Whether just beginning a business or looking to further a company that is already fairly well established, as a business owner it is always a wise idea to investigate and explore the current connections and contacts within a company. The contacts a business owner has can deeply impact the publicity of an entrepreneurial venture and can positively or negatively affect the eventual outcome of a business’s success.
Building Contacts
Networking is an advantageous way to further connect with other like-minded business owners and build contacts for a business. Two common ways for building business connections are the categories of Social Media and Business Networking.
Social Media
It seems as if every business is on Facebook and Google+ these days but those businesses understand that social media has changed how we connect with business contacts as well as customers. Social media allows business owners a rare opportunity to add personality and professionalism together for a better understanding of client demographics and what customers want and need as well as their habits, hobbies etc… Social media also gives business owners an opportunity to connect and view how other businesses are doing as well as project business values to a market that may have not been reached before. The connections made through social media may seem shallow at first but it is through the sharing of information that connections, referrals and brand advocate clients are made.
Business Network
Business networking is fantastic for meeting other like-minded business owners and promotes a business through personal, one on one connection. Unlike social media contacts, contacts made through business marketing have an understanding of what it takes to be a business owner and believe that community is the key to better business. It is through meeting other business owners that a community can be created and referrals as well as publicity is spread through word of mouth by other trusted, successful business entrepreneurs. It is also through these business networking meetings that contacts can be made that can be utilized for the furthering of your startup company.
People to Connect With
There are several contacts that a business owner should utilize immediately to further promote and increase business. These contacts work as advocates for a company and use a community mind set to better businesses and the communities around them. They are beneficial in multiple ways and if not yet a part of a business contacts list, they need to be added and connected with right away.
A Mentor
A mentor is a successful business professional who business owners can turn to with advice and questions. Mentors have wisdom and experience in the entrepreneurial ventures world and can use their knowledge to prevent startup businesses from making the same setback making mistakes they may have made. Mentors also tend to have a large amount of respect within a community and can actively discuss business with other members of the community to spread the word about businesses that will be successful.
Like Minded Business Owners in Different Industries
It is important to remember that something can always be learned from other business owners, even if they are not in a similar industry. Connecting with a business of a different industry can add insight to ways that may improve customer service, organization or other business aspects within a company and industry. It is also through these connections that customers may come from an area of an unexplored but profitable demographic.
Business Owners in Similar Industries
Owners of companies that focus on a similar demographic level or offer products clients would purchase are a wise addition to any contact list. These business owners can refer clients to business products as well as make a valuable resource for discussing industry problems or issues. Having a connection in the same industry embodies a spirit of community, smart and professional business practices and displays a wanting of successful businesses with an industry.
Further Your Business
As a business owner it is always advantageous to make connections and contacts within the business world. As discussed, the contacts made via social media or business networking can deeply affect the eventual outcome of a business’s successes or failures. Connections with clients and businesses alike actively promote the furthering of a company and it is through contacts, that businesses and business owners are able to really feel successful.
About The Author
Steven Wendt is the Internet Marketing Manager at UV Cards, a leader in the printing and business cards industry. He enjoys providing tips about networking and creating professional business cards.