Business Mantra: How building a network can bring success to your startup

If I had to leave you with two key tips to help you build this resource, it would be the below. Without these two key points building your trusted, highly connected network become next to impossible:

You give back what you put out there. If you want other people to help, you need to find ways to help them, or even better, help them first. It’s the same concept as if I buy you a cup of coffee you want to buy me one back. Reciprocity is ingrained in most people. For many people, it can be a substantial driver. If you find people don’t want to help you, then this is a good time to consider if you need them in your network. Imagine that you are building your dream team for your business support people who will lift you and not pull you back.

Credibility is everything. Do what you say you will do both in your business delivery, service, and quality and in your personal behavior. Return phone calls and email. Be on time for meetings and treat people with respect. Our staff will often behave in the same way we do, and so poor behavior is often exponentially copied to the detriment of the business.

These days make sure your social media profiles and behavior back up what you are promising in all of your marketing. People will help and build relationships with people they know, like, and trust. Looking back at my life, and I challenge you, the reader, to do that same, look at the most of the best opportunities that have happened to you. The majority will be linked to help from a person or a contact. You can continue to apply this lifelong learning to your future business. You never know where the next trap will come from or when the treasure is just around the corner.

No one was ever successful alone.

Phil can be reached at [email protected]