So everyone says you need to build a network to build your business. But how do you build that network if you’re new in business or in a new industry?
In over 20 years in business, I’ve tried to build my various businesses in a number of different ways.
Some of them were successful, some of them not so much.
I’ve used cold calling with varying degrees of success, digital marketing and SEO, I’ve paid for social ads, I”ve even used mailers and fax machines.
Remember fax machines?
Well I’m here to tell you that, no matter what you try, networking and referral based methods of building business are almost always the best way to do it. Building a referral network is a long term solution that, as long as you keep up with your relationships, you’ll be able to keep getting value from.
So let’s dive in to the first five things that I do any time I dive into a new market to build my business.
- Find a networking group to start with
- Meet with anyone who will meet with you
- Don’t be shy about moving up
- Ask for new connections
- Follow up, follow up, follow up
Now you just have to rinse and repeat.
This can be a long term process, sure. But I can promise you that it’s worth it. Plus, there are some things that you can do to shorten that process and start profiting from those new connections quickly.
Check out The Referral Bench Podcast, where Phil Pelto and I talk about how to grow a referral based business for more information. There’s a link to that podcast in the description of this video.
What About You?
Have you ever had to start over in a new market and rebuild your network? Are you just starting to build your network now?
What are some of the things that you do to make new connections and develop relationships?
Let us know down in the comments and, while you’re down there, hit the like button so that we know that you’re getting something out of this video.