If you own a small business, you know how important referrals are to your success. As networking and referral expert Bob Burg puts it, “All things being equal, people do business with, and refer business to people they know, like and trust.” This seems common sense, but it’s true and a good reason to spend time networking.
We live in a social society where people seek recommendations from people they trust. Think about how often you see this on Facebook alone! People are busy and want to get in touch with reputable vendors as quickly as possible. Investing time in local networking is one way small business owners can extend their reach in the community.
Whether you participate in a group formally, or informally, it’s a good idea to build a network of vendors you work closely with. The great thing about this is, it benefits everyone involved – you and your contacts can cross promote each other’s businesses, all the while helping to fulfill your clients’ needs that extend beyond the scope of your specialty.
If you’re just starting out, you can approach networking in a variety of ways. When it comes to referrals, it’s a numbers game, so meeting and getting to know as many people in your circle of influence is one way to start. Consider joining a formal networking group or your local chamber of commerce.
Another approach is to make a concerted effort to deepen relationships with businesses you work with regularly. If you’re an accountant, think about area attorneys, financial advisors and other professionals that you interact with in doing business. If you’re a mortgage consultant, think about local realtors, lenders and brokers. You get the idea.
To help, we feature a page on our website of resources we trust. Check out our partner list to see if anyone can be of assistance to you!
Richard Adams is a graduate of Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, with dual majors in Accounting and Business Administration. He is also a graduate of Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri.