Networking isn’t optional. As a leader, you are the public face of your organization. You are the ambassador to the rest of the business world. And, unless you have a product or service which requires no marketing or selling whatsoever, then you need to be out there meeting with people and talking about your product or service. The best way to establish a public presence is to understand who the connectors/influencers are in your industry and community and reach out to develop relationships with them. There are also more than likely forums, events or organizations which tend to attract your customer base. Make sure your salespeople (if you have them) and you attend these events as often as possible and meet as many people as you can. Rarely in business do you just “build it and they will come”, instead you need to regularly inform people of who you are, what you are building, why you are building it, and how this benefits them or someone they know. You also need to understand who your customers are, what interests them, what their needs or problems are, and what they are buying (or would like to buy). Networking isn’t optional. To be successful, you need to be in the field, meeting people, and making good things happen. Leadership is not a passive activity.
Related articles
- 10 Reasons Why Networking Is Essential For Your Career (forbes.com)
- Building a Customer Base (hospitalitybrainwave.wordpress.com)
- Never Stop Marketing your Small Business! (corporationcentre.ca)
- Harvard Business: Top Reasons Salespeople Lose Business (blogs.hbr.org)
- 10 Steps to Creating a Top-Selling Sales Culture (openforum.com)