5 Ways to Grow Your Business' Network

Are you unsure of where to start with growing your business' network? Here are 5 methods to consider so that you can build the backbone of your company: relationships.

1. Be Social Online

Without socializing, you'll never reach your business' fullest networking potential. While business owners all know the importance of using social networks to share information and to communicate, not many are using these networks properly. If you're serious about growing your company's network, you have to be social.

Online socializing is more than having a LinkedIn company profile and posting pictures on Instagram every-so-often. Being social means:

• Regularly posting new content
• Sharing company updates
• Communicating and engaging with consumers
• Being available as often as possible

Being social more often shows that your company actually cares about consumers. Take the time to get to know your customers. Figure out what they like and in turn you can better appeal to their needs.

2. Attend Events

Even in today's highly digital world, there is still a lot of value to be found in face-to-face meetings. While there's nothing wrong with hosting an online event or posting social videos, nothing beats networking in person. Set aside time in your business schedule to attend trade shows, conferences, industry meetings, and other professional events.

Depending on the type of business you operate, in person events can create quite a buzz. This is especially true for local businesses that rely on local customers to keep them afloat.

Even if in-person events don't create dozens of new leads, they're still useful. By attending, you're able to network and meet with like-minded entrepreneurs and business owners who may have sound advice to offer.

3. Publish Useful Content

Each day we come across thousands of pieces of content. What's important for you as a company is that you're able to still be visible, even when the content storm is raging. Not only should you focus on providing helpful an interesting content, it's also important that your content expresses the personality behind your brand.

One of the best ways to get content published and read is blog marketing. Publishing blog posts is beneficial in that it draws traffic to your website. Higher traffic increases the chance of making a sale.

Blogging is also beneficial in that it gives a human side to your company. By creating blogs and replying to comments that readers leave, you can share useful information while also effortlessly engaging with your audience.

4. Ask for Referrals

Customer referrals are an easy way to grow your business network with the help of those who have already purchase your product or service. What's important here is that your company is focused on customer service and high quality products. The fact is that customers aren't going to refer your company if they're anything but impressed.

To measure customer satisfaction, use surveys. Ask customers what they think about your product. Ask for suggestions. The more feedback you can get, the better.

While some customers will refer friends and family members on their own, don't hesitate to ask for referrals. In fact, many companies entice customers to send referrals by offering discounts or early access to products.

5. Always Think Long Term

Building your business network isn't a one and done process. Even after your network has started to grow, it's important to think long-term. Getting customers into your circle is easy; keeping them there is what takes time, energy, and dedication.

As your network grows, focus on new relationships but never neglect the ones that have already formed. Always have an open ear. Be willing to take time to follow up with customers who have questions or concerns. Make a conscious effort to ensure the relationship is a two-way street.

By focusing on long-term and giving existing relationships constant TLC, your business network will be stronger than ever.

Conclusion

Be sure to keep these 5 tips in mind to optimize your success. By focusing on growing your business network, you can better position your company for success. Having a strong business network is the backbone of your company and will ensure that your brand is a worthwhile brand now and in the future.

What are some useful tips that your have found instrumental in growing your business? Leave a comment with your suggestions in the section below. Your input may help a small startup make the next step in business network.