So you have a business and now you’re ready to build it up. Where do you start? Well, you’re going to want people to first know about your business. One of the best places to start is by building your network! A network is a group or system of interconnected people or things. As I’m sure you’re picking up on, having and utilizing that network is a necessity for your business to thrive.

Personal vs. Business Network

It’s safe to say that you probably already have a personal network. This looks like your inner circle of friends and family. This is a great start of who to bring into your business network. The reality is that they probably already have some sort of idea about your business. Personal networks are highly clustered. Each cluster can receive information, thus expanding your network. Think about it, the people in your immediate network also have outside friends that you may not know, but they know them and the circle just keeps expanding. Someone knows someone who knows someone, essentially. Through word of mouth and networking, word about your business can spread quickly. With that being said, it is important to keep a good rapport. This also will increase your network, because when people have a positive experience, they are more likely to share about it. On the other hand, when people have a negative experience, that information will spread like wildfire. Creating a narrative that also has positive incentives for those joining your network, can increase the likelihood of people joining your network. People are less likely to engage when it looks like your business is the only one that is “winning” in that situation.

Type of Networks

Now that you know your network and who is in it, determine what type of network it is. By determining this, you can feed into their needs. This makes your business more appealing and versatile. Sharing information about your business to the right people can be a key factor in creating a successful business. Don’t be afraid to create new networks as well. A great way to dive deep into this is to introduce yourself to people. It may seem like a simple task, but it can really aid in creating new networks of people. A key thing to remember in networking is that relationships matter. Once a relationship and trust is established, you are creating a relationship that will ensure that they are likely to support and affirm you in your business. 

Another Great Resource In The 21st Century

Social media is a great resource to expand your network. Using social media allows for you to expand your network and reach new people through the internet. Also, having a presence on multiple social media platforms increases the probability that your business is reaching other, new people to add to your network. We suggest looking into relevant and local LinkedIn groups, as well as, relevant and local Facebook Groups.

Local Networking

Beyond just social, you can also tap into your local Chamber(s) and networking groups. These outlets are both beneficial and necessary for your business! Not only do they get your business out, but they connect you with other local businesses that may benefit you.

Get Started

We’ve emphasized the importance of networking, now it’s time to get started! If you’re new to networking, new to your community, new to putting yourself and your business out there, Converge is here to help! Through our personal and business leadership coaching, we want to help set you up for success!