expert you’d like to meet, for instance, you can streamline the introduction process by using that person’s contact details.

Listen to the correct people.

Going to as many networking events as possible and giving out as many business cards as possible isn’t, in my opinion, the key to successful networking. It’s not about chatting with as many strangers as possible in the hopes of finding a compatible partner. Consider shifting your focus to those who can truly make a difference in your professional life. Keep in mind another important goal: remembering their names.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Amy Feind Reeves

Title: Career Coach and Author

Company: Job Coach Amy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyfeindreeves

There comes a point in your career when networking is about quality and not quantity. If you can have a genuine discussion with someone about both the strategic and tactical decisions you have made in your life, and why, you can get a handle on what type of person they are and whether you want to include them in your network, and if you are interested in being a part of yours. Here are a few avenues for opening to genuine connections:

Your kids’ schools: Ask any mid-to-high-level manager how often they have leveraged the parent network at their kids’ school and the percentage rate of “at least once” will be very high. Why? Because if you are sharing experiences and decisions about your most precious personal assets, you are likely to be on the same page about your professional experiences and decisions.

Your schools: Most business schools will be honest about the fact that one of the most valuable commodities they provide their alumni is a good sense of who amongst their classmates they can and cannot trust, and how to take those evaluation skills with them into their careers. What classmates, whatever your schooling, did you trust? Why not reach out?

Your former colleagues: Many people forget that former colleagues can be an excellent resource as they often stay in the same or related fields, know you and your work, and are often very open to keeping ties. LinkedIn is a great way to renew a connection but add a personal touch. If it feels like you are fishing for followers, you are unlikely to get a response.

Join an industry or professional group and start a discussion forum on an issue you care about or publish an opinion paper: LinkedIn has dis-intermediated all the roadblocks associated with finding a group of people who do what you do and care about it. You can find them by establishing yourself as a leader or advocate on a specific issue. Build it and they will come. Develop enough interest and you can host a live chat or Twitter feed and DM people to share personal information and follow-ups.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Gerrid Smith

Title: Founder & CEO

Company: Joy Organics

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrid-smith-1259622/

Participate in Social Activities

Even if you’re not like social media, I think it’s a great way to meet new people and expand your professional circle. Without a doubt, LinkedIn is the most useful social media site for professionals. That’s what I think, anyway. There are many benefits to having a well-developed LinkedIn profile, but it should not be the exclusive focus of your networking activities. I encourage you to join some relevant LinkedIn groups and to participate in the debates there with some level of consideration. Sharing your expertise shows that you’re someone the other people in the group would want to have in their social circle. In the long run, you could both gain from maintaining that connection.

Make Contact With Your Old School’s Alumni Organization

In my opinion, Your alumni association is a terrific and frequently misused tool for advancing one’s career. To begin with, alumni groups frequently arrange social gatherings for their participants. These could be geared toward a particular industry, or they could be more open-ended. But even outside of networking-specific events, meeting up with fellow alums is a great way to strike up a conversation that could lead to lasting professional ties.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Cooper Cooper

Title: Content Manager & Planner

Company: LUCAS PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-the-linkbuilder/

Acquire membership in relevant organizations

As far as I am aware, there are groups in various fields where working professionals can connect and build professional networks. As a result, it’s easier for people to work together and share ideas, and it can even help workers at rival companies get along. Members of such groups frequently share identical interests and duties since their companies provide products or services within the same market. As a result, such groups have many opportunities for professional development and advancement.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Thomas Wright

Title: Owner/CFO

Company: The Lipo Group

Linkedin:

I think it is important to build a network of people who can help you in your career and business. It would be beneficial for you to have connections in different industries and with people who are at different levels in their careers. In order for this to work, you need to be proactive about building your network and making sure that you are staying connected with the people in your network on a regular basis. For example, you could reach out to people with similar interests and ask them if they are willing to be introduced to someone with a different background. Or you could volunteer at an event where you will meet new people.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Nely Mark

Title: SEO Specialist

Company: UNAGI Scooters

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nely-mihaylova/

Go to conferences and conventions.

Conventions and conferences are held frequently throughout the year, giving professionals in the same field the chance to hear presentations, network, and take part in other events. Collaborations and joint ventures between groups can emerge as a result. Each year, scientists may gather in a large city for an atmospheric science conference to present their lab results and debate pressing issues in the field. At this conference, a scientist might meet someone whose work is related to their own, and the two might go on to discuss their study and possibly work together after the event ends.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

James Limbrit

Title: Co-Founder

Company: Yes Assistant, LLC

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-limbrit-7202461b4/

HOW TO STRATEGICALLY GROW YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORK

When it comes to success, networking is one of the most important factors. If you want to make money, then you need a network of contacts that can help you grow your business.

I am not saying that networking is the only way to become successful; I’m saying that it’s one of the best ways.

The best way to think about it is this: if you want to be successful at anything, then you need a network of people who will help you get there. And if you don’t have those people in your network, then no matter how hard you work, they won’t help you succeed.

There are lots of ways to build a network – you can use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook or email lists that are specifically designed for business professionals, but one critical thing is having a strong personal brand. When people meet someone new and they hear them talk about themselves, they’re going to remember who they heard from more than what they heard about their product or service.

So, make sure that when people meet you for the first time, they know exactly who they’re talking with!

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Steve Hruby

Title: Co-Founder/ Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)

Company: Superhumn

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/steve-hruby-375299163

HOW TO GROW YOUR NETWORK

Networking is a key to success. The fact that the wealthiest individuals agree that your net worth is proportional to your network shows just how important it can be.

I’ve been able to grow my network by working with friends and family, as well as by attending events where I know other people are going to be, like conferences and business expos.

I also use social media as a way to build relationships with people in my industry. For example, I like to follow other bloggers who write about similar topics as me so I can learn more about their businesses and get tips on how they make money online.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Randy VanderVaate

Title: CEO and Founder

Company: Funeral Funds of America

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyvandervaate

Mastermind groups are a great way for business owners to network and learn from each other.

I joined a mastermind group when I started my insurance agency, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The group helped me to grow my business by providing support, advice, and networking opportunities. We met regularly to discuss our businesses and challenges, and we were able to help each other overcome challenges and achieve our goals.

Additionally, being part of a mastermind group gave me access to a network of other successful business owners who were able to provide valuable advice and introductions. This was essential in helping me grow my business. I highly recommend joining a mastermind group for any business owner wanting to grow their business network.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Liam Wilson

Title: Editor-In-Chief

Company: Lottery ‘n Go

Linkedin: https://lotteryngo.com/author/liam-wilson/

Client retention is an essential part of our networking strategy because it builds long-term connections with trust and value shared between us and our clients. Implementing a client feedback loop, in addition to a consistently high level of value and excellent overall experience, is an effective strategy that encourages clients to network our services to their external communities.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Brian Hong

Title: CEO/Owner

Company: Big Easy SEO

Linkedin: https://www.facebook.com/BigEasySEO

Our business contributes to the expansion of our network by providing a wide variety of services to several markets. For instance, while our main goal is to meet the demands of online marketers, we also offer specialist SEO services to law firms and restaurants to assist them in creating better strategies for marketing their niche.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Chel Gacrama

Title: Content Editor

Company: Castnoble

Linkedin: https://castnoble.com/

We make use of our personal connections to market our expertise. We respect the contacts we have and turn to them when the business requires low-cost and frequently free marketing before we make an attempt to build internal relationships with business partners, which typically cost negotiation agreements and other compensation. External relationships also benefit from our services at the most affordable cost or free of charge in exchange.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Dave Sayce

Title: CEO

Company: Compare My Move

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compare-my-move

When it comes to growing my network, my company is doing this through active outreach. Our sales team continuously reach out to companies to ask if they’re interested in working with us and becoming partners. It’s been a successful technique since the business began.

While we previously only focused on removal companies, we have now expanded to storage companies, conveyancers, and surveyors. This emphasises how we are strategically growing our network though outreach.

In addition to this, we use LinkedIn to reach new customers and partners. We attend in person shows which allows us to network with other companies and potential partners. These strategies have been hugely successful in allowing the company to grow and expand each year.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Jen Stark

Title: Founder

Company: Happy DIY Home

Linkedin: N/A

I am always looking for ways to strategically grow my network. As a gardener and home improvement expert, I am always seeking out new contacts in the industry who can provide me with valuable information and insights. Writing a blog and being active on social media are also great ways to connect with new people and grow my network. In fact, my readership has grown significantly over the past year, thanks in part to my online presence. I am also always looking for new opportunities to speak or write about my experiences in the industry, as this allows me to reach a wider audience and grow my network even further.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Blima Ehrentreu

Title: Founder and CEO

Company: The Designers Group

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blimaehrentreu

Innovation and adaptability are the keys to success –

When another designer in Toronto approached me about starting a design firm, I never dreamed of what we would build together. What began as a two-women company in Toronto flourished into an international design firm. Initially exclusively in Canada, we are now headquartered in New York and have offices in Miami and Toronto. We pride ourselves on our broad range of projects and our team’s expertise. We have experience working on the interiors of both residential and commercial properties, and our portfolio includes workplace, hospitality, retail, and healthcare projects.
Every project comes with unique constraints and limitations, and we use those factors to
determine how to develop the project best. The issues challenge the design, resulting in an even better outcome.
I believe that we can learn from every industry and bring different facets from different sectors into the spaces that we’re working on. Bringing the best parts of different sectors into others and making them all work together helps us create original and innovative spaces. I believe that adaptability, innovation, and inspiration are super important in any industry, but in the design world, they are crucial.

Promoting inclusive work culture and providing mentorship –

As an MWBE owner in the commercial real estate industry, I knew I had to build a brand that required acceptance and respect, especially in such a male-dominated industry. I made it my mission to build a team of diverse backgrounds and cultures and sought out passionate, adaptable, and, most importantly, ambitious individuals. This formula has allowed me to create a brand name in the industry.
Our multi-cultural team brings diversity and inclusion to all our work and projects. At The Designers Group, the designers take the lead on the projects that excite them. As cliche as it may sound, we all learn and grow from our mistakes; from senior designers to interns, my team knows I have complete faith in them. Everybody brings their own unique skill set to form an unbeatable team that can take on any challenge. I believe it is essential to cultivate a culture of positivity and growth and surrounding yourself with a team like that will drive change and be the ultimate answer to success.
Community is a core value at TDG, and we love sharing our talents! The Designers Group introduced TDG Insider, an innovative internship initiative that immerses young, aspiring designers into the field through a thoughtfully-curated shadowing program and provides an opportunity for students, artists, and those curious about the design industry to get facetime with industry professionals. We are proud to prepare emerging interior designers for their work in the field. As a certified MWBE (Minority / Women-owned Business Enterprise), The Designers Group is dedicated to uplifting members of their community and launching initiatives that help to grow a network of upcoming designers.

Our philosophy of giving back to the community –

My passion for design, community service, empowering aspiring designers and supporting women in the CRE industry has helped us grow the firm in various ways that elevated our reach to new levels. I believe that design has a purpose and the power to perform a greater good. To strengthen our philosophy, we have also launched several programs to support the brand’s impact-driven ethos, including; TDG Gives Back, a pro-bono offering that provides design services to non-profits and charities, TDG Furniture Exchange, a unique philanthropic program that matches people who are in need of furniture with those who have furniture to give away.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Lynne Martin

Title: Owner, member, CTO

Company: Real estate investment company.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-spinelli-itsm-consultant/

To be successful as an entrepreneur, you need to have a powerful network. The likes of Warren Buffet, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos attribute part of their success to their powerful networks. In fact, these individuals agree that your net worth is proportional to your network. It couldn’t be any truer.
Networking is vital to the success of any entrepreneur or business professional. Building a business is herculean, but establishing a strong network will open doors of opportunities. It can be the difference between a successful venture and a failed one. Many companies and entrepreneurs wouldn’t have made it big today if they hadn’t involved people into their ventures.
You may ask, “what can a strong network provide for you?” It will provide you with advice that will guide you to make better business decisions, additional capital to grow your business, more clients, and support. By support, we mean helping you through any difficulty you may encounter, whether health or psychological.
Strategies to Growing Your Network
90% of successful entrepreneurs used these strategies to grow their network when starting out. Below are six of them.

*Meet People*

There are people everywhere – you just need to find the right kind of people that will connect with you. Where do you find these people? You can find them in online or in-person networking events. These events can help you to meet industry players and other important business people that will propel your career to the next level. You can also start by talking to family and friends, searching for those that share your alma mater, etc.

*Go Social*

The world is a global place, thanks to social media. It might not be your thing, but it’s one of the easiest ways to grow your network. The best site to get social is LinkedIn. With a fully optimized profile, you can connect with different people that share similar interests.

*Connect with Your Former Coworkers*

This may be a bit awkward to some people, but connecting with your former coworkers is one of the best strategies to growing your network. If you left your previous position on good terms, there’s no harm in trying to catch up on old times. You may never know who could sit on the board with you or invest in your business.

*Join Professional Organizations*

A lot of professional organizations are out there. You don’t need to join all, but join as many as possible provided they are related to your field. These associations could be online or offline. Whichever you join will be absolutely worth it in the long run.

*Pitch Your Ideas*

It’s not about meeting new people – what do you have to say to them? How do you convince them that your business is the real deal? You need to be ready to describe your business and its vision concisely and succinctly. Prepare several versions of your pitch with different time lengths, depending on where you will pitch your business. Practice pitching often because you may never know when an opportunity presents itself. Most importantly, lead with confidence when pitching your business ideas.

*Take Your Business Cards Along*

This is a follow up to point number 5. Potential business partners and associates may be interested in what you pitched and would like to contact you at a more comfortable time. This is where business cards come in. Where appropriate, don’t be shy to ask others for their business cards as well. That way, you can follow up and strengthen the relationship.

*Tips to Growing Your Network*

*Dedicate Time and Effort to Preserve the Relationship*

Networking isn’t about gaining and dumping – you need to make conscious efforts to maintain it if you wish to. Establishing a connection on its own is hard, but maintaining it is even harder. You don’t want your business associates leaving you for another. You can call to ask how they are doing, sending holiday cards, attending events they are hosting, meeting them periodically at a coffee shop or restaurants.

*Keep Learning*

Learning never stops. Being open to knowing more will help you to connect with more intelligent and experienced people. The desire to learn isn’t for self-improvement – it can grow your career beyond immeasurable lengths. Explore other industries different from yours, and give yourself the opportunity to learn and connect with others.

*Share! Share!! Share!!!*

Growing your network requires giving more than taking sometimes, but don’t be discouraged by it. Share your knowledge and helpful resources with people, and in return, you will gain from their experiences. It’s a two-way thing.
With these strategies and tips, you can grow and preserve your network. I hope these are the answers you are looking for.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Jacob Villa

Title: Co-founder and marketing director

Company: Authority

Linkedin: –

I explore outside my comfort zone.

Building a successful professional network is crucial to succeeding in today’s competitive business world. Creating and preserving relationships that add value to your brand or business is a result of hard work and purposeful interactions with the right people.

To professionally grow my network, I explored outside my comfort zone. I expanded my network outside my bubble and dipped my toes in fields I don’t typically do business with. By doing this, I could connect with a new set of people and broaden my contacts. When reaching out to make connections, remember to invest your time because enduring relationships take time to build.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Deepanshu Bedi

Title: Marketing director

Company: Holistapet

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepanshu-bedi/

Get involved in committee work and mentorship.

Your professional network is your business contact book. It does not go from nothing to something just by sitting around and waiting for other entrepreneurs to reach out and connect with you. Little by little, entrepreneurs should grow their network and bridge themselves to others to create connections that will benefit all parties involved.

Strategies for growing my network that personally worked for me include committee work and mentorship. Committee work can go anywhere from volunteering in events to signing up for board membership. Not only do these glorify your resume, they also provide networking opportunities with like-minded people. These people typically have successful businesses themselves and spend their spare time forging relationships and further promoting the business.

Mentoring someone has also worked greatly to widen my professional connections. By carefully choosing and teaching an entrepreneur the tricks of the trade and how to start out, you build long-lasting relationships with someone with big potential. in the future. In the long run, the mentee may be able to pay it forward by linking you to his/her connections.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Alex Wang

Title: CEO

Company: Ember Fund

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-w-2447b716/

I strategically grow my network by connecting with others that I share similar interests and ambitions with to build innovative solutions. Networking is one tried and true method to find quality advisors and leaders while building a business. I’m fairly diligent in my search and don’t settle for anything less than high character people with refined skills and experience. I prioritize connecting with other leaders and business owners in my industry who can point me in the direction of qualified professionals. Oftentimes, these connections have specific people in mind to recommend. On some occasions, if they’re intrigued enough with my business plan, they may even show interest in joining my team in some capacity.

Growing my network is a fruitful process that has led me to brilliant minds. With a purposeful search, and a clear explanation of your vision, there are people out there who want to help—I’ve come to realize it’s just a matter of asking.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Christopher Liew

Title: Creator of Wealth Awesome

Company: Wealth Awesome

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-liew/

Collaborating With Content Creators to Increase Brand Reputation

In today’s digital business landscape, content marketing has helped various brands to leverage their business and gain more visibility. In fact, around 72% of marketers say that it helps boost their engagement. One of the effective ways I did to strategically grow my network is by way of reaching out to established content creators and pitching articles or content relevant to their blogs. This way, I can promote my website to their followers, thus further increasing the conversion rate of my own website.

Widen Website Exposure Through Guest Blogging

Writing a guest post helps entrepreneurs like me to promote my brand and increase my credibility as a content creator. Guest blogs are beneficial to the author and the site where it was posted. I consider guest blogging a powerful move to build links, drive website traffic, and engage with my prospective audience. This, in turn, helps me grow my network across my field and industry.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Logan Mallory

Title: VP

Company: Motivosity

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganmallory/

Make connections outside of your industry. The bigger and broader your network is, the better. This means expanding your circle beyond your industry and networking with people across various professions. This can help you gain new business perspectives as well as open up new horizons. It’s also just a great way to meet more people with similar interests as you and build deeper connections. Try attending events with a topic or speaker who interests you even if you aren’t the intended audience or find interest groups to join to start stepping outside of your industry bubble.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Claire Bahn

Title: CEO/Founder

Company: Claire Bahn Group

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairebahn/

Become A Podcast Thought Leader

The key to growing a successful and supportive network is to actively and authentically promote why you do what you do. People who have similar “whys” will become loyal to you and your brand through that connection. They will be the people who share your content and reach out to comment on your latest accomplishments. One way that I find and connect with these people is through podcasting. This platform is a wonderful way to make meaningful connections with fellow professionals, where I get to share advice to help the audience as well as the time to fully express why I am passionate about my message. Building my community this way has been mutually beneficial and helps me to reach audiences with interests in my area of expertise.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Luke Fitzpatrick

Title: Marketing Officer

Company: drsono.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukejfitzpatrick/

Networking has been key to my success in business. I’ve met some amazing people through networking events and have been able to form valuable relationships that have helped me get ahead in my career.

For example, I once attended a networking event where I met the CEO of a large company. We hit it off and he eventually gave me a job at his company. Without that opportunity, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

So, if you’re looking to make connections and advance your career, start attending more networking events! You never know who you’ll meet and what opportunities will come your way.

#What are you doing to strategically grow your network?

There are a few things I do to strategically grow my network. First, I attend events and meetups related to my industry or interests. This allows me to meet new people and make connections. Second, I reach out to people I admire and ask for introductions. This helps me get connected with people who can help me advance my career or business. Finally, I join online groups and communities where I can connect with like-minded people. This allows me to build relationships with potential collaborators and mentors.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

George Harrison

Title: Marketing Director

Company: pkgmaker.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-george-78b71b243/

I’ve had a lot of success with networking. I’ve been able to land my current job thanks to networking.

One thing I’ve learned is that it’s important to be genuine and authentic when you meet new people. You also need to be willing to help others out, because they’ll likely be willing to help you out in return.

Another thing that’s helped me is to make a list of everyone I know, and then think about how I could help them out. For instance, I might know someone who needs a job, so I might refer them to my contacts who are hiring. Or if I know someone who’s struggling with a problem, I might offer them advice or introduce them to someone who could help them.

In short, I’ve found that being helpful and networking are two of the best things you can do to grow your business. The college has helped me in this respect, as it’s exposed me to a lot of different people and ideas.

There are a few key things that you can do to strategically grow your network:

1) Join relevant groups and forums online related to your industry or niche. This is a great way to meet new people and learn from others in your field.

2) Attend industry events and tradeshows where you can meet potential clients and partners.

3) Get involved with volunteer work or networking groups in your area. This is a great way to make connections with people who may be able to help you advance your career.

4) Stay active on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, and join relevant groups and discussions. This will help you build relationships with other professionals online.

——————————————————————————————————————————————