“The opposite of networking is not working.”

For SMEs, networking is one of the essential tools to grow their business. No matter what stage your business is at, such as looking for investors, hiring new talents, finding your dream assignment—having the right to connect with the right people is the most essential. Furthermore, social media allows savvy business owners and entrepreneurs to grow their network, without even leaving their offices or homes.

We are past that phase, where only connections in the same industry or city are of value; in fact, links from remote towns to international cities can lead to meaningful outcomes.

Business networking can help you reach more clients, knowledge resources, and eventually lead to business growth and increased profits.

The biggest roadblock for SMEs, when it comes to networking is the time constraint; it’s difficult to attend 2-3 hours networking event, when you’re practically living at the office. However, with advanced technology, networking is accessible, at the click of a finger. And for that reason, networking cannot be ignored.

Business networking can help you reach more clients, knowledge resources and eventually lead to business growth and increased profits.

After surveying over 12,000 professionals, it was concluded that those who said networking had an essential impact on their success spent an average of 6.3 hours a week taking part in networking activities.

Most business owners invest money in their enterprise, but it is also crucial to invest in relations. Friends, family, work colleagues, business connections, your social network and members of groups to which you belong, are all part of your collective network. Business networking benefits not only your business, but also your personal growth.

Benefits of business networking

• New business leads

When people start noticing you, it opens the door for new opportunities. This is the most obvious benefit of networking. At GlobalLinker, you can make 3,50,000+ businesses notice you by updating your profile and starting a discussion.

• New ideas and perspective

Networking can be an excellent source of new ideas and perspectives, as it involves engaging with different people from different backgrounds. Even a simple conversation can lead to new business ideas or insights. At times it can be challenging to connect, with people in different sectors. GlobalLinker eases this impediment with ‘Groups’ wherein members can join/create industry-specific or special interest groups.

• Strong support network

In hard times, a strong network pays off. The connections you make can offer career opportunities, advice to breakthrough an impasse and learning through webinars or meetups.

• Keeps you in the know

Networking helps to keep your business and you in the know. The more you network, the more likely you are to stay up to date on business trends. As a GlobalLinker member, you can leverage your free eBiz Card and use it as your e-mail signature that helps your links know more about your business, as well as builds credibility.

• Builds your social skill and confidence

Being visible and getting noticed is a massive advantage of networking. As you network, your confidence and self-value grows tremendously.

Businesses are built on networking. Have you done what you can, to build the best possible network? After all, it is rightly said that your ‘Network’ is your ‘Net worth’. The right time to start networking is now!

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