Are you utilizing your network to its fullest potential?

 

We’ve all heard the expression, “It’s not what you know but who you know.” This is often what spurs us into build a network of people around us. We have a purpose or a goal that we want to achieve, so we build that network with that goal in mind. Most of us attend HBBA meetings and events to build business contacts with the expectation that we will grow our contacts, and businesses through referral.

What’s interesting is that we often forget that our networks can help us in so many other ways. Recently, an HBBA member I was speaking with was expressing difficulty finding help. She needed a sale person. I asked if she had mentioned this on the HBBA facebook page, LinkedIn or to her chapter. She replied, that she hadn’t thought about it.

A few weeks back another HBBA member had purchased some software that was of no use to her but could not return it even though it was still in its packaging. She mentioned it to me because she thought I might be able to use it. Again, mentioned our facebook page and she thought it was a great idea.

What are some other ways to utilize this great web of resource? Naturally, many of us support our favorite charitable organizations. The great part about these types of groups is they have great reach too. Are you trying to reach a goal within your community? Reach out to your network of business friends and you may find they have similar interests. Whether you are looking for employees or employment, business or opportunity our network of friends can help us achieve all of our goals.

By Shannon Stone