Business Owner, Luke Walker committed earlier this year to visit 2 new cities or towns every month in order to meet with other business owners from his sector.
As an owner of a successful business, Luke Walker has witnessed first-hand the benefits of networking and connecting with fellow industry professionals. The entrepreneur points out that not only is there a lot to learn from others but he has a lot of knowledge that he wants to share too. It is this positive circle of helping and guiding each other which helps industries and individual businesses to thrive.
Luke Walker has spoken out about the benefits of networking and here, discusses the top 5 reasons that everyone should love networking:
Opportunities – “I believe that a motivated group of business owners create an abundance of opportunities!” revealed Luke Walker. Networking creates several opportunities including joint ventures, client leads, partnerships and speaking opportunities – the opportunities within networking are limitless. However, it is always important to make sure you jump on board with the right opportunity for you and your business.
Connections – “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” This is particularly true for business, to have a successful business you need a great source of relevant connections in your network that you can call on when you need them. “For me, networking with business leaders within my sector has allowed me to make connections with some highly influential people, and learn valuable industry skills,” shared Luke Walker.
Raising your profile – “Networking is valuable for building your reputation as a knowledgeable, reliable and supportive person, this is great for people trying to get recognised or progress within their business or industry,” revealed Luke Walker. As you share your knowledge and help others, you are also more likely to get leads and referrals as you will be the person that pops into their head when someone needs what you offer.
Positive Influence – “The people you hang around with influence who you are and what you do. So you need to choose wisely and choose those who are positive, uplifting and help you thrive as a business owner. I have always been sure to network with people who are similar to me and who I have a real connection with, who add a positive aspect to my life,” discloses Luke Walker.
Satisfaction from helping others – “I love helping people, and networking is a great way for me to share information and knowledge with others, that I know will help them achieve great things. Networking is full of business owners that have problems which need solving, there is great satisfaction from being the one to help them solve it, and see them get a fantastic result from it,” shares Luke Walker.
Luke Walker has found networking to be a very positive experience. The business owner believes that his relationships with other business owners is stronger and has led to more opportunities and speaking engagements being thrown his way. Engaging with successful people has also lifted Luke’s enthusiasm for business as he states he has been inspired to think bigger and push harder.