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Napoleon Hill is best known for his book “Think and Grow Rich”, which is among the ten best-selling self-help books of all time. In it, Napoleon talks at length the “coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.” In short, he is talking about the advantages of networking and how we can utilise our contacts for mutual benefit.

Fortunately, a supportive network is just one of many Bartercard business benefits available to you. Continue reading to learn how your business network can help you save money and sell inventory.

The Value of Networking

In today’s modern society, these mastermind groups exist all over the world, such as BNI, the Chamber of Commerce, Action Coach, and others, as well as more localised networking groups. In many cases, they exist as business networks, but they also exist as social networks—especially during the current Covid-19 crisis—such as social media, Zoom, and apps like Houseparty. Every day, groups of business people, friends, and colleagues are meeting virtually, and there are retailers and florists and marketers collaborating with accountants, finance consultants, and tradespeople.

Believe it or not, a florist and handyman may have more in common than you think. The handyman may want to purchase flowers for special occasions like Mother’s Day, a birthday, or Valentine’s Day, while the florist may need odd jobs done around their shop and home. Each of them knows other businesspeople and each has their own set of customers. Business owners will recommend another business if they do a good job. It makes sense because they are adding value to their customer’s lives at no additional cost.

Building a Successful Network

There are five easy steps to building a successful business network.

  1. Google business networks in your area. You may be surprised by how many exist.
  2. Attend three or four networking events. Make a couple of strong contacts at each by asking them about themselves and their business, then arrange to meet with them for coffee or lunch over the next few days. Always make sure you follow up with people when you receive their business cards.
  3. When you first meet someone, resist the temptation to push your product or service onto them. Instead, work on building a rapport. Your new contact will ask you in good time about the details surrounding your business.
  4. When you meet with your new contacts, ask more questions about them and their business. Remember to throw in a few questions about their preferred network event. You can get plenty of information here that will help you decide which one to join. Once again, curb the excitement you have for your business. Your goal is to learn all you can about your new acquaintance.
  5. Join at least one business network as soon as you feel comfortable.

Networking is all about building rapport and trust, and welcoming new acquaintances and important associates into your life, both professionally and personally. If you are friendly and you show genuine interest in your new contacts, you will have no trouble creating your own business community. This group can eventually cultivate the mastermind that Napoleon Hill speaks of in his book. The ideas that a group of capable businesspeople can come up with are incredible. It is extraordinary what happens when like-minded people get together, and this is where a community like the Bartercard network can help.

Building New Business Networks

Bartercard is New Zealand’s largest business community, with tens of thousands of cardholders. Through new contacts, business is constantly conducted through the trade exchange and additional new cash referral business is reciprocated because of new relationships.

Joining Bartercard not only gives you access to a unique market of buyers and sellers, but regular networking events also provide a forum where you can build invaluable relationships across nearly every industry. Mixing with industry leaders can give you some great ideas to sell your excess stock, increase sales, and save on cash expenses for your business.

The Network You’ve Been Waiting For

Bartercard is a highly effective platform to build brand awareness, sell inventory, and generate extra revenue with access to a new market of customers and create lasting business partnerships. Attracting extra sales through Bartercard also leads to referrals in the cash economy.

A strong network is essential for a successful business. It creates valuable connections and partnerships and attracts new customers and referrals. If you would like to find out how Bartercard can become part of your business network, get in touch with us today.

Anna

Author Anna

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