Business The four basic principles of networking as a business leader Ana LopezJune 23, 20230140 views Josh Felber is the CEO/CMO of 10x Training Systems LLCexpose the mindset and success strategies of the top 1%. getty Being successful as an entrepreneur has a lot to do with your connections. The people you know, the ones who talk about your product, are your network. As a business leader, you are probably aware of the value that networks add to your business; you gain knowledge and also forge relationships. Having a network of like-minded professionals is like having a safety net for your business and therefore a must for entrepreneurs and employees. This is evident from a report published by LinkedIn in 2016 85% of jobs are filled through networks. Based on my experience discovering success strategies, here are my recommendations for better networking. Table of Contents 1. Take advantage of online networking.2. Attend local gatherings.3. Collaborate with other companies.4. Do your homework. 1. Take advantage of online networking. You’re missing out on a lot if you’re not networking online. There are many ways to do this, including groups, social media, and business forums. It works best for entrepreneurs who don’t have much time to make new contacts or if you’re an introvert. You can connect with people you already know and expose yourself to a whole new audience. I encourage you to join different groups, comment on other companies, and share your industry knowledge. The more you contribute, the easier the algorithm will help people find you. Also consider hosting virtual events. All you need is a good elevator pitch and a stable internet connection. Online events appeal to businesses around the world and can help you network and gain knowledge without paying for travel and accommodation costs. 2. Attend local gatherings. Meet business leaders near you to form real connections. While online networking can be helpful, most people connect best face-to-face, and what better way to do it than with your local support groups? Local business organizations such as your chamber of commerce can provide local businesses with training, expertise and development. The resources they share are affordable and can introduce you to new mentors and colleagues. Be prepared for these meetings. Have your pitch ready occasionally, which works as an introduction to your company. Talk about what makes your company unique. Listen to what people have to say. 3. Collaborate with other companies. We often see other companies in our niche as a threat. Instead, I encourage you to join forces with other established companies. If they have a good reputation, people are likely to trust them and everything related to them. This, in turn, can help give your business the credibility it needs to grow. Also look at companies that may not be in the same sphere as yours. If their work complements yours, working together can help you form a mutually beneficial network. I’ve found that talking to companies that aren’t direct competition can give you more honest insights. 4. Do your homework. Before you network, do your research. By preparing well, you will get the most out of your networking session. Search for speakers on Google. Read more about the participants, their jobs and their interests. Read their websites and whitepapers they may have published. It helps to know what they like to talk about. And if you agree with their views, it can give you even more to talk about. I also recommend reaching out to them before your event by sending them a personal message and asking to connect on social media. It can be very satisfying to find a community for yourself. Don’t forget to maintain the relationships you build. Try to stay in touch by sharing information or making a follow-up appointment. Think of it as building your healthy business ecosystem. By working together, building long-term relationships and sharing experiences, you can actively contribute to the growth of the economy. This approach not only fosters collaboration, but also enables your company to unlock its full potential through global outreach. businessroundups.org Business Council is the leading growth and networking organization for entrepreneurs and leaders. Am I eligible?