Networking and business are inseparable; one is senseless without the other. In business, who you know is as important as what you know. To maintain a strong reputation and create new opportunities, it is important to have good relationships with others.

To run a business, you have to network with clients, other entrepreneurs and business people; it won’t appear out of the blue. Effective networking is a fine art and most people don’t really know where to start or what to keep in mind.

Once you understand how important networking is for your business, it will become second nature and you will reap the benefits.

Networking is a mutual transaction

The saying that money speaks is nowhere more applicable than in the business world. Even though it is important to be passionate about your work, never forget that your main goal is to make a profit. If you can make peace with that, you have made it.

No one is networking for the thrill of it or simply to build a positive image. You need to build new contacts to create more opportunities for generating revenue – it’s as simple as that. It’s not wrong to keep that in mind.

You can be a step ahead of the rest if you remember the other party is also always looking for opportunities to make money, even if it is indirectly due to the product/service you can offer them, for example marketing their company. Respect and accept it, and your business network will thrive.

Work strategically

Many business people forget about the bigger picture when they network. Growing relationships with individuals and businesses within your industry is important. These relationships ensure that your contacts will refer potential customers to you.

Tip: You will sometimes have to do business with new clients at lower prices so that you can introduce your work more widely to create new opportunities.

Always lay all your cards on the table

Don’t promise things your company can’t deliver. To build new contacts regularly, you need to develop a reputation as a reliable entrepreneur with integrity. Rather refer the client to another company that is equipped to do the job. Remember, in the end one hand washes the other.

Communicate effectively

A firm handshake and good social networking skills are crucial, but it’s not the only important thing. If you want to be seen as someone with power and influence in the industry, your business communication channels must always be effective.

If you have not done so yet, invest in a modern website with good functionality and SEO (search engine optimisation), and make sure you have an effective marketing strategy for social media. Also broaden your knowledge of the latest means of communication. All these platforms build your network even while you sleep.

Appoint employees who know how to network

Most workplaces have staff members whose task it is to continuously connect with potential and existing clients to generate new business. It is true that each one of us can improve our communication skills and learn to handle networking situations better, but some people are more focused on building networks.

This article originally appeared on the website of AfriVriendelik.

AfriForum Network is an initiative of AfriForum to help consumers find businesses in South Africa on the web.

AfriForum Network is not only meant for Afrikaans businesses, but also for English companies that also offer their services in Afrikaans. This platform is not only for the benefit of consumers and entrepreneurs, but also for the benefit of Afrikaans.

AfriForum Network is at the service of clients as well as small and large businesses across South Africa.

More questions? Send us an email at afrivriendelik@afriforum.co.za, or visit our Facebook page.