By Citlali Erazo

Whether you are at the start of your career, or a seasoned industry expert, networking is a vital component of your business. Why is networking so important? It connects you with other professionals, and the relationships you build become mutually beneficial such that two scenarios play out: they ask for assistance and you help, or you ask for assistance and they help. 

Here are five important networking tips that will help you grow your business. 

1. Focus on building and nurturing business relationships

The best way to build a relationship is to treat each contact as a real person. Do your research beforehand and strike up a conversation. Get to know what type of person they are. Regard their personal interests and find ways to relate to them. Do not be afraid to show vulnerability. However, exercise good judgment when choosing to be vulnerable. This can strengthen your relationship. Another great way to nourish relationship ties is to reach out and congratulate any awards, achievements and recognitions. Reach out on social media, send an email, or take a few minutes to congratulate them personally with a phone call. These quick and easy actions go a long way in nurturing business ties. It shows you care on a personal level and establishes trust and reliability.

2. Ask yourself, “How can I help?” Give, instead of take. 

Avoid the mistake of focusing on what they can do for you; instead, focus on what you can do for them. The best way to do this is to be a good listener. Learn about their values, passions, and what their needs are. Then, you can offer your assistance. Share your industry knowledge and expertise. A few great ways to share insight are speaking engagements via Zoom and in person, workshops, and blog posts. Another simple, yet highly efficient, way to help someone is to connect them with another person. Connecting professional contacts strengthens your network and shows people you are dependable. 

3. Send a handwritten thank you note

A handwritten note may seem like an outdated notion; however it can make a strong impression. A handwritten note expressing gratitude conveys to the recipient that they are valued. Do not worry about making the message long or elaborate. A heartfelt note is simple, genuine and specific. For instance, you can write, “Thank you for putting me in touch with [Name]. We met for coffee yesterday and it went well. I truly appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to coordinate this. We have scheduled another meeting later this week. I will keep you posted. Thank you. [Your Name]” A simple handwritten thank you leaves a positive and long lasting impression. The recipient of the note knows it took extra time and effort and, as a result, feels appreciated. 

4. Utilize LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the most powerful business-to-business networking platform. First, make sure your profile is optimized. This means your profile picture, banner, and summary are professional. Second, create a strong presence by sharing content such as articles, or writing your own posts. Research shows longer content is shared more often than shorter content. According to Findstack.com, articles with approximately 1900 words and precisely 8 images are shared significantly more. Tagging people and organization pages is also a great way to garner views and impressions, as well as engaging with others in the comments section by thanking them, liking comments, and opening up the conversation. Finally, connect with other professionals in your industry and make sure to add a personalized note. Sending personalized messages is much more effective than sending an automated generic one. How can you personalize a message? Find ways in which you are similar. For example, do you have any shared interests? Shared experiences? Are you both members of a mutual group? Another approach is researching their work and then reaching out to discuss it. Did you find it interesting? Helpful? Did you learn something new? Or maybe you just want to reach out and let them know you really enjoyed it and would like to learn more. These are all great ways to expand your network. 

5. Always follow-up!

The most important networking advice is ensuring follow up. A quick check-in goes a long way, especially after an important business call, video or  in person meeting. It is a great way to say thank you, and reaffirm  any pending actions. It is also a practical way to stay in touch and nurture relationships. Schedule periodic follow-up reminders on your calendar. This will strengthen ties and lead to new business opportunities. 

Expanding your business may seem daunting, however, following these five simple steps will guide you in the right direction. Networking is powerful, and incorporating these strategies can lead to new opportunities and professional growth.