Online Business Success | Connie Ragen Green

Build A Profitable Online Business

  • Home
  • About Connie
  • Privacy Policy

Networking Tips: Building Relationships to Grow Your Business

December 22, 2014 By Connie Ragen Green 7 Comments

Tweet

Networking TipsNetworking Tips: Reasons for Getting Involved

Networking is a very good way to build your business. I started doing this when I came online in 2006, and now it is an integral part of my business strategy. My first networking was within my Rotary Club, even though I didn’t think of it as such at the time. When you network strategically, you will meet many different experts from various types of business and you will also be seen as an expert in your business. This is a win-win scenario because not only can you seek advice from the other business experts, but you can also give advice to those who ask you.

So, why should you get involved with networking? Here are six networking tips that make sense.

  1. To seek guidance

There are people in various networks and organizations who can offer you guidance in your business and/or career. Getting to know these movers and shakers can truly pay off, both now and in the future. In order to get the guidance you need, you’ll need to demonstrate that you are open to direction by seeking advice on small issues.

Don’t start right off asking for favors, or bother people for accounting advice who have CPAs and who normally charge for their services. But instead, do ask for more open-ended and indirect advice about the different choices you are making in your business. For example, blogging was just becoming more recognized as a marketing strategy back in 2006, so I asked for help in choosing a theme for my site and in writing my ‘About’ page.

For example, if you’re having a conversation with someone you admire, mention a couple of ideas that you have and how you’re unsure of which way to go. Mention solution A and solution B, both of which you’ve already studied and know either one will work out great. Ask them what they think.

If the advice is good, move with their advice and follow up with a thank you note and information about how well their advice worked for you. You’ll make them feel wonderful, and you will also get to mention your own business at the same time without ever asking for them to do anything that big for you.

  1. To find more opportunities

If your business isn’t growing, or you are not advancing in your career, then another reason to network is to find more opportunities for yourself. When you nurture a network over time, it’s only natural for people within that network to mention opportunities to you because you have already built up your like, know, and trust factor with them. It’s up to you to either follow those opportunities or not. But, the opportunities will present themselves as long as you’ve done the work to keep the network well lubricated throughout the months and years you have known them.

Keep in mind that people are chosen more often for jobs through referral and this is true whether you are a business owner, an independent contractor, or even an employee. Keeping your network ready for when you need a change is important. Take the time to offer up your skills to volunteer to show your skill level.

  1. To get support from peers

Having a strong network will not only pay off during bad times but also during good times such as celebrating winning an award, or even just your birthday or an anniversary of when you began your business. Inviting your peers to a party to celebrate your successes will endear you to your network, and help you talk more about what you do for people within your business.

Do remember that this is not a one-way street. When your peers need your help and support, you should freely offer it. If someone writes a book, has a baby, goes in for surgery, wins an award, and so forth, be there for them as you would want them to be there for you. Networks are good for both business and personal reasons. That’s why they are called relationships.

  1. As an outlet for discovery and professional growth

It can be so easy to get caught inside your own business bubble and forget how important it is to stay open to learning. Networking groups will often have learning sessions that can help you in more ways than one. Go to the events to learn, attend the courses, take the courses, and then report on what you’ve learned, publicly becoming a referral for the person who taught the course or gave the speech.

  1. To grow your business

Professional growth is an important reason to join and participate in a networking group. Let’s be honest – most people join networking groups initially to grow their own business. But, you have to be careful. No one likes how a ‘used car salesman’ sounds. You don’t want to turn off your networking groups by being a sales person.

You don’t want to go in blazing and selling. Instead, build relationships and over time your business will just naturally grow due to the connections that you make. People will refer you, and you’ll refer them. It will come about rather organically if you do what you’re supposed to do and build relationships.

  1. To achieve expert status

Another reason to join and participate in networking groups is to elevate your own status to that of expert. You want to be the person that people come to for advice. You can improve your status by volunteering for leadership positions within the group and volunteering to organize events, as well as speak and teach lessons as needed about the things you know about.

Networking is all about building relationships, so use these networking tips to create relationships that will be meaningful for everyone involved.

More from my site

  • Networking Tips: Online and Offline MarketingNetworking Tips: Online and Offline Marketing
  • Overcoming Mental Blocks for EntrepreneursOvercoming Mental Blocks for Entrepreneurs
  • Connie Ragen Green OnlineGet Started as an Online Entrepreneur to Build Your Online Empire
  • Role Prompting for Solo Online EntrepreneursRole Prompting for Solo Online Entrepreneurs
  • Healthy Imagination As an EntrepreneurHealthy Imagination As an Entrepreneur
  • Doing What You Love… Outsourcing the Rest to Build a Lucrative BusinessDoing What You Love… Outsourcing the Rest to Build a Lucrative Business

Filed Under: Position Yourself As An Expert Tagged With: Connie Ragen Green, Networking Tips

Comments

  1. Andrew J Titcombe says

    December 23, 2014 at 6:39 am

    Networking is vital in business -so true Connie. Always good to learn how to do it OFFLINE as it will make you a better online networker. Business is not all sell, sell, sell.
    Andrew J Titcombe recently posted…Van Morrison ‎– Soul Live at BBC Radio 2 Exile ‎– VMSOUL1 UK Promo CD AlbumMy Profile

    Reply
    • Connie Ragen Green says

      December 25, 2014 at 9:14 pm

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Andrew. Yes, networking is crucial to success, online or offline.

      Connie Ragen Green
      Connie Ragen Green recently posted…Networking Tips: Building Relationships to Grow Your BusinessMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Cheryl Major says

    December 24, 2014 at 4:22 am

    We all remember having a favorite teacher whether it was in grade school or in high school. For me, it was Mr. Burke. I loved his creativity and how he kept us thinking and writing all the time. In my adult life, Connie Ragen Green is that favorite teacher. Time in her “classes” just flies by, and you learn so much. She doesn’t hold anything back!
    Cheryl Major recently posted…Items for the Gluten Free PantryMy Profile

    Reply
    • Connie Ragen Green says

      December 25, 2014 at 9:13 pm

      Thanks so much for your kind words, Cheryl. Yes, I am forever a teacher, and to be your favorite online is a true honor.

      Connie Ragen Green
      Connie Ragen Green recently posted…Networking Tips: Building Relationships to Grow Your BusinessMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Bev says

    January 4, 2015 at 11:40 pm

    How easy it is to become isolated from the “real world” when building an online business from home.

    Thank you for reminding me of the need to stretch out and build more relationships in the local community.

    It is in speaking with and interacting with new friends that we can find many new niche markets that previously we had not been aware of.

    Building new relationships also builds our credibility in our own communities.
    Thanks for the reminder, Connie.

    Reply
    • Connie Ragen Green says

      January 6, 2015 at 8:28 am

      You are so right about feeling isolated when you work from home, Bev. That was one of the reasons I enjoyed going to my Rotary meeting each week when I started my online business in 2006.
      Thanks so much for your comment.

      Connie Ragen Green
      Connie Ragen Green recently posted…Grow Your Online Business By Hosting Live EventsMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Mark says

    November 20, 2015 at 10:32 am

    Thanks for such straight forward advice Connie!

    And no matter how you slice it, once you pull back
    the curtains, you often discover the top influencers,on
    off line, they have power network!

    And you’ve offered six excellent reasons for constantly doing so!Thanks!
    Mark recently posted…Even Though This Powerful Marketing Strategy Is Right Under Their Nose How Come It Gets Ignored?My Profile

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Claim Your Focus Guide: "Creating Multiple Streams of Online Income"

iTunes Podcasts

Connie Ragen Green…Let’s Connect on Twitter!

Tweets by @ConnieGreen

My Recommended Autoresponder Service

AWeber Free: Email marketing for free. No credit card required.

Double Your Productivity

https://connieloves.me/doubleyourproductivityProductivity Tips and Tools

Let’s Connect on LinkedIn

View Connie Ragen Green's profile on LinkedIn

Tags

affiliate marketing alex mandossian armand morin article marketing article writing Article Writing and Marketing blogging for your business build an online business building an online business build your list build your online business business blogging Connie Ragen Green Connie Ragen Green Podcast Dr. Jeanette Cates ebook profits Ebook Writing ebook writing and marketing getting started online how to use twitter how to write an ebook Internet Marketing Jeanette Cates List Building make money from home make money online make money on the internet making money on the internet Online Marketing Tips Online Marketing Tips Podcast online writing Position Yourself As An Expert repurpose your content repurposing your content sell an ebook sell more ebooks Sell Your Ebook start an online business starting an online business time management for internet marketers time management for writers web sales copy write an ebook write your ebook writing an ebook

Connie’s First Book!

Huge Profits With A Tiny List by Connie Ragen Green. Only $12.95

I’m a Top 100 Podcaster!

Top 100 Podcasts

Recent Posts

  • Get Started as an Online Entrepreneur to Build Your Online Empire
  • Overcoming Mental Blocks for Entrepreneurs
  • Role Prompting for Solo Online Entrepreneurs
  • Healthy Imagination As an Entrepreneur
  • Doing What You Love… Outsourcing the Rest to Build a Lucrative Business

The Force Is With You!

Entertainment Earth

Categories

  • 10K Laser Coaching
  • 30 Day Blog Challenge
  • Affiliate Marketing
  • Affiliates
  • Amazon's Kindle
  • Article Writing and Marketing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Artificial Intelligence AI
  • Attending Live Events
  • Audio Marketing
  • Autoresponders
  • Blogging
  • Branding
  • Content Marketing
  • Copywriting
  • Earn 1K a Day
  • Ebook Marketing
  • ebook profits
  • Ebook Writing
  • Ecourses
  • Email Marketing
  • Email Marketing
  • Expert Radio Interviews
  • Facebook Fan Pages
  • Goal Setting
  • Google Adwords
  • Habits
  • How to Become a Kindle Bestseller
  • how to use Google Adwords
  • Huge Profits With A Tiny List
  • Information Product Creation
  • Inner Game
  • Internet Marketing
  • Internet Marketing Forums
  • Internet Radio
  • Joint Ventures
  • Keywords
  • Leadership
  • List Building
  • List Relationship Marketing
  • Marketing For Small Business
  • Marketing to Your Niche Audience
  • Mastermind
  • Membership Sites
  • Membership Sites
  • Mentoring
  • Mindset
  • Online Courses
  • Online Marketing Lifestyle
  • Online Productivity
  • Online Revenue Workshop
  • Online Technology
  • Passive Income
  • Podcasts
  • Position Yourself As An Expert
  • Private Label Rights (PLR)
  • Productivity Challenge
  • Public Speaking
  • Publicity
  • Publish on Amazon
  • Record Your Ebook
  • Relationship Marketing
  • Repurposing
  • Sales Skills
  • Search Engine Optimization – SEO
  • Self-Publishing
  • Sell Your Ebook
  • Small Business Marketing
  • Social Networking/Social Media
  • storytelling
  • Teaching Internet Marketing to Newbies
  • Teleseminars
  • Testimonials
  • Time Management
  • Traffic Generation
  • Twitter Marketing
  • Uncategorized
  • Viral Marketing
  • Web 2.0 Technology
  • Wordpress Blogs For Your Online Business
  • Work Ethic
  • Working from home
  • Write about your passion
  • Writer's Block
  • Writing Skills

Author Bio-Connie Ragen Green

Connie Ragen Green helps new entrepreneurs build their business with online marketing and technology. She is an expert in article marketing and affiliate marketing and has written several books on these topics.

DISCLOSURE - Many articles will contain affiliate links for recommended products or services. These are personally used and reviewed by Connie and she'll receive commission for any resulting sales.

Courses by Connie Ragen Green

Disclaimers and Legal Rights | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

All Content © Connie Ragen Green