I get asked all the time, “Is Networking Important?” when I talk about how you need people to help you in business. Many people don’t realize that asking for and seeking help in connections and accountability can be the difference between success and failure.
I know how hard it can be to find the time to network with other business owners and professionals. But, you’ll never know what great connections you could make if you don’t try. You may meet someone who knows of a fantastic opportunity for your business that’s just waiting for the right person.
Let’s dig into some of the reasons why networking is important for your business.
Share your Vision
When you have a clear vision for your business, it’s like having the world at your feet. With this in mind, you can share that with others, and when they’re on board too, there are endless opportunities to explore together!
Build Trust & Be Vulnerable
You might think your problems are unique, but when you meet other entrepreneurs who have been through the same pain points, you will realize they are not. Opening up and helping others with their challenges is one way of building trust while overcoming your own hurdles.
When an entrepreneur shares challenges with other entrepreneurs, they will be surprised by how quickly solutions are found. Sometimes talking it out helps, and in other cases, someone you’re networking with has already tried it or can give advice about what to do. Building trust is an essential thing for all businesses, so take a leap of faith!
Gather Valuable Input
Entrepreneurs are always looking for new ways to grow their businesses. The best way is by sharing your challenges with other entrepreneurs and learning from each others’ mistakes, successes, and tips. One of the most important things you can do as a good entrepreneur-friend is asking how they overcame those same problems when they happened to them!
So is networking important? YES, because you can gather valuable input. You will be surrounded by people who have tried different things, want to succeed, and are willing to help you. Reaching out and getting that input can help you avoid common mistakes and hook into new trends.
So have you figured out the answer yet? Is networking important?
Be in the KNOW – Goals and Values
Falling off the bandwagon is a definite risk when you are trying to reach ambitious goals. It’s important to maintain your focus, accountability, and drive. There needs to be an outside force pulling for you. Someone who cares about what it takes for you to achieve success and happiness or fulfillment.
With this support system set up, not achieving your goal can feel like letting down others and yourself, which often will motivate people more than anything else would have done alone. Additionally, having the support will let you be in the KNOW of other people’s goals. If they align sometimes, this will naturally create reasons for you to work with someone else.
Figuring out what tasks are actually priorities will help you manage your time most effectively. This is harder than it sounds. That is why I’ve created a workbook to help you figure this all out. Let’s get your actual business and life priorities straightened out.
Seek Out Opportunities
Networking is a great way to improve your chances of success and lets you seek out opportunities. When you need a boost, your network can help, it’s easier for them, and more likely, they will be supportive. By staying seeking out new opportunities, you will have even more solid connections – Want to partner with me? Message me on my Facebook business page and let’s see what we can figure out together.
Are you keeping track of what brings value to your business? If so, then congratulations! But if not – there might be something wrong with what you are reviewing or the connections you are using to help promote your business.
Networking Wrap Up
Now that we have gone over the question “Is Networking Important?” – You know that with a resounding YES – that it is.
I know it seems like a daunting task to make the time for networking when you’re busy, but if this is something you could benefit from, then commit 3 hours per week (or even a couple of times per month) and focus on it. Seek out those opportunities where you feel most comfortable and confident to build your network. Trust me; it will be worth doing!
Are you ready to take your business from good to great? I am a coach/consultant for entrepreneurs and small businesses in their pursuit of success. There are no guarantees, but if you have the drive, we can work together on achieving big goals that seem unattainable all by ourselves. Let’s get started.
