Almost everyone could improve his or her success with a stronger understanding of and commitment to networking. From at least college, we have heard about the three most important things of getting ahead in the business world: network, network, network. While the delivery of this advice is quite humorous the first time one hears it, there is not much value unless one learns how to network.

For example, a real estate agent can increase his or her sales through networking. If someone wants to buy a house and has met and maintained even occasional contact with a real estate agent, how much do you think that agent’s chance of getting that business goes up? Of course the acquaintance in the area will consider working with a known entity before going to Google and searching “real estate” and the location they are considering.

The same can be said for any person in business. Business is about meeting people’s needs. When people think of their needs, they know you, and they know that you have a business meeting needs like theirs, they are much more likely to inquire about doing business with you than they are to find you on the Internet and make contact.

Here are a few tips to get more business, more sales, and a better financial trajectory for your company. If you’re not in management and you don’t have stock in your company, this is still for you. Do you think gaining more business for your company will raise or lower your management team?

  1. Always keep your personal brand in mind. Whenever we act and others know what we do, we are shaping people’s perceptions of us. Show a good work ethic, have integrity, be grateful for favors others do for you, be warm, be responsive to people’s communications with you.
  2. Have a presence online. You’ve got to have a LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a gateway of networking and career opportunities now. My brother-in-law updated his profile to more accurately reflect his current situation last month. He has already received job offers with people he is not even connected to.
  3. Maintain your online presence. Having a LinkedIn can hurt you if it is incoherent, contains errors, or is not consistent with that resume you submitted for that new job opportunity. You should be using your LinkedIn at least weekly, daily or multiple times a day if you have a smartphone. Download the LinkedIn app; it makes checking in much easier. Review it for improvements and communication from your connections. Review the people you may know section, and increase your connections where you can.

Business is not all about sales calls and business meetings. You do not always have to be pitching your services to get new business. Make meeting people about others. You will be on their mind when they next need whatever it is you provide.

About Brendan P. Keegan

Brendan P. Keegan is Founder & Managing Partner of velocityHUB, a leading management consulting firm.  He is a 5-time industry leading President & CEO of large, private-equity-backed companies and served as the Fortune 100’s youngest Chief Sales Officer for EDS, a $22-billion technology industry leader.  Brendan has raised nearly $1.0 billion in capital and returned over $2.2 billion to investors through successful exit strategies. He has trained over 100,000 leaders, led nearly 50,000 employees, driven sales of over $100 billion and worked globally in over 150 countries.  Brendan was named a Distinguished Fellow by Dartmouth College, a Fast50 Executive by FastCompany, a successful entrepreneur by Enterprise Bank, Best-of-the-Best CEOs by Incentive, 100 Fastest Growing Companies by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Business of the Year by NH Business Journal, Top 10 Coach of the Year by USA Football, and Volunteer of the Year by & Youth Coach of the Year locally for his commitment to community service.  Brendan is a sought-after speaker by companies across the globe on leadership, sales and performance. He has authored over 200 articles and been published in global publications including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Business Week, Fast Company and InformationWeek.

Brendan serves on corporate boards to include Revolution Armor, Merchants Auto Group, ExpressIt Delivery, Olaeris, velocityHUB and nashuaHUB. Brendan and his wife Dana founded the Keegan Courage & Faith Foundation with the goal of giving back $1.0 million for youth education, athletics and at-risk youth across Southern New Hampshire.

About velocityHUB

velocityHUB delivers results-oriented training programs, high-value consulting and targeted executive coaching to many of the world’s leading companies, small and medium businesses, and non-profits. Our vision is to build one million leaders to drive performance, sales and revenue growth.

Contact:  Amanda E Rogers | 603.402.1734 | amanda@velocityhub.com