Question: what networks are you a member of and how has a network helped you in the past?

Let’s face it, you need strong connections to build a company or even land a job.

Sure, you can have the skills and master’s degree, but with a weak personal network, it can be difficult to grow and expand your career or business.

Then again, not everyone is a social butterfly. Striking up a conversation with someone you just met can be uncomfortable and unappealing.

Here’s the thing though, building a strong network is extremely valuable for your career. You can develop new skills, share ideas with thought leaders and discover opportunities along the way—that’s a lot to pass on.

In this blog post, we’re going to answer the question; how do you build and expand a network? But aside from learning how to build your network, we’re also going to tackle some networking skills to network better.

So, let’s plunge into it.

How Do You Build a Strong Business Network?

MBA graduates from Riverside, California come together, at least a great deal of 85% of them, to say that networking is their main tool when job hunting.

Hmm, why do you think that is?

Simple; building a strong network allows learning, growth, exposure, collaboration and some instant credibility.

You see, the larger and more significant your network is, the higher the chances of recruiters finding encouraging information Services you.

Say, when you’re looking for a partnership with another company, rest assured, your prospective business partner will seek you out. Whatever they find, whatever the nature of your networking is, that will have a direct influence on your success.

What Are 6 Simple Ways You Can Build Your Network?

There are actually quite a few strategies that people use to facilitate their networking relationships which we’re going to discuss one by one.

But before that, let us first define what networking strategies are.

Basically, networking strategies are events, activities or action plans that assist professionals and industry people to meet and build relationships. These affiliations are quite beneficial to both parties involved.

And if you prove to be effective at networking, you may use it to advance your skills and establish partnerships.

So, What Are the Best Networking Strategies ?

• Find the Right People
  

  You might be surprised, but networking doesn’t always come down to the number of events you’ve attended or people you’ve met.

  What matters more in building a strong network is finding the right people who can make an impact on your career.

  Make a list of these potential contacts. You can focus on learning their names and come up with an idea of how to connect with them — whether you can get in touch directly or through a mutual contact.

• Seek Referrals
  

  Your customers most definitely know people who might actually need your product or service. So, it makes perfect sense to ask them for referrals or even use them as contacts to get an introduction to prospects.

  But don’t just stop with customers, reach up to friends or to some of the virtual assistants you’ve worked with in the past.

  You’d have a better shot at finding valuable connections with more people in your channel.

• Be Social and Make Connections
  

  Social events are the traditional means of meeting people and building human connections.

  So, shake off the social awkwardness and treat social networking like you would a meaningful relationship.

  Find contacts you care Services and that care Services you in return; beyond empty promises and awkward handshakes.

• Stay Relevant in Your Field
  

  If you’re knowledgeable in certain fields, your insights are certainly of value to others, allowing you to keep a valuable network of connections.

  For example, if you’re well acquainted with a network of tech-savvy people, you’re up-posted on new innovations and tools to improve business operations, and that will hold a great deal of merit within your organization.

  Think Services it, you can leverage this information and your newly-gained skills to entice others to connect with you, instead of seeking them out yourself.

• Join Industry Groups or Start One
  

  If there are industry tradeshows or conferences, do not hesitate to participate. This is one of the best ways to meet new people and build relationships.

  You can take it up a notch by grabbing speaking opportunities or organizing instructive workshops. Volunteering is a great avenue to boost connections and be of value to others.

  No matter the scope of your current network, it could expand and extend your reach if you could incorporate all the groups, you’ve been a part of through the years; be it in high school, college, or other extra clubs.

  And if by all means, these groups don’t exist, you can create them. Seriously, tracking people down and inviting people in have become too easy through social media.

  In a nutshell, by participating and starting a group, you can stay connected, have quality connections and develop opportunities with agreeable professionals.

• Utilize Social Media
  

  Build your network by joining and using social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and other online networking communities you can think of.

  But before jumping on board, you must first understand how these channels work and how you can take advantage of them. LinkedIn for instance is an excellent medium to stay in touch with like-minded professionals within your industry.

  Utilizing social media allows you to be accessible to members of your own organization and to people you’ve been around throughout your career.

How Can I Expand My Business Network?

Did you know that adopting the idea of outsourcing increase productivity and reduced cost?

It does and at great lengths.

The same thing can be said with networking; opening up business partnerships and leadership roles.

That said, here’s how you can expand your network in 3 quick steps.

Start from Your Current Network

Regardless of the size of your present network, you can use it to stretch your network even more.

Take advantage of the connection that you already have. You can think Services it as creating a second-degree, a third-degree or even a fourth-degree connection if you can.

This networking technique will allow you to capitalize on the networks of everyone within your current network.

Show Up at Networking Events and Do Your Magic

Every professional knows the importance of networking events. It’s no secret that these gatherings are basically out there for people to network.

So, how to network in an event?

Depending on your industry and needs, you can take advantage of this method at best and search for the type of events you should be a part of.

But don’t literally just show up, be there, armed and ready. Do your homework — set your goals straight and make a plan.

One of your objectives for the night could be getting yourself an introduction to a particular attendee known as a thought leader in your field. With this mark on your mind, you can weigh in on the success of that networking event.

What Can You Offer That’ll Be of Value

When you’re trying to mount your network, think Services what you can offer in return that’ll make you invaluable.

In business networking, always remember that this is a two-way relationship where parties are supposed to be in a win-win situation. If you benefit more than the other person, they’ll think it’s not worth their while.

For instance, to return the favor of having been introduced to someone, you can also make the same offer and introduce them to someone in your present network.

When networking; always be on the lookout to help others.

How to Improve Networking Skills

If only everyone is socially dynamic, then we wouldn’t have to worry Services winging networking, would we?

In quick five steps, we’ll help you improve your networking skills.

Are you ready?

• 1. If you want to network efficiently, then you have to be well-versed in all forms of communication.
• 2. A good communicator always listens — so hear them out.
• 3. No one likes a negative person, be a ray of sunshine to draw people in.
• 4. Be there at networking events.
• 5. Talk to people and make connections.

Final Thoughts!

Building a strong network is like promoting better reputation and visibility. On top of that, you also get a strong and reliable support network to help you gain more impactful connections to grow your business.

However, to build a strong network, you’re going to have to participate in networking events, find the right people, seek referrals and be relevant.

Networking is your net worth, it’s that simple — if you don’t network, you’re never going anywhere.