Networking and how it can help your business grow.

Love it or hate it, networking can be a valuable aspect of business, helping your business to grow – especially in industries where collaboration and partnerships are essential. If you are the facilitator of building a business community (whether you are a coworking space or the keeper of the work diary!) encouraging like-minded people to network is a crucial part of business planning.

Want to find out why? Read on.

Networking can lead to new business opportunities. Colleagues/co-workers may refer each other to their own networks, leading to new contracts, partnerships, or collaborations. This can significantly contribute to business growth.

Knowledge Sharing. They often have valuable insights and experiences that can benefit each other. Networking provides an avenue for people to share best practices, industry trends, and lessons learned, allowing everyone involved to improve their own processes and strategies.

Problem-solving. Networking allows discussion of common challenges they face and potential solutions can be brainstormed together. By sharing experiences and perspectives, colleagues/co-workers can often come up with innovative approaches to overcome obstacles more effectively.

Building Trust and Relationships. Networking fosters trust and strengthens relationships between these groups. By interacting with each other outside of formal business settings, colleagues/co-workers can develop deeper connections and establish long-lasting partnerships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Access to Resources and Expertise. They often have access to resources, expertise, and contacts that can be valuable to each other. Networking provides a platform for colleagues/co-workers to tap into each other’s networks and leverage these resources to address their own needs or challenges.

Staying Informed. Networking allows them to stay informed about industry developments, market trends, and emerging opportunities. By engaging with other clients, individuals can gain valuable insights that help them make more informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

Peer Support and Motivation. Networking provides colleagues and co-workers with peer support and motivation. Interacting with others who are facing similar challenges can be reassuring and inspiring, helping them stay motivated and focused on achieving their goals.

Overall, networking between colleagues and co-workers is essential for fostering collaboration, driving business growth, and creating a supportive community where individuals can learn from each other and thrive together.

So, how do you go about it? 

Here are some ways you can encourage networking within your organisation:

Online Forums and Communities. Many businesses have online forums or communities where colleagues/co-workers can interact, ask questions, and share experiences. These platforms can foster networking among fellow workers who may have similar interests or face similar challenges.

Events and Conferences. Companies often organise events or conferences where colleagues, co-workers and customers can meet in person. These events provide an opportunity to network, share ideas, and learn from each other.

User Groups. Some companies facilitate user groups where customers with similar interests can meet regularly to discuss best practices, share tips, and provide feedback to the company.

Social Media. Social media platforms can be used to connect with each other. Companies can create groups or pages where colleagues/co-workers and customers can interact and network. 

Referral Programs. Referral programs can incentivise fellow workers and customers to network with each other by offering rewards or discounts for referring them. This can help create a network effect where satisfied customers bring in new business.

Customer Advisory Boards. Some companies have customer advisory boards composed of select customers who provide feedback and guidance to the company. These boards often provide opportunities for networking among members.

Partner Programs. Companies often have partner programs where colleagues/co-workers and customers can collaborate with each other on projects or business opportunities. These programs can facilitate networking and lead to mutually beneficial partnerships.

Overall, facilitating networking within your organisation can help foster a sense of community, encourage collaboration, and drive customer loyalty.

So, if you are the facilitator within your organisation, it’s time to get busy, put on some events that will tick all those boxes and start building your community. If you are interested in your company laying on a networking event, why not ask if something can be organised. Alternatively, get a couple of social events in the work diary and head out to the local pub/bar/restaurant with your work colleagues. You might find you have a lot in common and can offer business support where needed. Basically, won’t regret it.

At Point of Difference, we work hard to encourage the community we have built up and have a great relationship with our clients. We have a 3 month calendar of social events planned and we are currently discussing introducing a network event (we’ll keep you posted!) From meals out at local restaurants to quiz nights, cross-location presentations between our internal customers to an introduction to Boxing, (yes BOXING!) we try and cater for everyone. If you would like to find out more please contact us.

Blog reader, this may interest you:

https://iwant2network.com/business-networking-tips-and-networking-blogs/

https://eu.tennessean.com/story/money/2015/12/13/6-tips-start-networking-group/77143960/

Follow us:

Instagram: perchbicester

Fb: Point of Difference Workspace

LinkedIn: Point of Difference Workspace