7 Ways to Build a Network — A Key Step in Growing Your Business!

Building a business network is essential for professional growth. This can be done informally—such as through casual conversations with fellow entrepreneurs—or in a more structured way, like joining a business community.

For business owners, establishing a strong professional network is crucial. It requires ongoing effort to increase brand awareness, reach new audiences, and stay updated with industry trends.

So, how can you build an effective business network that helps your venture grow and scale up? Keep reading this article to find out!

Also read: Types and Examples of Business Communities

How to Build a Business Network

Here are some practical ways to build effective networking in business:

1. Be Prepared to Network

Before you start networking, make sure you’re ready:

• Prepare talking points, including a few engaging ice-breaker questions and a brief introduction about yourself and your business to help make a strong first impression.

• Take time to list a few goals—whether you want to meet vendors, connect with key industry players, or solve a particular business problem.

• If the event provides participant details, do a quick online search beforehand to gather helpful insights that can spark meaningful conversations.

  
  

2. Arrive Early

Whether it's an online or offline event, try to arrive early. Being one of the first attendees gives you a chance to ease into the environment and have relaxed conversations with others who also came early.

3. Be Yourself

Today’s professional environments value diversity and authenticity. So don’t be afraid to be yourself. You don’t need to imitate others to make genuine connections.

A recent study from Harvard found that this strategy helps reduce anxiety, boosts performance, and increases your chances of leaving a positive impression.

4. Be a Good Listener

Make sure to actively listen to others. If you’re not fully present, the person you’re talking to may lose interest and turn to someone else. You might only have one chance to connect—so make it count by showing respect and attentiveness.

Being a good listener also helps you evaluate whether the person you're talking to could be a valuable connection for your business.

5. Don’t Hesitate to Offer or Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to help others. Psychologists say that when people receive help, they’re often inclined to return the favor. For instance, during a networking event, you can offer to introduce someone to a contact who might benefit their business.

Likewise, don’t be shy about asking for help. This vulnerability often builds trust because it subtly acknowledges the other person’s expertise. And even if someone can’t assist you right away, research shows they may look for ways to help you in the future—laying the foundation for a future connection.

6. Say Thank You and Follow Up

One of the most important parts of networking is being polite and following up. Networking is about creating genuine relationships that benefit both parties in the long term.

Thank those you’ve connected with for their time, and let them know you appreciated meeting them. This can help maintain the relationship and even lead to referrals.

Try to follow up within 48 hours to stay fresh in their memory. You don’t have to ask for anything right away—just express your interest in staying in touch.

7. Always Be Networking

While attending events and joining communities are great ways to build business networks, networking can happen anytime—while waiting in line at a coffee shop, during a flight, or when reconnecting with old friends.

Learn to build connections in everyday situations, which studies show are strongly linked to business success. You never know when you’ll meet someone who can help your business—or someone whose business you can help.

Also read: Labamu x Everpro x Rumah BUMN Bandung — A Complete Solution to Help MSMEs Boost Their Profits

Join LabamuHub to Build Your Business Network

One effective way to build networking is by joining online communities, such as LabamuHub from Labamu. Being part of the right community allows your insights and ideas to continuously #GrowTogether with other entrepreneurs.

LabamuHub is committed to providing a platform to help grow your business and go digital by regularly hosting programs that offer support. For example, their Networking & Collaboration events provide opportunities to connect with fellow business owners, exchange experiences, and discover collaboration prospects.

The LabamuHub community is open to:

• MSME owners who want to upgrade and go digital.

• Young entrepreneurs and startups seeking networking and collaboration.

• Businesspeople aiming to expand into international markets.

• Anyone who wants to learn and #GrowTogether with a business community.

  
  

So, join LabamuHub from Labamu today as the best way to build your business network!