How to Turn Networking into Your Greatest Business Asset

The Give-and-Get Approach to Building Your Dream Network

Photo by Windows on Unsplash

Running a business may seem like a lonely task. You are always at the forefront of putting things together, but who’s got your back? The answer is your network. Your network is your personal A-team, i.e. a bunch of people who stand by your side and help you elevate yourself to be victorious.

Building a powerful network isn’t about dressing up for fancy galas. It is about building authentic relationships with other professionals who have similar aspirations and goals as you do.

Real Talk with Real People

Imagine sipping espresso with Rob Dyrdek (the skateboarding legend who turned into an entrepreneur) and Bill Glazer (the founder of an upscale plant-based food company). That’s exactly what Lewis Howes did and guess what? Their conversation is flooded with actionable tips curated just for you to help you build your dream network.

It’s All About Give and Take: Why Helping Others Makes You Shine

Do you recall our earlier conversation with Rob, Bill, and Lewis? One of the foremost issues they all underlined was the need for bringing value in your network. As Lewis said, forget the sales pitch, focus on being a valuable connection.

We’ve all seen that one person at every event who hands out their business cards to everyone. It’s a rough landing. Instead, turn your networking into forming sincere friendships with people who know your needs and who you can help in return.

This is why becoming a giver is the foremost networking technique:

1. People Like People Who Like Them: No one wants to be used. By sharing your insights into necessary things, such as acquaintanceship, or just letting them share, you convey real concern and gain trust.
2. The Law Of Reciprocity: It is human nature that when you are kind and generous to someone they will want to do you a favor in return. This might turn out to be an advanced unexpected incident in the future.
3. You Become the Go-To Person: When people see you as a resource and someone who’s always willing to help, they’ll start coming to you for advice and connections. This positions you as an expert and builds your reputation.

So ditch the “what’s in it for me?” attitude. By focusing on providing value to others, you’ll build stronger relationships, open more doors, and ultimately watch your network become your greatest asset.

Real Connections, Real Results: Why Friendship is the New Networking Secret

Formerly named as a plant-based food mogul, Bill Glazer gave an insightful interview that made clear that, these days, there is hardly any difference between business connections and friendships. There was a time when business contacts and friends were two separate worlds. But now? We want to do business we believe in, and to work with people who we actually prefer to be with!

That’s why creating authentic bonds is the most important step in the business of networking. It’s not because of the numbers on someone’s professional ID or Rolodex. What matters is the energy you share with someone who is like-minded, and who inspires you to reach your goals.

Here’s the magic of real connection:

1. You Get Real Help: If you communicate with someone you’ve formed a real bond with, they are more likely to support you in ways that go beyond the usual means. It eventually gets to a point where it’s not just a business acquaintance but a friend who helps another friend.
2. The Trust Factor is Huge: Trust is essential in business. Solid relationships build naturally when there is a real connection. It helps partnerships run more smoothly and brings you great opportunities.
3. It’s More Than Work: Business is personal! Working with people you enjoy makes the whole journey more fun and fulfilling. You’ll look forward to meetings and brainstorming sessions becoming more like catching up with friends.

The answer is to let go of the pitched messages and work on real contacts. When you meet people who bring out the best in you and vice versa, you will be drawn to meeting and sharing ideas. You’ll build a powerful network that fuels your success and makes the journey way more enjoyable.

The Hustle is Real: How Persistence and Flexibility Win the Game

The last piece of information from Bill Glazer to Rob and Lewis is this: being an entrepreneur is about constantly adapting to situations. The truth is, in this fast-paced world, one needs to roll with the punches.

Bringing a business to fruition is not a sprint but a marathon. There will be roadblocks, detours, and even times when giving up seems like an easier route. Nonetheless, the real heroes are the ones who hustle through it all.

Here’s how to cultivate persistence and adaptability:

1. Be a Learner at Heart: The market shifts, customer needs evolve — you gotta keep learning and growing. Embrace new information, be open to changing course if needed.
2. Embrace the Pivot: There are moments when the most perfect strategies need some tweaking. Do not hesitate to modify your approach based on your experience. This is not a surrender, it is an intelligent redirection!
3. Get Gritty: There will be tough times. But perseverance is key. Remember your vision, celebrate small wins, and keep pushing forward.

Your Networking Action Plan

Ready to take these ideas and turn them into action? Here’s your personal networking game plan:

1. Become a Value-Machine: Instead of “what’s in it for me?” ask “how can I help others?” Provide insight, connections, or even a sympathetic ear. You will be surprised by the positive vibe you bring in.
2. Build Your Dream Team: Networking is not about getting business cards. Get people you appreciate and whose abilities are beneficial to you. Think of that as quality relationships, not quantity.
3. Be the Networking Ninja Everyone Wants to Know: Become a valuable resource! Contribute useful information, offer advice, and endlessly prove what you know. People will voluntarily follow you to take your tips and come up with ideas together.

By applying these strategies, you will turn networking into meaningful relationships. The team will support you, inspire you to be better and help you take your business to different heights.

You Got This: Building Your Dream Network is Your Superpower

Networking is more than just collecting contacts or adding random people to your Linkedin more number of connections. It’s about a dream team, a group of amazing people that are there for you and are ready to be part of your fantastic journey. They promise to have your back.

By emphasizing on providing value, developing authentic relationships, and using difficulties as opportunities, you change networking into a strategic advantage. As Rob Dyrdek puts it, helping others with your knowledge, energy, and connections always comes back around.

So take action today! Reach out to someone in your network, attend an event with a focus on connection, and remember, persistence is key. With a powerful network of meaningful relationships by your side, there’s nothing you can’t achieve. Go get it!