By Erin Daniels, The KNOW Women
We often hear “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!” While we believe both are very important, networking to create valuable connections is one of the pillars of a successful business. These valuable interactions lead to growth in business, opportunity, and education and provide opportunities that may not have been accessible before.
According to Hubspot, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. In addition, while most of us look for new opportunities online, according to CNBC, 70% of jobs aren’t even shared on the internet. This is often referred to as the network gap, an advantage some individuals have over others because of who they know and how they know them. As a result, many may be missing out on opportunities they are qualified for, just because they don’t know the “right” people. Getting in the right room is the first step, but knowing what to do while you’re in there is equally important.
At KNOW, we are all about creating connections! It is what we do. We asked our KNOW powerhouses not only how to create dynamic, valuable connections, but also how to leverage them. Follow along on our four-part mini-series to see how these driven women are growing their businesses with the relationships they are building.
How do you leverage your connections?
I find that when making new connections you should be focused on how you can help them versus trying to figure out how they can help you. It might be something simple like following them on social media or on a large scale deciding to work with them. However, when you are focused on serving and helping others the world has a way of returning the favor.
-Caroline Tanis, Tanis Financial Group
In every way possible. And, I always start by asking myself, “where can I add value to their lives?” If you focus on helping others, the rest works itself out.
-Sasha Stair, Sasha Stair
You should smile when you walk into a room full of people. Make eye contact and choose a person to introduce yourself to. Look for individuals who are alone and appear uncomfortable. You will immediately make a great connection.
-Alison Stine, Stine Wealth Management
Give to your connections and they will return the favor. It’s a two-way street, so be generous with helping others when they need to make a connection, and it will come back to you ten-fold. Just like the Golden Rule.
– Melissa Snively, Melissa Snively State Farm Agency
I like to leverage my connections by considering what I have to offer others and identifying what they may be able to offer me. I love bartering services with other professionals or scheduling time for business brainstorming.
-Dr. Lisa Folden, Healthy Phit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants
