Jeremy Tauri: Grow your business by making friends

Networking can be a big part of business

In business, you hear a lot about how important it is to network.

We all know of someone who scored a big contract or picked up an important client because of a chat over a coffee at a breakfast meeting, or at an after-work function.

Put aside that negative cliche that you often hear: "It's not what you know but who you know." I'm not talking about the kind of networking that gives jobs to school mates instead of better competitors.

Done well, good networking is an invaluable tool that can pay off for your business -- and yourself, in unexpected ways.

I have been a member of a BNI group for many years. We meet every Tuesday morning to eat breakfast, update each other on our businesses and share referrals. Over the time of my membership, I estimate I've been able to pick up more than 100 clients directly and indirectly through other opportunities as a result. The local Chamber of Commerce is also the gateway to foster business relationships through their networking events and business award evenings.

But it isn't just business. Many of the people around the table have become friends. One even became my wife.

Having that network is great support, an awesome outlet for feedback and a good way to get a gauge on what the local business community wants. It builds my business reputation without me having to do any hard sell. When people ask for a referral for a trustworthy accountant, I am top of mind.

Another way I network is through my roles on local community boards. I like to offer assistance to groups I believe are doing good and it helps me develop my own skills.

One of my colleagues on such a board is from Hawaii. When my wife and I took our son for his first overseas trip this month I was able to ask him for recommendations for things we might do in Honolulu.

He went one step better and put me in touch with the director of the local zoo. Our 1-year-old had a great time waving to the chimpanzees.

This won't be the only time we visit Hawaii so when are back again it would be good to reconnect and further engage in the international experiences of others who run businesses in other countries. Tourism is a hot topic back home.

Think about ways you could network more effectively. It need not be difficult, and you might be surprised at the ways it benefits you. I have the photos to prove it.

Jeremy Tauri is an associate at Plus Chartered Accountants.