Networking is a very important part as an entrepreneur. You can't do everything alone and you shouldn't want to. Everyone has their own expertise and it is nice that you only have to focus on what is really important to you or what you are really good at. This way you also keep fun in your work, which is also important, isn't it?
But where do you get the people or companies that can help you further, parties that you know are really good. Often you get these from your network. As an entrepreneur, it is extremely important to maintain your network and build relationships. And remember, a network is two-fold. If you need a good bookkeeper you usually look in your own network and if the same bookkeeper needs a good website developer he will also look in his network. You help each other out and that's incredibly important.
You can also learn a lot from your network. Another person's expertise is worth its weight in gold, as is the process other entrepreneurs go through, what are they up against and what can I learn from them?
All kinds of important elements that help your business grow with maturity. For example, every Thursday morning I sit at a networking breakfast with a diverse group of entrepreneurs. We discuss what we can help each other with and what we ourselves are up against. You walk out the door with fresh ideas and positive energy that will last you another week!
Did you already know that your network is bigger than you first think? Your immediate network you probably talk to on a daily basis but they too know people again. This is called a second-degree network. It is therefore important that you are top of mind within your network so that they can recommend you to people who are looking for what you do.
Make yourself visible and make sure you are top of mind within your network!