Power Networking in 3 Steps Doing business often comes down to leveraging the people you know -- those who will rally for you. Here's how to build that army.

By David Spencer

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Business can be difficult and tricky, but it doesn't have to be.

By establishing and maintaining relationships with people, you can encounter business opportunities and still other lucrative connections. Here are three steps for building your network in stages:

Related: How to Build Your Network Like a Super Connector

1. Build ties with your personal circle and then beyond.

You need to be trusted before people will commit to you, your company or product. Initially, your personal connections will vouch for you. This will begin to lend credibility to your name and your brand or product.

To build your network, start small. Share a business card, even if it just has your personal information. More important than giving out a business card, though is collecting them. This puts you in the driver's seat to start the process of making lasting connections.

Reach out as well to your high school, college and graduate school alumni networks. Attend conferences and seminars and meet the people there. Volunteering is another way to begin expanding your network.

Then when you keep in touch with these new and old members of your network, you will find yourself becoming a magnet for others wishing to be part of your circle.

Related: Where the Real Deals Are Ignited at Conferences -- the Bar

2. Exchange information or ask advice.

By sharing or requesting information, you will remain fresh on other people's minds in a natural and organic way. You'll become a driving force in referrals, which influences the advancement of others.

Even if you do not directly help all your connections, this activitiy will lead you to become a trusted resource of information and will keep members of your network returning to you. Collecting friends or connections on social networks is a great first step. But interacting with people and staying active with your network is what separates a social media participant from a truly powerful networking professional.

Related: Strategic Networking and How to Make the Most of Your Evenings

3. Following up is crucial to becoming a great connector.

Did you send someone a referral? Then remember to ask how it went. That is followup! These interactions show that you are invested in this person's success and will further the bond that you have started.

Be proactive in communicating. We live in a world where information and personal thoughts are easily found, making us think we are connected. But the person who truly reaches out and sends a personal message is the person who is truly' connected.

People will do business with those individuals who are visible. It may sound like a cliché but networking is a 24/7 job 365 days a year -- not something accomplished overnight.

Now you are on your way to being a well-oiled networking machine.

Related: Navigate International Networking With These 4 Anchors

Wavy Line
David Spencer

Director of the Sports and International Divisions of Talent Resources

As a partner and director of the sports and international divisions of Talent Resources, David Spencer leads all athlete-driven initiatives with a focus on endorsement deals and international campaigns. He received his MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business before launching a career in finance with a focus on emerging markets.

Editor's Pick

She's Been Coding Since Age 7 and Presented Her Life-Saving App to Tim Cook Last Year. Now 17, She's on Track to Solve Even Bigger Problems.
Lock
I Helped Grow 4 Unicorns Over 10 Years That Generated $18 Billion in Online Revenues. Here's What I've Learned.
Lock
Want to Break Bad Habits and Supercharge Your Business? Use This Technique.
Lock
Don't Have Any Clients But Need Customer Testimonials? Follow These 3 Tricks To Boost Your Rep.
Why Are Some Wines More Expensive Than Others? A Top Winemaker Gives a Full-Bodied Explanation.

Related Topics

Business News

California Woman Arrested For $60 Million Postal Service Scam

Lijuan "Angela" Chen faces two charges that each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Real Estate

Few Industries Are Better for First-Time Investors Than Real Estate. Here Are 4 Proven Ways to Make a Profit.

It's hard to overlook real estate's obvious advantages when it comes to investing. If you're venturing into this investment for the first time, here are some strategies to be the smartest investor that you can be.

Science & Technology

Is AI Killing Our Work Ethic and Purpose? A Balanced Perspective on Harnessing the Full Potential of Generative AI

Despite its popularity, human expertise and judgment remain essential in leveraging the complete potential of generative AI.

Business News

A Wegmans Employee Allegedly Stole Over $500,000 from the Company

Alicia Torres pleaded guilty to crimes carried out over nine years while working at Wegmans in Webster, New York.

Starting a Business

Ask Marc | Free Business Advice Session with the Co-Founder of Netflix

Get free business advice during our next Ask Marc, live Q&A, on 6/21/23 at 3 p.m. EDT. You don't want to miss it—send in your questions now.