Making genuine connections changes the game
By Suzanne Walker
People buy from people. It’s an obvious observation beloved of salespeople, but it’s also why networking is such a powerful tool for creating business development opportunities. Which is why 6 years ago, I decided to reach out and join the Penrith Valley Chamber so I could connect and collaborate with others in my local business community.
Networking helps build relationships with other professionals, share ideas and learn from each other. By connecting and partnering with the right people, you can create meaningful business relationships – relationships that may lead to new and innovative business opportunities.
Networking as your blueprint for your success
Building a successful business network is essential. But how do you start developing these relationships with customers, suppliers and other business owners? And how does connecting with your peers help you broaden the scope of your opportunities?
Building up your network and connecting with people helps you:
- Find potential customers and expand the reach of your brand – attending networking events, trade conferences and industry workshops gets you in front of your target audience. It’s a chance to chat, find out customer pain points and understand your audience.
- Meet new business partners – networking at the right events also helps you meet other business owners in your sector, and also in complimentary industries. It’s an opportunity to forge new partnerships and create co-branded opportunities.
- Get referrals from trusted members of your network – when you have trusted relationships in your network, these people are far more likely to recommend your business to their own network. Word-of-mouth promotion is the best kind, after all.
- Identify mentors – we all have something to learn from the experience of others in our network. This is a golden opportunity to fill knowledge gaps seek out others who can give you advice, share their experience and improve your management skills. I lean heavily on my fortnightly Chamber Collective group, as we have a genuine interest in supporting each other on individual business journey’s.
By taking the time to nurture your network and build relationships with the right people, you can open up a world of possibilities for your business. As a business adviser working across multiple sectors, we can introduce you to new people, connections and opportunities.
Late last year I transitioned from the Treasurer to the Vice President of the Penrith Valley Chamber, and I love it! So, if you’re looking for an introduction to a new network, don’t be shy, come and talk to me about it and let’s get you connected.
