When you are an entrepreneur, it is essential that you build a network of professional contacts. They call it professional networking, and it has a lot of value since through your network you can get to know many interesting people for you, at the same time that they can be very interested in knowing you.
The value of a good network
No matter how much you trust your skills, knowledge or business skills, you cannot do much if you are alone. A good network of contacts is a valuable tool in several ways. In the first place, it allows you to reach many more people, which means that whatever your needs are (selling, getting financing, getting suppliers) you multiply the opportunities to get to know and get to know the right interlocutors.
In addition, the more people you know, the more chances you have to discover new approaches to your business. You may discover new market needs or meet people who may be your partners when you would never have considered it. Finally, meeting people is a valuable asset, whether or not you have success in your current business career. Good contracts do not expire, and although later you dedicate yourself to different things, your professional networking will continue to be an advantage.
Where to make new contacts?
You can meet interesting people at the professional level in many places, even when you are enjoying leisure activities with your friends. We have made a selection of some ways to meet people.
Go to events
Events, such as seminars, salons or forums are great networking opportunities. There are of all types and in all sectors. Obviously, you will be interested mainly in your guild, and also those dedicated to entrepreneurs. You do not need to be an exhibitor, obviously. The cost of your business would be potentially unaffordable, especially if you just started. If you go as a visitor the price is usually not excessive, and some events are even free. If you want to have visibility, it is recommended that you sign up for the elevator pitch sessions that usually take place (especially in events for entrepreneurs). It is something like networking speed dating and it can make you meet many interesting people.
Prospecting contacts
As many companies have to do commercial prospecting to get new customers, if you want to build a network of professional contacts, it is recommended that you take your phone and try to make appointments. Instead of clients, you will look for interlocutors related to your activity such as suppliers, clients of your clients, service companies, banks, etc. Remember that each person's time is valuable and if you want to get a meeting you have to add value to the other person. If you do not see the interest in receiving you, it will not.
Keep an open mind
How many times do we receive commercial calls that we reject immediately because we are not interested at this time for the product or service that they sell to us? In many cases, it is a logical and accurate answer, since a large part of these commercial calls is generic and of little value. But are you sure you are not also rejecting suppliers that would be worth listening to? Reflect a moment. The suppliers of your sector often have a very wide professional network in your guild, and therefore access to other people that you would like to know. In fact, the best commercials, those that do not have the short-term vision of just closing the deal with you, will be happy to help you get in touch with other people, because they know that if they add value, it benefits them in the medium term.
Know your competitors
This proposal may seem strange to you. Often the competitor is seen as the enemy, and direct contact with him is avoided. However, for obvious reasons, it is the person who has more things in common with you. Knowing your competition can help you in many aspects, because you have common needs, beyond your struggle to get customers. Obviously, if they have valuable contacts that represent a competitive advantage they will not share with you, nor will they reveal secrets, but in spite of everything, it helps to know them.
Presence in social networks
For some people, the current networking is equivalent to being present in social networks. Although today is a very interesting tool for you to know more people, they also have their limitations. You could have thousands of followers and contacts and have no network of value. At some point, you have to turn your virtual network into something more real. The idea is to be able to physically know people, but for geographical reasons, the phone, Skype or email can be valid alternatives.
Try to create a professional network that makes sense. Every time you add a contact it should be because you would meet with him if there was no LinkedIn or Facebook. Try to interact with them and provide them with value. In this way, you will probably be able to convert a virtual network into real networking.
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