You're looking to expand your business network. How can you build partnerships that last?

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn. It's about building long-term relationships that can benefit both parties professionally and personally. How can you network effectively and create partnerships that last? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Know your goals

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to find new clients, collaborators, mentors, or referrals? Do you want to learn new skills, insights, or trends? Do you want to raise your profile, reputation, or influence? Having specific and realistic goals will help you identify and target the right people, events, and platforms for your networking.

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Anand Bajoria

President at SKICORP Group | Passionate about sustainability | Consistent Value Addition to Footwear and Leather Accessories Industry | Author of the Book "The Success Secret to Retail Industry"
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Partnerships are important in business growth because it builds trust and credibility of the entrprenuer and the organization. Business growth through strong partnerships are build on the foundation of common goals and the responsibility of solving the customer's problems with mutual strengths. For effective partnerships to grow the business, basic fundamentals to follow : 1/ be transparent, have a clear and open communication channels 2/ be ready to adapt, change, accept cultural & working differences 3/ have a clear, mutually acceptable systems of measurement and reviewal process 4/ be accountable – towards each other and towards the market

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Ezequiel B.

Smart Communities Expert • Innovación Digital • Business Advisory • Emprendedor •
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Antes de comenzar a establecer contactos, es fundamental tener una comprensión clara de tus objetivos. ¿Estás buscando encontrar nuevos clientes para tu negocio, colaboradores para un proyecto específico, mentores que te guíen en tu desarrollo profesional o referidos que puedan conectar contigo con oportunidades relevantes? Definir tus objetivos te ayudará a enfocar tus esfuerzos de networking de manera más efectiva y a buscar conexiones que sean adecuadas para tus necesidades y aspiraciones profesionales.

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2 Be genuine and helpful

Networking is not a one-way street. You can't expect to get something from someone without offering something in return. The best way to build trust and rapport with your network is to be genuine and interested in them as individuals, not as potential sources of income or favors. Show that you care about their challenges, goals, and passions, and offer your support, advice, or resources whenever possible. Don't be afraid to ask for help, but don't be pushy or needy either. Remember, networking is about mutual benefit and value.

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Ezequiel B.

Smart Communities Expert • Innovación Digital • Business Advisory • Emprendedor •
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La autenticidad y la generosidad son fundamentales en la creación de redes efectivas. Es importante recordar que las relaciones sólidas se construyen sobre la base de la confianza y el valor mutuo. Ser genuino y mostrar interés genuino en las personas con las que te conectas, sin esperar algo a cambio de inmediato, establece una base sólida para una relación duradera y beneficiosa para ambas partes. Al enfocarte en cómo puedes ser útil y servicial para los demás, en lugar de simplemente buscar lo que puedes obtener de ellos, fomentas relaciones más profundas y significativas en tu red profesional.

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3 Follow up and stay in touch

Networking doesn't end after the first meeting or conversation. You need to follow up and stay in touch with your contacts to maintain and strengthen the relationship. Send a thank-you note, an article, a feedback, or a referral within a few days of your interaction. Connect with them on social media, email, or phone, and keep them updated on your progress, achievements, or challenges. Invite them to join your events, webinars, podcasts, or newsletters, or attend theirs. Don't let the connection fade away or become irrelevant.

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Ezequiel B.

Smart Communities Expert • Innovación Digital • Business Advisory • Emprendedor •
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Enviar una nota de agradecimiento, compartir un artículo relevante, dejar un comentario significativo o proporcionar una referencia valiosa a los pocos días de tu interacción es una excelente manera de mantener viva la conexión y demostrar tu aprecio por el tiempo y la atención recibidos. Además, es importante mantener una comunicación regular a través de las redes sociales, correo electrónico o teléfono, manteniendo a tus contactos actualizados sobre tu progreso, logros o desafíos. Invitarlos a unirse a tus eventos, seminarios web, podcasts o boletines informativos, o asistir a los suyos, también puede ser una forma efectiva de mantener la relación y ofrecer oportunidades para interactuar y colaborar en el futuro.

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4 Expand and diversify your network

Networking is not only about quantity, but also about quality and diversity. You don't want to limit yourself to people who are in the same industry, role, or level as you. You want to expand and diversify your network to include people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This will help you gain access to new opportunities, ideas, and insights that you might not otherwise encounter. You can expand and diversify your network by joining online communities, attending events, volunteering, or taking courses that are related to your interests, goals, or values.

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Ezequiel B.

Smart Communities Expert • Innovación Digital • Business Advisory • Emprendedor •
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Deseando expandir y diversificar su red para incluir personas de diversos orígenes, perspectivas y experiencias es una estrategia inteligente para acceder a nuevas oportunidades, ideas y conocimientos. Puedes lograr esto uniéndote a comunidades en línea, asistiendo a eventos relacionados con tu campo o intereses, participando como voluntario en organizaciones relevantes o tomando cursos que te ayuden a desarrollar habilidades relevantes. Al interactuar con individuos de diversos trasfondos y disciplinas, ampliarás tu horizonte, fomentarás la creatividad y te abrirás a nuevas perspectivas que enriquecerán tu vida personal y profesional.

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5 Be consistent and patient

Networking is not a sprint, but a marathon. It takes time and effort to build meaningful and lasting partnerships. You can't expect to see immediate results or benefits from your networking activities. You need to be consistent and patient in your approach, and keep nurturing and growing your network over time. Don't give up or lose interest if you don't get a response or a positive outcome right away. Keep showing up, adding value, and following up, and you will eventually reap the rewards of your networking.

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Ezequiel B.

Smart Communities Expert • Innovación Digital • Business Advisory • Emprendedor •
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Construir asociaciones significativas y duraderas requiere tiempo y esfuerzo, y es importante entender que los resultados o beneficios no serán inmediatos. La consistencia y la paciencia son clave en tu enfoque de networking. Es fundamental seguir nutriendo y haciendo crecer tu red con el tiempo, manteniendo la comunicación regular y mostrando interés genuino en las personas con las que te conectas. A medida que cultivas relaciones sólidas y auténticas, verás cómo se desarrollan oportunidades y beneficios a largo plazo. Recuerda que el networking es una inversión a largo plazo en tu crecimiento profesional y personal, y los frutos de tu esfuerzo eventualmente se manifestarán a medida que tu red continúe expandiéndose y fortaleciéndose.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're looking to expand your business network. How can you build partnerships that last?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your goals

2 Be genuine and helpful

3 Follow up and stay in touch

4 Expand and diversify your network

5 Be consistent and patient

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Networking

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You're looking to expand your business network. How can you build partnerships that last?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your goals

2 Be genuine and helpful

3 Follow up and stay in touch

4 Expand and diversify your network

5 Be consistent and patient

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Networking

Rate this article

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