Networking is something which is often discussed. But why should you want to network as a company and what is the best way to do this? Networking is a useful way to find new customers, suppliers and/or employees. A network is also a good way for mouth-to-mouth promotion. Read here our 5 useful tips for networking and how to expand your company's network.
Tip 1: Analyse your current network
It is useful to first understand your company’s current network. This current network consists of people who know the company. These are, for example, (former) colleagues, suppliers and customers.
With social media you can easily get insights into the current network of your organization. List these people and find out how you can reach them. Also take a look at the industry they are active in and what their network looks like. The advantage? You gain insights into your company’s current network and into the branches in which your company has a network. After analyzing your network, the next step is to expand this and to involve new people. This means networking!
Tip 2: Visit events
Events are the right place to increase your network. You will meet new people here and broaden your knowledge. So it is a win-win! There are two types of events that might be interesting:
- An event focused on a subject: here you can learn everything about a specific subject and its developments. At these events you will get to know people who are in the same field as you are in. Examples of subjects are warehouses or management.
- An event focused on a sector: here you will learn everything about new developments in your sector. At such an event you can expand your network with people from the same sector. Developments in your sector can, for example, be new technologies.
Do not feel like going to an event on your own? Go together with a colleague. In this way you will both get to broaden your network and that of your company. And it is fun at the same time!
Tip 3: Get to know strangers
Going to an event is the first step. The second step is then to start a conversation with people you do not know. When someone is interesting for your network, you can add him or her to your LinkedIn; this you can also call handing out an online business card. In this way you can easily contact these people again another time.
Tip: make an pitch. This is a very short speech in which you present yourself and your company. The goal? In this way you will quickly see if you can do something for each other.
Tip 4: Always bring you business cards
In addition to adding someone on LinkedIn, you can also share your business card. Business cards are an easy way to make contact afterwards with people you have met. So, make sure you always have a few business cards with you, you never know who you are going to meet!
Tip 5: Maintain your network
After an event it is important to maintain your network. Add new people to your LinkedIn, store the business cards you received in an easy place and send invitations for (business) meetings. You can also remain active on social media by responding to posts and placing posts yourself. Additionally, you can invite people from your network to go to events together. Or even better, invite them to your company. Sharing knowledge is always smart and fun to do.
With these tips you can broaden your network. And you can decide yourself in which direction you want to go. Do you want to get to know people in the agricultural sector? Then it is best to visit an event that is focused on this sector. Do you want to get to know people in the same field as you are in, such as marketing or management? Then it would be better to go to an event that's focused on this field.
Do you already know the Kramp Academy? At the Kramp Academy you can follow practical training courses and increase your network. Click here for more information about the Kramp Academy.
