Growth Hacking Your Personal Network

Today’s busy entrepreneurs often tend to focus on their business strategy, product, employees, stakeholders and countless other elements before even beginning to think about applying focus on themselves. This means more than an inability to hit the gym, but sometimes a pitfall for their business when it comes to personal networking.

The personal brand and network of a business leader could be one of the most valuable albeit many times neglected resources available to small businesses.

Powerful motivational speaker John Maxwell once said “people buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” As a leader, you need to build up buy-in of startup. Doing so effectively often starts with building personal relationships into powerful networks so that people buy in to you first.

Growing a strong personal network is built on trust, rapport and a whole lot of personal touch. This makes it no easy task for the overloaded entrepreneur to accomplish.

These tips will guide you through the approach, tools, and hacks to help you build streamlined personal networking into your regular routine.

Define your best prospects

Like all business, networking requires insight. One of the most important places to start is knowing your objective and who is best positioned to help get your there. Whether it is VCs, customer prospects or potential co-founders, knowing the roles that could provide you value is key. Equally as important, how can you provide the most value to them?

Once you know clearly who you are targeting, your networking efforts become more hyperfocused and thus more effective.

Discover the best mediums

Powerful business connections could be made anywhere – from industry events to airplanes, elevators, and Pilates classes. But some of these mediums it might prove to be a needle-in-a-haystack experience. The ideal places to gain the most, high-quality relationships are the ones where your relationship targets tend to gather most. Also, where the most networking tends to unfold.

Before trying a new approach or checking ‘Yes’ on that RSVP, ask yourself:

1. Who are the top personas that will create an impactful connection at your current or next business stage?
2. Have you heard feedback on the event or location? How open are people to networking with new people?
3. Will they earn value in meeting you? (This could always be a yes!)

Once you have defined this criteria, you could set your sites on the best possible outlets. There are some great sites that offer up listings of local networking events, such as Meetup, Eventbrite, Netparty, and Eventful.

Get connected

Networking without connecting is meaningless – and by “connecting” I mean more than exchanging information. A true connection starts with a personal one facilitated through building a rapport. Set your sights on those you come across who seem interesting. After engaging, use your networking time wisely. Invest a little more time in those who seem to pose a truly meaningful connection.

Find common ground with people of opportunity and position your value to them. Make your encounter with them memorable.

For example, if someone is from out-of-state somewhere you’ve been, tell them a funny story of an experience you had there. Keep the impression light and interesting. They will remember you that way.

Keep the conversation going

Networking is more than making connections, but making them last. The first step is establishing a means of communication – or better yet, multiple.

Networkers value richer connections than they have in the past. A large Rolodex of people who you barely know is less valuable than a small group of helpful contacts that you do know well. You’ll also continue to come across each other through multiple platforms.

Establish a connection on several channels that will connect you with them as you see fit. Connect on LinkedIn, exchange emails, swap Skype and other appropriate handles that will attach additional bonds between you.

Ongoing visibility to your personal brand goes a long way. Follow up and continue thought leadership sharing on social channels.