{"id":771,"date":"2021-11-03T07:50:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-03T13:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.connect4commerce.ca\/resources\/?p=771"},"modified":"2021-11-02T15:57:35","modified_gmt":"2021-11-02T21:57:35","slug":"the-power-of-business-networking-for-small-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.connect4commerce.ca\/resources\/business-news\/the-power-of-business-networking-for-small-business\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Business Networking for Small Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How to Effectively Build Your Business Social Network<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

by Bruce Tannas<\/a><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

For a long time, when I\u2019d think of business networking, I would think of that guy who walks around an event handing out his business card giving his spiel. I thought that was the way you did networking with each of you exchanging cards and giving their respective spiels. If they had something you needed, you\u2019d keep the card otherwise it would go to file 13. But over the years I\u2019ve learned the most effective business networking doesn\u2019t work like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, I\u2019ve learned that that it is useful to think of business networking as an activity that builds your business social network. In other words, making business friends. Its a different mentality than the \u201ceat what you kill attitude\u201d that some people have when they are networking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you view networking as a means of building your business social network the pressure to reap immediate rewards goes away. That\u2019s because building a business social network is not a one and done activity, but a process of learning about the people in your business network and building relationships with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Power of a Business Social Network<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Unlike a network of pure friends that you socialize with, a business social network are friends that you make for a business purpose (though some may also become your social friends as well). These friends become people that you can help with referrals, advice, or just listening to them about their business and their challenges. In turn, they can reciprocate with help for you in your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because you\u2019re building a relationship, these business friendships become deeper than the transactional relationships that traditional networking brings. When you genuinely want to help your business friends succeed, then they too will care more about your success. Therefore, building a business social network is more powerful than traditional networking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building a Business Social Network<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Building a business social network is something you should work on throughout your career. Having said that, its never to late to start. You need to regularly get out and meet businesspeople at learning opportunities, professional events, and other networking opportunities such as online forums and events (see below for some suggestions) in order to grow your network. By putting yourself out there on a regular basis, you increase the chances of growing your network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re an introvert or are a hesitant networker this Forbes article<\/a> has some good advice for you.\u00a0 For the rest of us, here are a few tips to help you get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identify Conversational Icebreakers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An article in Zen Business<\/strong><\/a> suggests that if you want to overcome initial awkwardness and make a good first impression, consider opening with a compliment or ask a question. That gives contacts the chance to talk about themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Establish Common Ground<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to an article by National Business Capital<\/a>, in order to turn somebody you\u2019ve met into a true connection, you must find a common ground. This common ground is essential in helping you to establish a long-term rapport with them. It can both strengthen your relationship and help the connection to remember you among a sea of faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Give<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Often before you can request anything from your network, it\u2019s important to play your cards right by demonstrating that you\u2019re also willing to give. Being there for them can be providing a referral, introducing them to someone else at the event, or providing some valuable information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a Reason to Follow-Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Making connections is only half the battle; you should also take steps to keep the relationship going. You can follow-up a new introduction with an invitation to coffee or a zoom meeting. Other ways include sending a LinkedIn request and sending a friendly note or celebrating their business milestones through the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Ask for What You Want<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have begun to create a relationship, then it is fair to ask for assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canadian business network opportunities<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few suggestions for where to network:<\/p>\n\n\n\n