Business networking can play such a vital role in a small business's growth. Being able to network with other business owners has proven to yield more business for start-ups more often than none. With business networking comes a lot of communication and hard work. Much like you would market your services to potential customers and clients, the same applies when looking for businesses to network with.
Let's say that another business networks with your company because you offer a service that they don't offer. This company may sell many products or services and may turn to you to fill that void they need filled. They will market your services to their clientele and often times collect a "commission" or kick-back, based on the leads they find for you. The fact that you are a "partnered" with this company, and now that you've been proving your expertise for some time, this will often times lead to more referrals by this same company.
Hard work, keeping your initial stance and business statements will get you far. As your business starts developing and growing new avenues for new potential leads, so will your word-of-mouth. Word of mouth is so important when it comes to networking with other businesses and keeping the spread in full force.
Something also to keep in mind when networking with businesses is that it is important to return the favor when you can and refer your partnered business to your potential clients. This shows the partnered business that you are serious about a long-term business relationship, which will prove to lead to more and bigger opportunities. I've been in both boats where I've networked with some great individuals who were a great fit. Others, where one party was doing the talking, and the other sat back and reaped the benefits without taking the other party into consideration. As a business owner, you strive to be the best you can be in whatever it may be. Providing the best support, services and value to your name is what will get you more of these networking opportunities. Once you get them, it's up to you to keep them.
All in all, when you make the networking connection, it takes a lot of hard work and consistency to keep up the pace. But if you can continue to carry out with professional quality services to clients as well as the other business's clients, you'll find yourself on the road to a happy networking relationship.
Josh Olswanger owns a Boise web design firm called Thrive Web Designs, located in Boise, Idaho. Josh helps businesses create online success by offering professional website solutions.