3 Ways Networking Can Grow Your Business in 2022

Networking is an increasingly important skill not only for career professionals but also for entrepreneurs who are thinking of starting or growing their businesses. 

People are the most important asset of any business. They determine how you sell, where you sell, and who you sell to. For your business to grow and succeed, you need to be in contact with the right people. However, the people part of any business is more than the employees and customers. It also includes your supplies, distributors, social networks, and even your competitors. 

In an episode of #AfricaThriveLive, CEO & Co-founder of Enda Sportswear, Navalayo Osembo-Ombati said “ Your networks are everything. In the darkest moments of the business, people have stepped up to help us in ways we can’t describe and they didn’t have to do it.”

If starting or growing a business in 2022 is part of your goals, begin by building or strengthening your networking skills and watch your business Thrive!

Benefits of Networking

Whether you’re a professional building your career, or an entrepreneur working hard at a business idea, you can benefit greatly from networking. Here’s how: 

1. Increase Your Knowledge

By initiating and maintaining contact with different people, you create the opportunity for knowledge and idea-sharing through discussion and feedback. You not only get different perspectives on ideas and opportunities but also get direct learning from those with experience. Leveraging this knowledge can help grow your business tremendously.

One way to do this is by attending conferences, events or entrepreneur training programmes like those offered here at The African Management Institute. These provide simple and effective opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

       2. Connections

The more people you meet, the more your social and professional networks grow. Additionally, you also open doors to their network as well. Making yourself and your business memorable with your connections increases the chances of them referring their contacts to you when the need arises.

The key to remember is that networking requires both parties to be involved. Think of ways that you can add value to everyone you meet, and the chances of them referring your business, offering partnership or requesting your product or service increases. 

       3. Raising Your Profile

People like to work or associate themselves with businesses that they can trust. Regularly attending relevant events increases the awareness of your business and makes you easily memorable. By placing yourself in the right place at the right time, and providing useful information or support, you can build your business’ reputation of being knowledgeable and reliable.

If you’re already a business owner, creating an enjoyable and memorable customer experience is a great way to raise your profile. Customers are more likely to recommend your products or services to their networks when they are thoroughly satisfied. If you’re not yet a business owner, think of how your current skills could be useful to the people you network with. Add value to them and they will be more likely to buy into your offerings once you set up a business. 

With over 1 billion people, Africa alone provides a great networking opportunity. If you’re looking for customers, mentors or a place to network in 2022,  AMI’s Thrive community is a great place to start.