– profitable interactions on equal terms

It is important for every entrepreneur to network with other entrepreneurs.

The purpose of entrepreneur networks is mainly to exchange ideas, collaborate, cooperate (promote business opportunities) and acquire new customers. Networks can be used to establish and maintain relationships with other entrepreneurs, potential customers, suppliers, and experts in complementary fields.

Entrepreneur networks make sense because:

• new ideas arise in discussions with other entrepreneurs.
• new perspectives can open up from working with businesses that use different methods and work in different fields/industries.
• cross-industry exchange is valuable
• Topics that are difficult to discuss with employees or family can be verbalized. Entrepreneurs often understand the challenges that are faced by other entrepreneurs.
• dependable contacts can help by recommending your services to others
• establishing trusting contacts can lead to fruitful collaborations
• everyone can benefit from one another’s knowledge and experience

There are various forms of networks:

• Trade associations
• Chambers of commerce
• Professional associations
• Networking meetings organized by entrepreneurs

Every company’s development is individual. Not every network is suitable for every entrepreneur.

This is how you find the network that is best suited to your needs:

• Consider what you expect from a business network. What are your goals?
• Look at different networks and see which one fits with your goals. You may need more than one network.
• Regularly review your goals and see if the network still matches your (revised) goals. It may be necessary to change networks because you and your company have developed further.

I would be happy to help you find the best network for you. Please contact me at julia@buhmann.consulting