Why targeted networking is important for startups
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen,” said Brene Brown, an American professor, lecturer, author, and podcast host. To be eligible for a certain role one must first be ready to know oneself, one’s requirements, suitability, and one’s own merits and demerits and then work upon them accordingly. Networking isn’t a one-way process, one needs to know properly about the person or organization one is wishing to network or already networking with. Networking is probably the most important aspect of both offline and online work culture. The manner in which one makes a connection sets up the tone of the future of that relationship.
One important term that is catching people’s eyes is targeted networking, which is an important aspect of a startup. Eventually, the motive in the minds of both the parties involved is to complement each other for each other’s betterment for the required purposes.
Thinking about networking without a proper plan is a wild goose chase, so it is very important to develop a strategic plan and then execute it. Big organizations were once startups who have networked properly. In a startup, there is a zeal to work to achieve more than targeted so as to achieve the bigger aimed goals. Startups may network for two reasons. One with the aim of achieving its feet of becoming a well-known and successful organization soon and the other, hiring the right people for achieving the primary aim.
“ Look for the people who want to change the world.” said Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce. According to him, it is the best way to hire. For this it needs to follow certain steps. It needs to apply numerous filters in its hiring process for optimal results. Suppose a startup is hiring a graphic designer for a certain project, then it needs to firstly understand the difference between graphic designer and a web designer, as the latter is needed to be familiar with HTML, CSS, and how to make a design work on the web. In short the job profile and description required for the purpose should be well known to the start up as well as the person to be recruited. The job opening should be such that both parties involved are fully aware of what is required. Secondly, creating a proper job posting, narrowing down its candidates, reviewing graphic designer websites for quality, sharpness, and style of work. Finally, when it comes to the stage where the list of selected candidates is made, it needs to work properly on the strategies and technicalities of the interview. Treating a creative individual differently from a technical individual is normal if done for the purpose of optimality of both parties. Bottom line is that the purpose of both the parties should be served.
The aim of achieving success and reaching the top for a startup is also possible through targeted networking. Starting a business is bound to be a difficult venture requiring a lot of things to go favorably. The first and the most important step is finding new businesses and referrals. It is a feasible way to mitigate the risk involved while growing your startup. Through one’s marketing efforts, good business and high-quality connections can be obtained, which might make it easier to follow up with the referrals and convert them into one’s customers.
A strongly built network gives one the proper and ample amount of exposure to a variable and a larger audience and also leverage with investors which is otherwise a difficult process. This variable audience could be targeted according to the needs of the startup and then brand awareness can be built. One gets more potential customers, investors, and more market validations through the achieved brand awareness. This ensures that the connections made are top notch and it can be easier to convince investors that you will make a return on their investment.
Bolstart, a social network that focuses on bridging the gap between startups and investors believes in making connections through targeted networking. Through targeted networking, it makes sure that startups, mentors, investors, freelancers, and potential startups connect with each other and develop a long-lasting relationship with each other. It has a very smooth hiring process in which it interviews the candidates, keeping in mind the intricate details of targeted networking. The learning experience at Bolstart is exponential and the development of the individual who in any way belongs to Bolstart is not limited to training.
Feedback is a very important aspect associated with targeted networking. The feedback is similar to the response sheet of an attempted exam, which provides one with the overall performance and the methods required to rectify the errors if any. The network and connections should also be focused on sharing information, analyzing it, and taking effective measures.
As Winston Churchill has rightly said, “ Success is not final: failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” One must not stop on the journey one starts. There is a huge probability that the path would be full of obstacles but the required steps and the vision and mission, if kept in mind, can lead the individual through. Targeted networking, one of the key aspects in today’s business world gives the organizations, working people, and the customers a chance to sort their requirements and obtain the best possible result for them and in achieving so one will surely have a lot to learn, experience and explore. The saying “United we stand and divided we fall surely means something in the business world as well!”
