What Networking Strategies Do You Use to Build Partnerships?
Small Biz Leader
What Networking Strategies Do You Use to Build Partnerships?
In the entrepreneurial world, forging strong partnerships can be a game-changer. We've gathered eleven diverse strategies from Founders and CEOs, offering insights from leveraging guest posting to creating value-driven partnerships. Discover how these networking tactics have propelled their businesses forward.
- Leverage Guest Posting Early On
- Engage at Industry-Specific Conferences
- Participate on Potential Partners' Social Media Pages
- Join Industry-Specific Mastermind Groups
- Host Invite-Only Virtual Roundtables
- Become a Resource and Connector
- Utilize LinkedIn for Industry Engagement
- Attend Events with Clear Goals
- Ask for Personal Referrals
- Offer Free Services at Community Events
- Create Value-Driven Partnerships
Leverage Guest Posting Early On
As a newer entrepreneur, guest posting helped me build valuable partnerships—and ultimately get found by my target audience. In fact, since founding LuisaZhou.com, I've been featured in big media outlets like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Money, to name a few. And because these platforms are well-respected and have large audiences, they've directly contributed to my business growth. So, my advice: Build partnerships with people in your niche by pitching them topic ideas and showing them how much value you could offer. Early on, guest posting on small but relevant platforms can help you get traction and build your reputation.
Engage at Industry-Specific Conferences
One successful networking strategy I've used as the founder of a legal process outsourcing company is to focus on attending industry-specific conferences, particularly those centered around legal technology and outsourcing.
For instance, at a recent LegalTech conference, I made it a point to engage in meaningful conversations with potential partners rather than just exchanging business cards. I found that we could establish a deeper connection by sharing insights on the challenges we both face in the industry and discussing innovative solutions.
This approach led to a partnership with a mid-sized law firm that was looking to streamline its document review process. By collaborating, we were able to offer a more comprehensive service to their clients, which not only boosted our revenue but also strengthened our reputation in the market.
This experience taught me that building genuine relationships through focused, in-depth discussions can lead to valuable and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Participate on Potential Partners' Social Media Pages
Making the most of social media is key in this day and age. Whether I'm following up or reaching out for the first time, I stand out in a sea of DMs and emails by consistently posting on potential associates' social media pages. And it's not just an emoji either; I dig deep to offer real insight and feedback on their story or post. People put a lot of work into their online presence, and they appreciate being noticed. Someone who shows up in their comments regularly is far more memorable in the long term.
So before you jump into asking about a partnership, break the ice. Let them know you are committed to raising both your voices by participating on their social media pages. You'll be more likely to get a favorable response when you do reach out formally.
Join Industry-Specific Mastermind Groups
A successful networking strategy I've employed is joining industry-specific mastermind groups. These small, focused groups allow entrepreneurs to share insights and resources in a supportive environment. The benefit of this approach is twofold: not only do I gain valuable advice from peers who understand the challenges I face, but I also form deep connections that often lead to partnerships.
For example, through one such group, I partnered with a fellow entrepreneur to co-host a webinar series. This collaboration not only expanded our reach but also provided both of our businesses with new leads and increased credibility in our respective fields. The relationships built in these settings often evolve into long-term business alliances that can be incredibly beneficial.
Host Invite-Only Virtual Roundtables
One networking strategy that proved highly successful for me was organizing invite-only virtual roundtables with industry influencers and decision-makers. Early on, I identified key figures who were shaping the social media and content marketing landscape. Instead of reaching out cold, I invited them to small, focused discussions on industry trends and challenges, which I moderated personally. These roundtables weren't sales pitches; they were genuine conversations where everyone could share insights and explore collaboration opportunities. This approach allowed me to build deep, trust-based relationships with leaders who later became strategic partners and advocates for RecurPost.
The impact on RecurPost was transformative. These partnerships opened doors to co-branded initiatives and joint ventures that significantly amplified our market reach. One particular partnership, born out of these discussions, led to a collaboration with a major content marketing firm. This not only brought us a wave of new users but also enhanced our product with features that directly addressed the needs of our partners' clients. By prioritizing genuine connection over immediate gain, we were able to build a network that continues to fuel our growth and innovation.
Become a Resource and Connector
The best way to build successful partnerships through networking is to become known as a resource. Go out of your way to help others in any situation, even though it may not necessarily lead to foreseeable business growth.
Ask how you can help, or who you can connect the person to. Through offering your assistance by leveraging your network to help others, people will view you as a genuine connection and will go out of their way to want to work with you. Become known as a connector, and word will spread around the community. Such credibility is an essential building block to form for future partnerships.
When I launched Sax Appeal in 2011 as a unique all-saxophone musical ensemble, we didn't have much else to offer outside of live music. Realizing that people don't get married too often, or host 700-person cocktail receptions every week, it became apparent that all the connections I was making were for future opportunities to have others keep us in mind for live music. But what I did realize was that from becoming known as a networking professional from attending dozens of networking events a week, and then soon launching a second business hosting large networking events (eSAX), people started reaching out to me as a resource for connectivity.
From facilitating the connection of others, and providing resources to help other people succeed in their ventures and needs, helped establish my integrity throughout the city. People now search me out, wanting to partner with a variety of opportunities.
Building successful partnerships takes a concerted and altruistic effort, and it only truly starts with providing value long before the need arises.
Utilize LinkedIn for Industry Engagement
One effective networking strategy I've implemented is utilizing LinkedIn to forge partnerships. By actively participating in industry-specific groups and discussions, I connected with key influencers and potential collaborators. Sharing valuable insights and engaging in meaningful conversations helped boost my credibility and visibility. This approach resulted in several successful collaborations and referrals, significantly benefiting my jewelry appraisal business, The Alloy Market, by broadening our reach and enhancing our reputation.
Attend Events with Clear Goals
One effective strategy for maximizing your success at networking events is to only accept and attend events with clear goals and objectives. Sometimes this may be as simple as a brand awareness piece to build up your profile, or other times it's to connect with a specific speaker/attendee of that event. Going in with a defined purpose ensures that your time is well spent, and instead of just going with the flow, having specific goals allows you to measure your success afterward and refine your approach for future events.
For instance, if your goal is brand awareness, set a target for how many people you want to speak with during the event; maybe that's 10 new contacts, or perhaps it's more, depending on the size of the event. Focus on introducing yourself and your business, and rather than immediately pitching your business or asking for something, take the time to really listen to others and think about how you can offer value first. When you're in conversation, consider sharing useful insights or advice based on your own experiences.
If someone mentions a challenge they're facing, think about whether you have a solution or suggestion that might help. Alternatively, you could offer to connect them with someone in your network who has the expertise or resources they need. Even a small gesture like recommending a book or tool can go a long way. This approach sets the tone for a more genuine connection and shows that you're not just there to benefit yourself but also to help others. After the conversation, make a point to connect on LinkedIn to maintain the connection and keep the conversation going; this helps move the relationship from a brief encounter at the event to something you can build on afterward.
If your focus is on making a direct connection with a specific speaker or attendee, preparation is key. Take some time beforehand to learn more about them, look at their recent work, social media, or interviews so that you can bring up relevant points during your conversation. This shows that your connection is meaningful, and you've taken a genuine interest in their work and have a clear view on why that connection is valuable.
In either case, going into the event with specific goals helps keep you focused and purposeful. Rather than wandering aimlessly or leaving everything to chance, you'll have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how to go about it.
Ask for Personal Referrals
One successful networking strategy I've used is asking for personal referrals within my immediate network. Once I receive a referral, I reach out to that connection to introduce myself and set up a conversation to discuss what both of us are looking for. This approach creates a personal introduction, which helps establish trust from the start. Building partnerships this way has led to long-lasting relationships and mutually beneficial collaborations that have significantly expanded my business opportunities and growth.
Offer Free Services at Community Events
One successful networking strategy I have used is attending local community events and offering free consultations or tree-health assessments. This approach not only allowed me to showcase my expertise but also built trust with potential partners in the community. By being visible and helpful, I formed valuable connections with local landscapers and real estate agents, who then began referring clients to me regularly. These partnerships have significantly increased our client base and led to long-term business growth.
Create Value-Driven Partnerships
One networking strategy that's been incredibly successful for me is focusing on creating value-driven partnerships rather than just transactional ones.
When building relationships, I prioritize asking potential partners how I can support their goals or help them solve a problem, even before mentioning what I do. This has led to deeper, more authentic connections because the relationship starts with trust and collaboration.
For my company, BLKBOOK, this approach has not only helped us land key co-marketing partners but also created long-term advocates who are invested in our growth.
As a result, we've seen stronger partnerships and greater exposure, all from a foundation of mutual support.
