Building a strong network in business is essential for professional growth. This can be done through informal approaches, such as casual conversations with fellow entrepreneurs, or in more structured ways, like joining business communities or professional networks.
For business owners, building a strong professional network is essential. It requires ongoing effort to increase brand awareness, reach new audiences, and stay up to date with industry trends.
So, how can you build effective business networking to help your business continue to grow and scale? Read this article through to the end to find out.
Also read: Types and Examples of Business Communities
How to Build Networking in Business
Here are several ways you can build networking in business.
1. Be Prepared to Build Your Network
Make the following preparations before you start building your network:
- Prepare your talking points, including a few key questions, engaging small-talk topics, and a brief introduction about yourself and your business to help create a strong first impression.
- Take the time to make a list of your goals—whether you want to meet vendors, connect with key industry players, or solve specific business challenges.
- If the event shares information about its participants, research online beforehand to find additional details that can help you start a conversation.
2. Arrive Early
Whether the event is online or offline, make sure to arrive early. By being among the first attendees, you can more easily settle in and have casual conversations with others who arrive early as well.
3. Be Yourself
Today’s professional environment embraces diversity and values authenticity in relationships. So, don’t be afraid to be yourself—you don’t need to imitate others to build genuine connections.
A recent study by Harvard found that this approach can reduce anxiety, improve performance, and increase your chances of making a positive impression.
4. Be a Good Listener
Make sure to truly listen to what others are saying. If you don’t, the person you’re speaking with may lose focus and turn to someone else. Since you might only have one chance to connect, ensure that they feel valued and respected.
Listening not only benefits the person you’re speaking with, but it also helps you determine whether they could be a valuable connection for your business.
5. Don’t Hesitate to Offer or Ask for Help
Don’t hesitate to help others. Psychologists say that when someone receives help, they are more likely to reciprocate. For example, during a networking event, you could offer to introduce them to your contacts who might be valuable for their business.
Likewise, don’t be afraid to ask for help, as this can also strengthen relationships. By doing so, you show vulnerability and implicitly acknowledge the other person’s expertise, which helps build trust.
Don’t take it personally if someone can’t help you, as research shows they are likely to look for ways to assist you in the future. This means you’ve already secured a potential new connection, even if it hasn’t happened yet.
6. Say Thank You and Follow Up
One of the most important aspects of building networking in business is to be courteous and follow up. Networking is about creating genuine relationships that can benefit both parties in the long run.
Thank the connections you make for taking the time to speak with you, and let them know you enjoyed meeting them. This helps maintain the relationship and increases the likelihood that they will recommend your business to one of their colleagues.
Try to reach out to the people you met or spoke with within 48 hours to stay fresh in their minds. You don’t need to ask for anything right away—just show that you want to stay in touch.
7. How to Continuously Build Networking in Business
While attending events or joining communities is a great way to build networking in business, you can also do it anytime. For example, while waiting in line at a local coffee shop, riding public transport or a plane, or meeting old friends.
Learn to build relationships in every situation, as research shows this correlates with business success. You never know when you might meet someone who can help your business—or when you can help theirs.
Also read: Labamu x Everpro x Rumah BUMN Bandung: A Complete Solution to Boost Your UMKM Profits
Join LabamuHub to Build Your Network
One way to build networking is by joining online communities, such as LabamuHub by Labamu. Being part of the right community allows your insights and ideas to continuously #GrowTogether with other entrepreneurs.
LabamuHub is committed to providing a platform to grow your business and go digital by regularly hosting programs that offer support. For example, Networking & Collaboration events provide opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs, share experiences, and discover potential collaboration opportunities.
The LabamuHub community is open to:
- UMKM owners who want to scale up and go digital.
- Young entrepreneurs and startups seeking networking and collaboration.
- Business owners who wish to expand into international markets.
- Anyone who wants to learn and #GrowTogether with the business community.
Join LabamuHub by Labamu today—the best way to build networking in your business!
