6 answers
Frank
Student
Locust Grove, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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Who are the right people to know in the businesses industry
Im a very hard woring guy looking to share my ideas with the world and put my name on the map #business-development #career-counseling #travel #ceo
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6 answers
Michelle H.
Business Associate
38
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Frank!
Getting to know other people in business is important, but there is no one list of the "right" or "best" people to know. Instead, you should focus on building a network of the people who are the right people for you! As you're currently a student, you can begin at school. Are there any professors or teachers with specialty in your industry of choice who you could talk to about your choice? Is there a society of students interested in business that you can join? Are you taking business classes and getting to know your classmates? Your future business partner might be sitting next to you in accounting class--you never know!
As you build your network, look for people who are excited about your ideas and you. However, you shouldn't just engage with people with the purpose of getting something from them. Think about what you can also bring to the relationship and always be professional, genuine, and kind. Experienced business people can immediately sniff out if someone is looking for a one-way transactional relationship. Therefore, part of building a strong network is also earning that network. Do you have a mentor with whom you can test your ideas? Have you taken the first steps into turning your ideas into a business? How can you SHOW your future network that you are hardworking and a rising star in your sector of choice?
My final word to advice is to remember that you can't build a network overnight. Be patient and know that if you work hard, keep an eye out for opportunities, and be opened minded as you meet new people. Eventually, you're likely to find the people who can help you along your path.
Getting to know other people in business is important, but there is no one list of the "right" or "best" people to know. Instead, you should focus on building a network of the people who are the right people for you! As you're currently a student, you can begin at school. Are there any professors or teachers with specialty in your industry of choice who you could talk to about your choice? Is there a society of students interested in business that you can join? Are you taking business classes and getting to know your classmates? Your future business partner might be sitting next to you in accounting class--you never know!
As you build your network, look for people who are excited about your ideas and you. However, you shouldn't just engage with people with the purpose of getting something from them. Think about what you can also bring to the relationship and always be professional, genuine, and kind. Experienced business people can immediately sniff out if someone is looking for a one-way transactional relationship. Therefore, part of building a strong network is also earning that network. Do you have a mentor with whom you can test your ideas? Have you taken the first steps into turning your ideas into a business? How can you SHOW your future network that you are hardworking and a rising star in your sector of choice?
My final word to advice is to remember that you can't build a network overnight. Be patient and know that if you work hard, keep an eye out for opportunities, and be opened minded as you meet new people. Eventually, you're likely to find the people who can help you along your path.
John Oller
Engineer, Project Manager, Quality Manager
159
Answers
Rockford, Illinois
Updated
John’s Answer
You may want to participate in the local Chamber of Commerce and/or Economic Development organizations events. Many businesses attend these and you can meet the companies/managers/owners, see what they do and what their interests may be. Social networking like linked-in is a good way to get to many people.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Terence Cheung
Business Operations
78
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Terence’s Answer
There's a few things involved here to not only discuss new business opportunities, but also to make them a reality. An entrepreneurial mindset to generate new ideas, a framework to convey your ideas, and a network of people to discuss these with and validate (to some extent) the ideas, even help execute. It sounds like you may have the first - the willingness and eagerness to go talk to others. Not everyone is comfortable with this.
Next is to have a grounding in the fields you're interested in, so that you can effectively convey your idea. Generally, people need help to get started with a new project/idea. That requires being able to tell your story and discuss/debate the topic so that you can further refine it. Rarely does an idea start out of the gate and get delivered exactly as someone envisions it.
Lastly, building a network of people that have good perspective and experience to help you refine your thoughts. Your network may also put you in touch with people that need or want your ideas, or can help you execute on it.
Ultimately, your ideas and enthusiasm will get you to a point, you'll need to be able to talk to others effectively to drive the ideas forward, and your network will be invaluable to turning these ideas into reality.
Next is to have a grounding in the fields you're interested in, so that you can effectively convey your idea. Generally, people need help to get started with a new project/idea. That requires being able to tell your story and discuss/debate the topic so that you can further refine it. Rarely does an idea start out of the gate and get delivered exactly as someone envisions it.
Lastly, building a network of people that have good perspective and experience to help you refine your thoughts. Your network may also put you in touch with people that need or want your ideas, or can help you execute on it.
Ultimately, your ideas and enthusiasm will get you to a point, you'll need to be able to talk to others effectively to drive the ideas forward, and your network will be invaluable to turning these ideas into reality.
Hey Terrace, this is a good answer but can you speak more on how make these important connections? Is it finding people on LinkedIn or in person?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
There are professional groups on LinkedIn that you can begin build your network, that's a good place to start. For example, if you're into entrepreneurship, start with searching for groups there. Right now, lots of events are being held online, so locality doesn't matter as much, so you could attend a webinar/event with no cost.
Terence Cheung
Viviana Escamilla
Sales Operation Analyst
18
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Viviana’s Answer
Hello Frank,
I think a great tool for building up network is social media. The digital world is enourmous and in these platforms you can find groups that think alike and are eager to listen to new ideas as well as share theirs. I would encourage you to search in these platforms for something that spikes your interest and start building interesting connections that add value to your life . Hope this is helpful
I think a great tool for building up network is social media. The digital world is enourmous and in these platforms you can find groups that think alike and are eager to listen to new ideas as well as share theirs. I would encourage you to search in these platforms for something that spikes your interest and start building interesting connections that add value to your life . Hope this is helpful
Caroline McCarthy, CPA
Assurance Senior Associate
14
Answers
Marblehead, Massachusetts
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Hi Frank! I would recommend using social media networking sites such as LinkedIn to help build your professional network. You can search LinkedIn by high school, college, or company affiliations to find people that may have something in common with you. It is pretty easy to send a LinkedIn message out to connect with people. In your initial message I would introduce yourself and state that you are interested in learning more about the career path of the particular person you are reaching out to. Also connect with your current network such as friends/classmates to see if they know of anyone in the field that you are interested in! I hope this helps best of luck :)
Wendy Jettmar
Sales Leader
15
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
Frank,
You've got the right mindset!
Some of the best networking advice I ever got was to find the smartest person in the room, and make friends with them. If you want to be the best, surround yourself with the best.
When it comes to your ideas, figure out who the thought leaders, pioneers, "movers & shakers" are that are doing what you want to be doing, and emulate their best traits. Are they people that you could get in contact with? If so, reach out! Read the books they read. Find out what their business strategy is, can you use the same strategy?
Think of the best leaders you can think of, and be relentless in your pursuit to draw the best from them and put those things into practice in your life and your business. Keep an open mind and a growth mindset, and the opportunities will flow!
Wish you the best and hope that helps!
You've got the right mindset!
Some of the best networking advice I ever got was to find the smartest person in the room, and make friends with them. If you want to be the best, surround yourself with the best.
When it comes to your ideas, figure out who the thought leaders, pioneers, "movers & shakers" are that are doing what you want to be doing, and emulate their best traits. Are they people that you could get in contact with? If so, reach out! Read the books they read. Find out what their business strategy is, can you use the same strategy?
Think of the best leaders you can think of, and be relentless in your pursuit to draw the best from them and put those things into practice in your life and your business. Keep an open mind and a growth mindset, and the opportunities will flow!
Wish you the best and hope that helps!