Written by: Beth Rohani, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Eight proven ways to embrace, strengthen, and leverage your network to grow your business. As an entrepreneur, you learn many lessons that can either position you for success or set you up for failure. As I’ve worked to establish my company, Ameritex Movers, one of the top moving companies in Houston, Texas, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how to strengthen, grow, and leverage my network.
Regardless of if you are starting on your entrepreneurial journey or have been at it for a while, I believe there are eight fundamental ways to get the most out of your network, so it has the potential to become one of your most powerful assets.
Never Burn a Bridge – It’s never wise to throw someone under the bus or speak poorly of them – no matter what they may have done to you – because word travels fast, especially in today’s digital age. When you leave a position or part ways with another person, I’ve learned to do so amicably because, as an entrepreneur, your reputation and integrity is everything.
Plant the Seeds – Whenever I am at a social event, I do my best to network and thoroughly engage with whoever is present. This gives me the opportunity to connect, learn more about others and even gain new perspectives from their experiences. You never know when someone from that encounter will want to do business with you or pass your name along to someone else who does, even if your interaction was brief.
Give Back – As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to give back, whether it be by sharing your expertise, time, or resources. Doing so without expecting anything in return fosters trust in who you are and what you stand for, strengthening your network in the long run.
Pay Attention to Your Social Brand – In today’s digital world, you must pay attention to your online presence or “Social Brand”, Posting relevant content to your social platforms while at the same time taking a few minutes to comment, like, or share others’ posts defines your brand and reflects who you are and what you represent.
Do It and Prove It – This is one of my favorite sayings, and I use it often. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Because by doing it, it proves your commitment and that display of your commitment allows trust to be established. Keeping your word is extremely undervalued these days. On the other hand, when you deliver on your promises, it is highly valued.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone – To grow and strengthen your network, you need to be comfortable taking risks. You won’t expand your network without meeting new people. Look for opportunities to engage with others who share different views and perspectives. Doing so will stretch you personally and professionally and, in the long run, help your business.
Establish Strategic Partnerships – Get good at what you do and surround yourself with others who know more than you or have different skill sets and talents. These types of relationships are beneficial to you and the other person. Each party brings and extracts value from the other party, making the relationship mutually beneficial.
Bring Value to Those Around You – Connecting people who share common interests or can help each other is a great way to infuse value into your network. When someone has a problem that another person can solve, take the time to introduce them. People don’t forget when you help them make meaningful connections, and they will be more apt to think of you the next time they need your services or want to introduce you to someone who can help you achieve your goals.
Like any endeavor, cultivating your network takes time, patience, and hard work. And you won’t see results overnight. But over time, your efforts will pay off, and your network will become one of your most valuable and powerful assets.
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Beth Rohani, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Beth Rohani leads the 1 moving company serving the Houston Multi-Family Industry and her company is considered one of Top 3 Best Rated Moving Companies in Houston. As a first generation Iranian-American, former TV news assignments editor and CEO of a transportation and logistics based business in a male-dominated industry, Beth embraces the stereotypes while inspiring and mentoring others to build a successful business with a balance to live their best life.
