This is a contributor’s blogpost …

 

When building a business, one of the most important aspects to think about is networking. To new entrepreneurs and beginners, the idea of building a network of contacts seems like a waste of time. After all, why would you ever bother speaking to competitors and why would you put yourself in a position to rely on others? Shouldn’t a business be self-sufficient and aim to be as efficient and productive as possible? While it’s true to some extent, a business cannot survive without other businesses supporting it.

Picture it this way, without outsourcing companies and computer software, it would be almost impossible for a lone entrepreneur to create a business. There are countless things to think about and the only reason we’re able to start a business so easily in the modern day is that we rely on other businesses. This is why it’s important to build up a network of business contacts when you grow your business. It’s to give you the support you need to run your business and it’s to build a good relationship with industry figureheads in order to get ahead.

To help you on your journey, we’ve built up a list of simple ways that you can establish new business contacts in order to grow your company and boost your sales.

 

Seek services that can help you

Let’s say you’re a business that is currently outsourcing its production to a factory in another country. In order for you to take control of that outsourced production, you’ll need to stay in touch with that company so you can order new parts, source raw materials and set up a logistics network to help you distribute the product. You might call on companies such as Gough Econ to install conveying systems for your factory, or you might contact a local timber yard to strike a deal so you have a supply of wood to use in your production. In short, make sure you’re always seeking services that can help you, and ensure you keep in touch with them.

 

Separate your business and personal social media accounts

A personal social media account is important for your online presence. It helps people find you as your own person, not as a member of your company. This has several advantages. For starters, it lets you speak your own opinion without negatively affecting your company’s image. Secondly, it allows you to keep your business persona and your personal information separate. Lastly, it gives you the opportunity to speak with industry figureheads, bloggers and investors privately over the Internet instead of being a representative of your company. This leads to more informal discussions and can help lighten the mood during serious talks.

 

Attend trade shows and exhibitions

If you aren’t already attending trade shows, then you’re making a big mistake. Any kind of public event where companies congregate is going to be a goldmine of opportunities. You can speak with investors, customers, check on your rivals and even interact with the media to help you expose your own business.