What's the easiest way to create a business relationship?

How to Create Business Networking Relationships

People do business with people – people do not do business with businesses. We prove this when we follow our hairdresser to a new salon. Our relationship is so strong with our hairdresser it overrides our loyalty to the business. So we as individuals have the ability to develop powerful, prosperous business relationships using networking as the vehicle.

Networking is an attitude. It is not something you DO to someone. It is the attitude of ‘giving to gain' rather than ‘giving to get!' Third party referrals are a valued source of new business. Certain industries thrive on these sources of endless referrals. Strategic alliances are partnerships between individuals and/or businesses which formalize these referral relationships. Businesses cannot thrive in isolation, developing contacts and connections through strategic alliances creates a depth of resources which can change your thinking about your business. Creative associations with other businesses expands your thinking from ‘small', ‘limited' and ‘lacking in resources' to ‘expansive', ‘empowering' and ‘prosperous'. The depth of your resources is determined by the number of people you know. The game is to develop extensive business connections to support your initiatives.

Based on the premise that people do business with people they know, like and trust – then the strength of your business is determined by the relationships you have with your clients, suppliers and most importantly your team of referrers - advocates who promote your business by word of mouth.

Networking is possibly the most misunderstood and undervalued business strategy. It is the time equity invested in growing your business rather than the cash spent on marketing and advertising. The numerous invitations you receive to product launches, business openings or celebrations are business opportunities providing you do more than turn up for the refreshments.

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