ENTREPRENEURIAL MIND

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BRAND AND NETWORKING

Table of Contents:
SUSTAINABLE BRAND
I. Introduction to Sustainable Brand
3
A. Brand and Branding
3
B. Types of Brand
3
1 . Brand Tangibles

2 . Brand Intangibles
C. Advantages of Branding
4
1 . To buyers
2 . To suppliers
II. . To Business and Society
III. Discussion of Sustainable Brand
8
A. What is a Sustainable Brand?
8
B. Importance of a Sustainable Brand?
9
1 5 Key Benefits of Having a Sustainable Brand
C. Building a Sustainable Brand 10
1 10 Management Responsibilities
10
IV. Characteristic of a Good Brand Name
11
V. Conclusion
12

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NETWORKING
I. Introduction to Networking 13
A. What is Networking 13
B. Entrepreneurial Networking
13

II. Topic Discussion 14

A. Finding your Network 14
B. Eight Strategies in Implementing Community Success 15

TOPIC 1 - BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BRAND

I. INTRODUCTION
A. Brand and Branding
According to Decker, A. (2023) on her blog at HubSpot, a brand is the identity and story
of a company that
makes it stand out from its competitors that sell similar products or services—aiming to earn
space in the minds of its target market in order to become a preferred option for doing
business. Therefore, it is a name, term, sign, symbol, or design that intends to identify a
company’s goods or services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from
those competitors.
In connection to that, branding pertains to the process of creating the brand identity of the
company, including the
process of researching, developing, and applying a distinctive feature or set of features that
would prompt consumers to associate one’s brand with its products or services. Branding is
everywhere; people may observe it in social media captions, billboard color palettes, materials
used, and even on their packaging, creating a strong identity that extends far beyond the
product’s label and will eventually entice customers to choose their products over a lineup of options.

B. Types of Branding
There are two ways where a business or company brand is perceived by the consumers: (1) through
senses

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concentrated on the physical aspects, (2) through emotional and

psychological aspects a. Brand Tangibles

- Brand Tangibles are the physical aspects of your brand. It could be a

collection of symbols, which are physical in nature that represent the
sensory side of your brand that funnels into the business’ overall identity.
The physical element of a business brand could be the following: (1)
Logo
(2) Packaging
(3) Color Palette
(4) Marketing Materials
(5) Other things that make up the brand’s sensory

identity b. Brand Intangibles

Brand intangibles are those that relate to the company's principles and what we can relate to the
personalities and brand loyalty of consumers. The values that a brand upholds give
the product a specific significance. Effective brands have figured out how to convey
to customers the intangible value of their products, which results in a deep emotional
bond and, eventually, brand loyalty. These intangibles could also be formed from a
personal experience of a consumer, such as the aura and ambience of a business.
Here are some examples of brand intangibles of a business:
(1) Nike is associated with a specific lifestyle of empowerment,
determination, and a good attitude and performance.
(2) Lucky Me is not just remembered as a quick-meal but a
representation of a Filipino family household that eats together.
(3) Coffee shops are not just about the quality of its coffees but also the
ambiance, memories, and experience that the customers felt.

C. Advantages of Branding
Branding, being the face and backbone of a company, significantly helps factors that surround it—
the buyers,
suppliers, and society.

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 a. Buyers
■ Represents Product Quality
A well-established brand will communicate a promise of quality to its consumers,
affirming that the product has undergone strict quality control and has adhered to certain
standards. For example, Apple has established itself as one of the world’s leading tech companies
in the world by promising a consistent delivery of satisfactory and quality products to its
consumers. As a result, we can observe in the present that many people prefer having Apple
products and would think that when they see the Apple logo, it would be automatically assumed
that its product will have superior camera lenses, high-quality technology, and innovative product
designs that are worth splurging money on.

■ Increases shoppers’ efficiency

For every business within the industry, branding is like a face of their product, which
represents them in every marketplace. Branding can help those
shoppers with product-loyalty, who we can also call “ suki ” , to
reduce the time and cognitive effort needed to compare and find the
usual product that they purchase. Hence, branding acts as a shortcut
for decision-making which allows efficiency for shoppers. As an
example, a suki looking for a certain toothpaste ended up in an aisle
full of overwhelming toothpaste choices. Fortunately, the brand of the
certain toothpaste is already imprinted in the mind of that suki, thus
they are able to instantly pick that brand (e.g Colgate) among the
other options without spending much time intended for the deliberation
of purchasing a product.

■ Helps call consumers’ attention to new products that might benefit them
Well-established brands have the power to leverage their
customer base each time they launch new products. Customers—
especially loyal and devoted customers—who have had positive
experiences with the brand are more likely to anticipate, notice, and
trust new offerings of the brand. For instance, if Nike introduces a
new line of sportswear like shoes, its established reputation for quality
and innovation will encourage customers to explore, try, and purchase
their newly released products. This trust and familiarity can lead to
quicker success of the product in the market.

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■ Brand name makes it easier for the supplier to process orders and track down problems
A recognizable and well-established brand enhances communication and operational
processes for suppliers. Suppliers can easily identify products by their brand names, reducing
confusion and errors in order processing. For example, when a supplier receives an order for
Coca-Cola products such as their soft drinks/soda drinks, they will know exactly what product
will be inquired about without further clarifications and complications from the customer. This
clarity and familiarity helps suppliers to be efficient in managing inventory and logistics.

■ Provide legal protection for unique production features that might be copied by competitors
b. Suppliers
In a highly competitive business market where illegal imitation of products is rampant,
■ Enables suppliers to attract a loyal and profitable set of customers
A well-established brand attracts and retains customers who are willing to splurge and
pay a premium for consistency and quality because these customers trust the brand to deliver on
its promises. This trust leads to a reliable customer base that will consistently choose the brand
over competitors—even at a higher price point—resulting in a sustained sale and a consistent
revenue stream. One primary example is the suppliers of branded luxury items like Louis Vuitton,
Dior, and Chanel gather steady demand from loyal customers—especially from the upper-middle
to upper class—who trust the brand’s prestige and quality. These companies’ reputation for
craftsmanship and the feeling of exclusivity ensures that its products are highly aspired for and
sought after.

■ Helps supplier segment markets

establishing a brand that is eligible for trademarks and patents plays a
significant role in protecting unique production features from being
copied or imitated. The legal protection that a well-established brand
gives to suppliers and companies establishes assurance that their unique
features will be safeguarded. Let’s take Apple as an example; Apple’s
patented technology and design for its iPhones, Macbooks, and other
devices give it a competitive edge in the market and legal recourse
against copycats. That’s why, regardless of many tech companies’
efforts to imitate Apple’s products, Apple maintains its market position
and promises continuous innovation to its consumers.
Well-established brands allow suppliers to differentiate their products and a more focused
marketing and product development that will ensure to meet the
specific demands of their respective target markets. This differentiation
enables suppliers to cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences,
making their products more appealing. For example, a business giant,

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 Unilever, develops different brands like Dove for personal care, Surf
for house-related chores, and Knorr for dish enhancement, each tailored
to meet specific customer requirements. Having the status of being
well-established, Unilever created advertising campaigns and product
developments that specifically address the needs of their customer
demographic, resulting in the achievement of higher customer
satisfaction and loyalty. This allows Unilever—or any other well-
established brand—to enhance market penetration, capturing a larger
market share that will consequently drive growth and profitability.

C. Business and Society

■ Gives producers an incentive to innovate and be protective against
imitating competitors, leading to higher and more consistent product
quality
A well-established brand benefits customers and society because it leads companies to
initiate higher and more consistent product quality through continuous
innovation and product development that will cater to the needs of
consumers as well as to avoid imitation from competitors. This dual
benefit brings advantage to both companies and their customers;
companies will have the opportunity to prove that they are worthy of
their customers, whereas, customers and society will benefit from these
improvements and consistency, encouraging them to rely on these
brands in meeting their needs effectively. For example, Apple has
established itself to be known for its iPhones which have cutting-edge
technology and durability. This company makes sure that each iPhone
enhancement undergoes extensive development in order to introduce
innovative improvements such as enhanced cameras, faster processors,
and longer battery life, ensuring that their company meets the evolving
needs and expectations of their consumers. Connectedly, customers
benefit from these efforts through the established trust developed by
the company that each new product offered by Apple will offer a
superior user experience that will meet their functionality and durability
expectations—reducing doubts and purchasing risks and allowing Apple
to have a dominant stance in the market. In the same manner, these
efforts lead to a broader range of high-quality, innovative products in

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 the market, benefiting society as a whole through the advancement in
technology and improvement of the everyday lives of people.

■ Helps shoppers through providing much more information about products

and where to find them
A well-established brand helps shoppers by providing much more
information about the products and where to find them in the sense that the
company provides consumers with detailed information about the product
benefits, usage, and availability through effective marketing, making the
purchasing experience more convenient yet informative to avoid health and
purchasing risks. For example, Vice Cosmetics, a Filipino beauty brand,
provides extensive information about its products through its packaging,
online platforms, and customer service. Their packaging includes a list of
ingredients, usage instructions, and benefits; while their online platforms
provide product descriptions, customer reviews, tutorials, and even tips for
best use; lastly, their customer service is ready to answer questions and offer
support. This wealth of information ensures that consumers are
knowledgeable in choosing products that best meet their needs. Moreover,
effective branding for companies helps society by guiding consumers on
where to exactly find their products, creating an automatic association with
specific platforms, locations, or symbols. For instance, when consumers hear
or discover Vice Cosmetics, it will automatically register that it is a cosmetic
company. Whereas, if they try to seek for its products, the company branding
will create an automatic association with specific retail stores like Watsons,
Shopee or Lazada, and other beauty stores. This clear and consistent branding
will make it easy for consumers to know where to purchase the products,
saving time and effort in locating them, reducing purchasing risks, and
contributing to a more seamless shopping experience for society as a whole.

II. Topic Discussion

A. What is a Sustainable Brand?

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 Many people think sustainability is just a trendy term from the green movement affecting
every market,
but it means much more when it comes to branding. True sustainability involves
creating and promoting your brand with practices that focus on long-term
environmental, social, and economic health . So, what exactly makes a brand truly
sustainable in every sense of the word?

Brand sustainability, often referred to as consumer-driven sustainability , is a strategic

approach where
companies integrate environmentally and socially responsible practices into their core
operations to attract and retain consumers and investors. This strategy is centered
around finding solutions that are not only economically viable but also
environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. With growing awareness and
concern about environmental and social issues, a significant portion of consumers now
prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions. According to a Nielsen study,
66% of consumers are willing to pay more for products and services from sustainable
brands. This trend indicates a strong market demand for sustainability, making it a
critical factor for brand differentiation and consumer loyalty.

Moreover, a sustainable brand can also be defined as one that embraces a purpose extending
far beyond
the pursuit of profit, aiming instead to enhance the wellbeing of humanity and all
life on our planet. Such a brand is propelled by a mission that transcends mere
financial success, prioritizing the creation of positive social and environmental impacts.
This entails a commitment to ethical practices, social equity, and environmental
stewardship, ensuring that every aspect of the brand's operations contributes to the
greater good. By integrating these values into their core strategy, sustainable brands
seek to address global challenges, promote community development, and protect the
natural world, ultimately fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

In conclusion, creating a sustainable brand goes beyond just selling eco-friendly stuff. It's
about making
sure that everything your brand does, like where you get your materials and how
you promote your products, is good for the planet and people. This means being
mindful of how much waste you make, treating workers fairly, and helping out
communities and nature. By putting sustainability at the heart of your brand, you're
not only doing what's right for the environment and society, but also building a
stronger and more trusted brand for the future.

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 B. Importance of a Sustainable Brand?
Building a sustainable brand is not just a trend but a crucial strategy for
achieving long-term success in
today's business landscape. Accenture's study underscores this point, 90% of CEOs
believe that brand sustainability is essential to the long-term success of their business.
Companies that prioritize sustainability focus on the long-term benefits, which
contributes to the improvement of products and services, financial stability, and
building trust between consumers and companies.

Here listed below are the key benefits of having a sustainable brand:

● Increased Brand Awareness

○ Embracing sustainability can greatly enhance a brand's profile. Modern
consumers are increasingly informed and concerned about environmental
and social issues. By adopting sustainable practices, brands can attract
media attention, improve their reputation, and stand out in a
competitive market. This visibility boosts consumer recognition and
recall, positioning the brand as a top choice for purchases.
● The Positive Brand Perception among Customers and Prospects
○ A commitment to sustainability can transform how a brand is perceived.
Customers and prospects tend to view sustainable brands more favorably,
associating them with ethical behavior, responsibility, and forward-thinking
values. This positive perception can enhance the emotional connection between
the brand and its audience, fostering goodwill and encouraging consumers to
align themselves with the brand's values. ● Increased Customer Loyalty
○ Sustainability initiatives can drive stronger customer loyalty. When
consumers feel that a brand is genuinely committed to positive
environmental and social impacts, they are more likely to develop a
deeper trust and stay loyal to the brand. This loyalty not only leads to
repeat purchases but also turns customers into brand advocates who
promote the brand through word-of-mouth and social media.
● Decreased Costs and Increased Productivity
○ Sustainable practices often lead to more efficient operations, which can
decrease costs and boost productivity. For instance, reducing waste,
conserving energy, and optimizing supply chains not only help the
environment but also cut down on expenses. Additionally, sustainable

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 practices can streamline processes and enhance employee engagement
and productivity, as workers often take pride in being part of a
responsible organization.
● Competitive Advantage Over Competitors in your Industry
○ A strong commitment to sustainability offers a significant competitive
advantage. As consumers increasingly demand ethical standards from brands,
companies with robust sustainability practices can distinguish themselves in
their industry. This advantage extends beyond attracting customers to also
appealing to investors, partners, and top talent who value genuine
sustainability efforts.

In essence, understanding the crucial role of sustainability in branding isn't just about
enhancing the
image of your brand; it's a profound acknowledgment of our interconnectedness with the
environment. By integrating sustainable practices into your brand's ethos, you're not only
fostering a positive reputation but also making significant contributions to environmental
well-being. Embracing sustainability isn't just a choice; it's a responsibility—one that can
yield profound benefits for both your brand and the planet we call home.

C. Building a Sustainable Brand

To guarantee in building a sustainable brand the management should be guided with
these following
responsibilities:

1 . Monitor, measure, and manage brand equity/strength. Brand equity means the
valuation of a brand.
● Monitoring brand progress is critical for businesses striving to build an effective brand.
Monitoring progress is critical for determining whether the business is
profitable or not. Additionally, by collecting customer feedback and
reviews, the business can identify areas for improvement.

2 . Increase brand awareness, relevant differentiation, value, accessibility, and

emotional connection.
● To succeed in the business industry consumers must be well aware about your
brand and the business you're conducting. Thus, stating your difference to
other competitors and making your brand accessible and valuable in the

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 market, would increase brand awareness while building emotional
connection with the consumers at the same time.

3 . Develop a brand plan.

● Developing a brand plan is a crucial task in achieving a sustainable
brand, as it will determine the trajectory of the branding if it will be
sustainable or not. By creating concrete plans for your brand, the
business will be susceptible to success.
4 . Monitor progress against the brand plan.
● Once the brand plan is established, the management should monitor the brand
progress, ensuring that the plan is being followed. This is to guarantee that
the brand will be presented as planned.

5 . Be responsible for results against the brand plan.

● A complete brand development process does not always guarantee a
successful business branding. Business owners must be prepared for
setbacks, criticism, and potential brand failure.

6 . Drive brand understanding and support throughout the organization.

● It is only right that the people themselves working on the business support its
own brand. As it would show that they fully understand their brand and
would keep everyone working towards reaching the same goal.

7. Champion/drive initiatives that support the delivery of the brand promise.

● By focusing on initiatives that support your brand promise to the consumers
is a major factor for brand sustainability as it can heavily boost consumer
loyalty. In which, the brand is reaching or exceeding the consumers’
expectation about their product or service. Thus, giving a good image and
reputation about your brand.

8. Brand messaging (elevator speech, tagline, campaign themes, proof points, etc.)
● To be unique, each brand should have a certain theme, great proof points and
a unique tagline, to distinguish itself amongst its competitors. It is also
necessary to prepare a short good elevator speech to convince others about
your brand. Having a good brand message would leave a positive

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 impression, thus, people would remember your brand because of the message
it conveys.

9. Manage the brand architecture, describing how a family of brands relate to one
another. ● Once the brand is established and expanding, having a brand architecture
is required to inform the consumers that your brand is connected with another. Thus,
ensuring good quality in the product/service of your subrands.

10. Maintain brand identity consistency.

● By maintaining the quality of your brand that the consumers love. It can be a
huge factor in brand
sustainability, as you get to earn loyal customers who fully support your
product.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD BRAND NAME

Short and Simple Suggestive product benefits

Easy to spell and read Adaptable to packaging/labeling needs

Easy to recognize and remember No undesirable imagery

Easy to pronounce Always timely (does not go out of date)

Can be pronounced in only one way Adaptable to any advertising medium

Can be pronounced in all languages Legally available for use (not in use by another
firm)

III. Conclusion
➢ Brand and Branding are two distinct concepts. A Brand represents the identity
that a company establishes to distinguish itself from competitors, encompassing
elements such as company name, logo, or design identifying its goods and
services. On the other hand, Branding refers to the process of creating a
company’s brand identity, which involves researching, developing, and applying
distinctive features.

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 ➢ Developing a strong brand offers advantages to both the company and its
stakeholders. In a buyer's perspective, it helps in communicating product
quality and standards, fostering customer loyalty. Finally, it attracts consumers'
attention to indulge in newly launched products, ensuring higher and more
consistent product quality, and trusting new offerings of the brand. For the
suppliers, brand name makes it easier for them to process orders and track
down problems, provide legal protection for unique production features, attract
loyal and profitable customers, and help segment markets. For the customer
and society, a well-established brand leads to higher and more consistent
product quality, increases innovation by new protective features against
imitating competitors, and provides customers more information about the
product and where to locate them.
➢ When establishing a business, it is crucial to prioritize more than just profits.
Businesses must ensure that their operations benefit both people and the
planet. Brand sustainability involves integrating environmentally and socially
responsible practices into core operations to attract and retain consumers and
investors. This approach focuses on implementing solutions that are
economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible.
➢ Embracing a sustainable brand in business offers numerous advantages. It
enhances brand awareness, attracting media attention and standing out in a
competitive market. It cultivates a positive brand perception among customers,
increases customer loyalty, decreased operation cost and increased productivity.
Lastly, a strong commitment to sustainability provides a competitive edge,
appealing not only to customers but also investors, partners, and top talents.

NETWORKING

I. What is Networking?
The sharing of information and concepts, frequently informally, amongst individuals who
share a vocation or a

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particular interest is known as networking . Professionals utilize networking to broaden their circle
of connections, learn about job opportunities in their industries, and increase their awareness of news
and developments in their fields.

Individuals typically join networking organizations when they have a specific interest in
common with other
members. Networking can be commonly seen in professional associations, such that of social
workers or stockbrokers. Many people discover networking opportunities in social groups such as
churches or synagogues, at private clubs, or in college alumni associations.

A. Entrepreneurial Networking
In the same sense, networking in the context of entrepreneurship refers to establishing and
maintaining
connections with other business owners, industry professionals, and like-minded people. It
entails proactively looking for chances to interact, connect, and collaborate with people who
can provide: (1) support, (2) proper guidance, (3) vital
resources, and (4) business opportunities.

But how does Networking open the doors for partnerships, visibility enhancement, and
accelerating
entrepreneurial success? It is important to understand that there is more to Networking than
just exchanging business cards and establishing online and offline connections with others. It
focuses on creating connections that are meaningful and beneficial to both parties. Hence, the
goal of entrepreneurial networking is to create a strong and supportive network. It is vital to
know who these networks are; who can provide valuable resources? Which of them has the
ability to open more opportunities for your business? Who gives proper feedback? And where can
you find this sense of community?

II. Finding your Network

In addition to signifying and demonstrating the difference between success and failure, having
a solid support system can help protect your psychological well-being. As a business owner,
you need a group of reliable and trustworthy people to assist you. Here's how you can obtain
yours:
■ Get the Best

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 Building a team comprises those people who can support you and your business. These
supporters are typically the advisors and specialists.
○ A business advisor is a strategist who helps with the entrepreneur's business
or company. Advisors assist within several business sections, including business
planning, marketing, finance, and even business development. They are expert
professionals who are well-versed in all aspects of business. Consider a
business advisor as an extension of the business owner, who possesses
extensive understanding of the strategies needed to manage a company. This
professional's responsibilities include but are not limited to:

(1) Outlines how to investigate and evaluate the business’ financial records.
(2) Examines the business’ marketing performance as well as providing
recommendations for how to make it better.
(3) Conducts quality testing on the product and, based on feedback from
customers, may even put strategies into place to enhance the product's
design or quality.

○ An expert who uses their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

to help improve business procedures, systems, policies, and results is known as
a business specialist , also referred as business consultant. The job of a
business specialist is to do research and analysis to identify the company's
advantages and disadvantages with the goal of developing and enhancing areas
for peak performance. They work closely with various departments to obtain
pertinent data, find new chances and approaches to satisfy client demands,
create plans and initiatives to increase profits, and create new procedures to
improve business efficiency.
■ When to Start?
○ During the writing of your business plan, make sure to contact various professionals like:
Accountants, lawyers, professional business coaches, etc., To provide their professional insights
about your plan. They can also help in attaining various legal requirements that you might need with
your business idea.
○ You can also seek assistance from other people that you personally know. It can be your friends
or relatives that can give you different perspectives on your business plan. However, always
remember, objectivity is not relationship-based, but it is personality-based. This implies that if a
person is knowledgeable, mature and is willing to grow, they would be a great asset for your business.
■ Professional Networking

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 ○ Grant (2023) defined professional networking as a process in which business owners build
relationships with other professionals, both in the same career field and other, with the purpose
of expanding business knowledge and capabilities.
○ There are various places to get excellent sources of business contact, information on government
programs, procedural advice and even prospective customers. This includes business clubs and
associations, trade shows, and business incubator programs.
■ Match Your Needs
○ As a business begins to expand, it is crucial to hire professionals who excel in specialized tasks
like business development, accounting, or operations. As a matter of fact, not all free advice is
good advice, there are some who give advice who have hidden agendas. For this reason,
businesses must invest in hiring professionals. Consequently, it is important to assess the hiring
needs based on the business's current situation.
○ More importantly, business owners must avoid hiring individuals who provided services for other
tasks.
Instead they must seek candidates with proven expertise relevant to the position’s
requirements.

A. Eight (8) Strategies in Implementing Community Success

Networking is beneficial because it provides opportunities to exchange advice, expertise,
professional references, and prospects for career progress. If you have strong networking
skills, you may be able to forge connections and develop professional skills that will help
you accomplish your goals. But networking success is not something that happens quickly. A
business, corporation, or person can follow certain strategies in order to flourish in the
community and gain the trust of others.
The following list below contains the eight strategies that a starting business owner or a
professional can use to their advantage when it comes to networking and creating relationships in
the business sector

(1) Do the work

● You have to work for the relationships you want or need to help your
business thrive; it won't just happen. Don't expect large corporations to
suddenly become your partners; instead, you must work hard from the
beginning and establish relationships with others. To achieve the
success you desire, you must put in a lot of effort and start from the
bottom. You will need to put in a lot of effort to earn their trust. You
can use social media, attend conferences and events, or even join a
networking club; the important thing is to make every effort to connect and
engage with people.

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 (2) Become your best self
● It takes more than just making connections with other people to create
meaningful relationships; you also need to make connections with
yourself. When launching your business, it's important to be clear about
your own goals. It's also necessary to determine who your ideal
business partner would be. It needs to be someone you can trust for a
successful business partnership. Also, you will have a better chance of
succeeding as partners if you can naturally trust the business partner
you have, even though everyone has their own characteristics and
unique coping mechanisms for success and failure. Finally, it is
essential that you are partnered with someone who shares your goals
and interests, because partners who share interests are more inclined to
be dedicated to reaching the best possible outcome. A more successful
project or commercial partnership may result from this, as well as higher-
quality work and better performance.

(3) Meet Strangers

● As previously mentioned, people will not come to you out of the blue;
you have to strive for the relationship and connections you want to
establish. Starting with meeting new people is a good idea because it
will enable you to introduce your business and yourself and learn more
about the field in which you operate. This ability to directly increase
your network and business opportunities is perhaps the most evident
advantage of striking up conversations with strangers. For instance, the
entrepreneur in a coffee shop might not wind up being your next
investor. However, he/she might refer you to a colleague or
acquaintance who may find your business great and interesting. So in
order to make relationships and engage with people who could
potentially recommend you with others, you must interact with strangers.
(4) Give instead of take
● Building professional relationships and beginning with giving value to
others’ lives is one of the primary goals of networking. It’s not easy
to build a relationship and connection with someone else. Therefore,
you have to earn the right to be in a genuine relationship at the
beginning of a new connection. Genuine connections are characterized

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 by a willingness to offer without expecting anything in return. Building
relationships takes work to maintain, so lend a hand, impart your
wisdom, and be helpful without expecting anything in return.

(5) Make a life-changing introduction

● Networking should be a doorway to another wonderful relationship
rather than always being about what you or your business can get
from others.Similar to how you require help and assistance to grow
both yourself and your business, others aspire to have the same. As a
result, whenever you encounter new people, whether they be strangers
or newcomers to the field you should always consider how you could
possibly help them, to the best of your ability, and alway think to
whom you might recommend them in order to potentially improve their life.

(6) Invest in your people portfolio

● To build a successful business, one of the best things you can do is
make authentic connections, and so you must invest in it. It is not
investing like putting money to make connections; rather, it requires
time investment in order to develop and identify connections that might
benefit you and the other

(7) Treat connections like neighbors

● The business sector is becoming more and more competitive, and
everyone wants to succeed and benefit themselves. Others’ success is
not being taken into consideration. However, In order to succeed at
networking, you must view your relationships and networks as a
flourishing village where everyone resides there as well. As a result, in
order for this village to succeed, you and other neighbors must
contribute to the general well-being of the community and its residents.
It is important to remember that personal success is not the only thing
that matters. To enable people who can help you, you must constantly
consider what you can provide or help them as well.
(8) Give back
● Being involved in the community is important, but it goes beyond
making financial contributions or showing up to fundraising dinners.

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 You must interact with people, become involved in the community,
establish a connection with them, and gain their trust. This community
involvement will benefit you also because it can familiarize you with
the neighborhood and introduce you to ideas and people that will have a
lasting good influence on your perspective.

Overall, the key to successful networking is realizing that giving is more important than
receiving. In light of this,
you should always be searching for methods to add value to the connections you have
within your network. Networking should be ongoing and focused on how you may meet new
individuals and benefit them. It’s not hard, but it does require patience, time, and effort.

III. Conclusion
➢ For professionals, networking is crucial and beneficial since it expands their
network, and the professionals they will interact with can provide them with
further knowledge about the industries they operate in. Similar to networking,
entrepreneurial networking focuses on building relationships and connections
with other individuals; however, it focuses on business owners or those
working in the business sector. It also has many benefits because it creates
the possibility of a long-lasting relationship that may result in more business
opportunities.
➢ Finding the ideal team for you in networking won’t be simple. You must first
be able to determine what your business will need and assemble the greatest
team you can. It’s crucial that you look for experts or professionals who have
proven knowledge and expertise relevant to the position’s requirements. You
need to invest in recruiting experts like a business advisor and a specialist
since the team you have to work with needs to have someone who can mentor
and assist you. You should know when to start, and along with that you also
need to know what to do when you begin. It is necessary for you to be able
to have connections with professionals, or even just acquaintances, who can
provide you with different insights and suggestions on how to grow your business.
➢ Networking success is not something that comes easily; you have to work
hard, have belief in your business, and to realize that joining a network is not
always about you and what you can have. You must first develop into a
person who is aware of their goals and who always looks forward to meeting

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 new people. Make the time and effort to expand your network, and never
forget that you desire a sincere relationship in which you and your partner
will benefit. Lastly, It is important to always consider how you can provide
help and support to others and to always believe that everyone in your
network should benefit from each other’s support.
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