Your professional network is more than just a group of business colleagues. As an entrepreneur or small business, it takes on even greater importance and can be a valuable source of opportunity to grow and expand.

In business, it’s not so much what you know or what you’re capable of as it is who you know. Keep in mind that key business decisions are still made by real people, and most often, these people would prefer to do business with those they know, as opposed to those they just met or have only heard about.

Taken in that light, it’s incredibly important to network, communicate, and keep yourself active on the minds of the people who run the companies you want to do business with. But it’s not just about knowing these people – it would seem a little self-serving to simply insinuate yourself on people whose business you want to cultivate – it’s about building relationships that are mutually beneficial.

Here are some of our top tips for building your professional network:

1. Put yourself out there

You will never expand your professional network unless you are committed to doing so. This means attending trade shows, conferences, and showing up for social events, joining alumni associations, and connecting with colleagues, suppliers, and even competitors on a regular basis. Play tennis, or golf? All the better. Reach out and connect in your spare time so people can get to know what a force of nature you are. Be yourself. Have fun.

2. Offer to help

When others in your network are strong, you become stronger as well. Don’t pass up the chance to do a favor or two, as generosity often encourages reciprocity. Share what you know, offer ideas, and promote your colleague’s company and their accomplishments freely. If a someone you know is looking for staff or needs to find a product or service, connect the dots if you can. If you can put two people together that wouldn’t have normally met otherwise, your network has just become that much stronger.

3. Build your reputation

What are you known for? what do you want to be known for? do you bring something of value to the table? If you are seen as helpful, talented, smart, and resourceful, you will be well on your way to a glowing reputation. There are many ways to accomplish this besides simply showing up, too: stay active on your blog and social media and generally build your credibility through the public medium. Once you have established a reputation for being an expert in your field (and a super nice person to boot) the benefits to your personal network will flow.

4. Think about the people you want to meet and do what they do

Do you have an idea of the people you would like to add to your professional network? find out where they hang out, both in the real world and online, and go there. Whether it’s attending the occasional happy hour or joining a LinkedIn group, being a involved goes a long way to helping you build your professional network. Interact, start conversations, and freely share your expertise and insight, both through your words and through valuable content.

5. Listen first – before you respond

The ability to listen is one of the most engaging qualities of highly successful people. When others know that you are listening to what they have to say, they will engage more easily. No one ever complained about having to talk about themselves and will appreciate it when you take a genuine interest in them. Listening will also help you get to know people better, which in turn will foster strong professional relationships. You may even learn new ways in which you can offer to help (see #2).

Expand your professional network at Lakeside Executive Suites

Lakeside Executive Suites is dedicated to supporting the business needs of entrepreneurs, small businesses and startups with professional and flexible office solutions that includeprivate office space, virtual office services, coworking space and fully equipped meeting rooms. Our members are just like you – driven to succeed. If you live or do business in the Weston, Florida area, call today or drop by for a tour. We’d love to help you grow your professional network.