Small business: growing your network

As a small business owner, it's very important that you have a wide support system and a broad professional network. They're not wrong when they say "it's all about who you know". You never know who will be able to help you with your next step, a problem you may have or more. Growing your network is one of the best ways to be a successful business owner, so read on to learn some tips and tricks on how expand your connections.

Stay humble

No matter how great you are at your job, there's always going to be someone smarter, richer or more successful than you, which is why Forbes highlighted the importance of humility. This is a fact that could scare a lot of people, but it's how you use this information that will deem it useful. Coming to terms with the fact that there will always be someone better is the first step towards building a successful network. Seek out those who can be mentors, sources of knowledge or just someone you can look up to. These are the type of people you'll want to emulate.

Utilize LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social media platform made almost entirely for networking. Don't be afraid to be active on both business and personal accounts. Creating a LinkedIn profile for your business can help you to create new leads and gain new clients, whereas refining your personal profile will help you to meet new people who can help you to grow your business. These new connections may even gain from your knowledge as well.

Ask that executive to coffee

Most business owners have some sort of inspiration for their line of work, or a successful business that they looked up to before venturing out on their own. Don't be afraid to reach out to your role models or those who have big-time jobs at big-time companies. We're all human, and most people are willing to help out those who seek it. Ask someone higher up in your field to grab coffee and pick their brain. You'd be surprised at what you could learn.

Make personal connections with customers

Your customers can be some of your most knowledgeable connections. Most often, your customers come from all walks of life, so they bring along different experiences and networks of their own. Getting to know your customers on a personal and professional level can work wonders for your networking skills.

Being able to refine a diverse and experienced network will help you to grow your business in a way that is impossible without the help of others. Stay in touch with people who will help you to become your best self – this will help you beyond the professional world, and can help in many aspects of your life.

Categorised in: Starting a Business in Arizona

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