“Having connections is more important than having good knowledge” is a truth that is universally applicable. As a business consultant, I have seen many bosses who have done great in their businesses, and all of them are people who have managed to maximize and leverage their network. I very much agree with the saying that “before you learn to do business, you must first learn how to deal with people”. In fact, apart from building a good company brand, a positive personal image is also very important for building your network.

What is network

I found that many people misunderstand the term “network”. Network is not about how many people you know, but how many people know you. How much value you can bring to people, equals to how big your network is. The first step in building a network is to bring value to others, and even take the initiative to help others. When the value you bring to a person makes many people recognize you, this is the value of the network. And the person who once benefited from you is the fulcrum of your network.

To put it simply, leveraging your network is to create word-of-mouth and build your personal brand. In fact, having a good network requires step by step management in the long-run, which is also the result of taking the initiative.

So how do you build your own network?

Sharing marketing

Writing articles, hosting seminars, putting short videos on the web, these are skills that everyone must cultivate today. Share your knowledge so that others can recognize your values, then they will naturally be attracted. The people you can attract will always be those who resonate with you.

Catching people’s attention, the key to achieving effective communication is “tailor-made”. Combining your characteristics and strengths with the interests of others. Your sharing should be valuable and relevant. Since the content is “tailor-made”, it is necessary to prepare well in advance.

It is impossible for one person to know everything or be good at everything. When you understand the power of a network, you can make good use of other people’s assets, skills, knowledge, money and influence, and form partnerships with others for a common purpose, and even help the others to achieve their goals and dreams.

Be helpful

Business owners are calculative (let’s be frank). After all, it’s all about the company and personal interests. However, I have always adhered to the mentality of “be helpful”. I don’t mind doing a favor to my clients or friends, but it’s a must to let them know that you have gone the extra mile for them. Over time, you will definitely get unexpected returns. Friends around you will selflessly promote your products or services, and even recommend high-quality contacts in return.

Participating in chambers of commerce, joining voluntary works, setting up social media, etc., are all methods that bosses can consider to expand their network and gain exposure. Of course, to expand your network, all of these must be based on your work ability and trustworthy personality, otherwise everything is empty talk.

Sort out your network

Sort out the existing contacts and divide them into two layers. The first layer of contacts is people who are familiar with you and have a direct relationship with you, which belongs to the strong connection. The second layer is the “weak link”, that is, the relationship established through an intermediary. The first layer does not need to be maintained purposely, because they are very familiar with you and have regular interactions with you. Therefore the focus should be on the second layer.

Stanford sociologist Mark. s. Granovetter studied how a hundred young people find jobs in “The Power of Weak Connections”. It was found that 54 people found jobs through their network, only 17% of them inquired about job hunting information from their friends who they kept in touch with frequently, while the other 83% inquired from their nodding acquaintances. When looking for a job or a partner, the effect of using ” weak link” is better. The interpersonal network that can be connected by weak links is relatively broad and diverse. Some cooperative relationships are best matched through weak links that you know but are not familiar with. If the negotiation is successful, it means that a strong connection has been established, and in the future, the other party can help spread the network.