Business Networking: A Powerful Sales & Marketing Tool

Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 at 04:24 am

As a business owner, staying ahead of your competitors is what makes your business stand out. There are various ways in which you can make your business successful. The most important factor to consider is networking. This can be especially important for your personal development and business growth.

But what is networking? and how can it help your business? no matter how you look at it, there are benefits to be had from networking if done correctly! In this article, we’ll discuss the understanding of networking and tips on how to create a successful business through networking ways.

What is Business Networking?

Networking is an important step in marketing your business. It’s more than just meaningless conversations at work events on the weeknight. Networking gives you the opportunity to meet new people, maintain relationships with old ones, and learn about other businesses and their practices.

To be more defined, networking can vary depending on who you ask, some say it’s a process that leads to success while others say it’s just socializing for the sake of socializing.

Networking, how can it help your business?

Networking can be one of the best marketing you can do for yourself and the business, although it can be tricky if you’re not sure how you are planning on networking. Networking is great for sharing ideas and knowledge, asking for feedback or discussing different points of view, this will help you see from another perspective and expand your knowledge as well as building relationships.

In order to be successful when networking, you need a plan beforehand, and that doesn’t mean just printing out business cards. In this age of technology, it’s easy to research your competition. You need to get a solid grasp on your potential customers, they need to know you and what you have to offer.

Networking events are a valuable resource for finding business partners as well as clients and it can be incredibly helpful when trying to start your own company or expand an existing one. Building relationships through networking can lead to ongoing profitable business opportunities which in return can add value to your business.

How to network effectively

Walking away feeling like you have succeeded is the whole point in attending these networking events. Ask yourself, what does the definition of success mean to you?

It’s all about being confident in yourself and the business you have. Simple things like shaking hands firmly, introducing yourself and your business potentially, maintaining eye contact, and letting the other person introduce themselves as well as what their business is about and lastly giving value and stay connected within the conversation. Think of it like this,  someone introduces themselves to you, you have less than thirty seconds to sell yourself, in such a way that they want to know more about you and what your business has to offer and how it will benefit them.

Whether the event is big or small, who you spend time talking to is important. You may not have time to connect with everyone at the event, this is where prior research comes in, finding the businesses that align with yours and who you think you would benefit more from with an ongoing partnership.

At the end of the day, there is added value in making friends and potential partnerships at these events, these are people who are in the same shoes as you within the industry, they all have specific insight that only business owners understand, utilize that to gain the knowledge to best build your business structure, even one connection can go a long way in the industry.

There are multiple challenges that you will face on your journey, it’s how you react and respond that will reflect on your personal growth and success. You will walk away having a better understanding of how other businesses operate, and how they get through the day, giving you much-needed perspective and drive to push yourself and the success of your business.

Keep in mind at these events within the groups you are connecting with, there will be those who have already been where you are. The more you put yourself out there in the industry, the wider your opportunities for networking will expand.

As an entrepreneur/business owner starting out there are a lot of factors to consider. These tips are your sales and marketing tools on a personal level of success. If you require more knowledge on where your business is within the market or how to add value to your business. Contact us so we can assign one of our highly qualified and experienced independent property valuers to you.

Our valuers conduct an extensive valuation of the business with any external factors that may be affecting your business. A comprehensive detailed report will give you clarity on where your business is within the market, and this will get you on the right track to the growth and development of your business for the future.

Author bio

Andrew Matherson is an authority in the valuation industry as an expert in residential and commercial properties as well as industrial sites. Andrew’s specialization in property and real estate has led to his expertise is in demand from Melbourne’s top universities as a guest lecturer and keynote speaker. Andrew is one of the Valuations VIC’s most Senior Valuers and enjoys developing relationships with clients and sharing his knowledge of Melbourne’s property market.