Here is the podcast episode and transcript about exploring the power of networking with people you know.
Introduction
“Hi, I’m Tracy Heatley, your small business marketing and networking specialist, and welcome you to this episode of my Be Better With Tracy Heatley podcast”.
“Networking is an essential part of building a successful business. It allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, gain
new insights, and find potential customers and business partners. However, some business owners think that networking with people they already know is a waste of time. Perhaps feeling that their existing relationships are enough, and they don’t need to make them even stronger. But the truth is, just because you know someone, doesn’t mean they’re referring business to you. In this episode, I want to explore the importance of networking with people you know and the benefits it can bring to your business”.
The Power of Networking Relationships
“Networking is all about building relationships. Relationships are the centre of why and how networking works. And there’s no denying that the more trust and rapport you have with someone, the more likely they are to refer business to you. By nurturing your existing relationships, you can deepen them and make them more valuable. This means keeping in touch with your contacts, following up with them regularly, and finding ways to add value to them and their businesses”. This way you can harness referrals for your business.
The Ease of Communication
“Networking with people you know is far easier than networking with strangers. You already have a foundation to build on, and you can use your existing connection to start meaningful conversations. The familiarity of an existing relationship can also create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, making it easier to discuss business matters and potentially collaborate on projects”.
The Cost-Effectiveness Of Networking
“Marketing and advertising can be expensive and time-consuming. But networking with people you already know is an effective and cost-efficient way to grow your business. By tapping into your existing network, you can leverage the power of word-of-mouth and referrals. Plus, when you have strong relationships, you can ask for advice, feedback, and support, which can save you time and money in the long run”.
The Importance of Maintaining Connections
“Networking isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that requires effort and consistency. To maintain your relationships with people you know, you need to stay connected. This means keeping in touch through social media, emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings. You should be someone who makes time for others and helps them get referrals, even when you don’t immediately benefit from the interaction”.
The Balance of Deepening and Expanding Your Network
“While maintaining strong relationships with people you know is crucial, it’s also important to make new connections. Expanding your network can bring fresh perspectives, new opportunities, and a wide range of contacts. Therefore, it’s best to find a balanced approach to networking. Dedicate some time to deepening your existing relationships while also allocating time for expanding your network and making new connections”.
Conclusion
“Networking with people you know is an effective way to grow your business, but it requires effort and consistency. Remember that relationships are the foundation of successful networking, and you need to take the time to nurture them. By maintaining regular contact with your existing network and finding ways to add value to their lives, you can strengthen your relationships and improve your chances of receiving referrals. Therefore, be open to making new connections while giving priority to your existing relationships. In the end, it’s the quality of your connections and relationships that matters, not the quantity. So, don’t be disappointed or dissatisfied when you attend a networking event and there’s people you know there. Instead, relish in the opportunity for a new perspective to have diverse conversations and learn something new about the people you’re networking with. Perhaps something wonderful is about to happen!”
About The Author, Tracy Heatley
“I’m Tracy Heatley, a Chartered Marketer and networking specialise and I’ve been networking for almost twenty years. Aside for training people in the art of successful networking with impact, and being a professional marketer, I have run my own BoB Clubs North West networking groups for sixteen years. Believe me when I say that your network is your net worth, so invest your precious time with the right people and the return on your investment will pay dividends in the end”.
“If you would like to know more about any of my Better Strategy, Better Marketing, or Better Networking services head over to my website www.tracyheatley.com”. There are lots of free resources like blogs and more podcast episodes available for you too”.
“I’m Tracy Heatley, and I thank you for listening to my Be Better With Tracy Heatley podcast episode about exploring the power of networking with people you know”.
“Better Business, Better You!”