Building A Lasting Business Network

by Ivan Serrano Ivan Serrano's Blog

Small businesses need a business network to thrive. Doing so requires building relationships based on trust and other values one has in common with another business or group of businesses. The ability to leverage relationships and gain new prospects results in revenue growth. That shouldn’t be the end; these relations ought to be nurtured and geared toward long-term gain given that a large percentage of revenue will come from your network.

A company aiming to offer the best roofing services will opt business networking as a low-cost marketing method. That way, one can generate leads from contacts gained from face-to-face introductions by a third party or through referrals. When paired with other marketing methods such as social media, emails and phone calls, a business can grow authentically.

The easier route to getting new customers or clients is by working with those who know and trust you first. These people or businesses will give act as your list of references. Word of mouth is among the best ways to authentically grow a business. To grow your business networks, here are a few approaches you’re encouraged to take.

1. Get social

Before jumping into social media, understand how each platform works. You’ll understand quickly enough that you don’t need to be on every platform. After undertaking an assessment of each site, set up an account and build an online community. It’s however not as easy as it sounds; you’ll only attract people to your brand if they perceive you to be helpful. It is therefore important not to constantly push products and services to your audience. Rather, integrate the sharing of ideas and your expertise in your messaging.

2. Build your reputation

No relationship can be built without trust. Your business network likely deems you trustworthy- it’s vital that you maintain that image by building a reputable brand and not wearing in the quality of your workmanship. Whatever you offer needs to be consistent or even better with time. A decrease or reduction in operational standards will likely lose you, customers and clients. Those within your business network would no longer wish to be associated with diminished standards. To let everyone within your circle know that you’re reputable, share your accomplishments through various mediums.

3. Give it time

Part of thinking long-term is being in constant communication with those you can attribute your success to. The usefulness of another party may not come about immediately; give your business time to grow and take form. You may end up getting leads from an unlikely source. Once you get any leads, cultivate a relationship with them. Do not be too quick to want to close a deal that you overlook the potential of someone being a long-term revenue source. Relationships take time to build so keep in touch. Most of all, honor your word and remain persistent even when someone doesn’t respond.