Business Networking is a really valuable way to expand your knowledge, learn from the success of others, attain new clients and tell others about your business. Here are benefits that you could enjoy by expanding networking activity.
1. Generation of referrals/Increased business
This is probably the most obvious benefit and the reason most business owners decide to participate in networking activities and join networking groups. Referrals that you get through networking are normally high quality and most of the time are even pre-qualified for you. You can then follow up on these referrals/leads and turn them into clients. You get much higher quality leads from networking than other forms of marketing.
2. Opportunities
There are always lots of opportunities that come from networking. Opportunities like joint ventures, client leads, partnerships, speaking and writing opportunities, business or asset sales… the list goes on, and the opportunities within networking are really endless.
The opportunities that you get involved in should align with your business goals/vision, otherwise you might find that you are spinning your wheels chasing after opportunity after opportunity and getting nowhere.
3. Connections
“It’s not WHAT you know, but WHO you know”. If you want a really successful business, then you need to have a great source of relevant connections in your network that you can call on when you need them. Networking provides you with a great source of connections, and really opens the door to talk to highly influential people that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to easily talk to or find.
In addition that person will have a network you can tap into as well.
4. Advice
Networking is a great way to tap into advice and expertise that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to find. Just make sure you are getting solid advice from the right person – someone that actually knows about what you need to know and is not just giving you their opinion on something that they have no experience in.
5. Raising your profile
Being visible and getting noticed is a big benefit of networking. Make sure you regularly attend business and social events that will help to get your face known. You can then help to build your reputation as a knowledgeable, reliable and supportive person by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.
Look for groups to join that can expand your knowledge base and your business. Take no opportunity to network lightly – strive for excellence.
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