Business Networking for Technology Companies

While there are similarities between personal and business networks, they are significantly different in a number of important aspects. This is especially true for tech companies and their long sales cycles. Many people have found this out the hard way and ruined, what otherwise would have been, a wonderful long-term relationship with a key technology client.

Following are 2 ways that business networking is similar to personal networking and 6 ways they are different.

Similarities

1. Time: They both require time to develop. Just as you can’t expect to have a strong personal relationship after one or two encounters, you can’t create a strong business relationship at a single networking event. Networking events are for introductions, not instant business.

2. Mutual Respect: No personal relationship can survive without mutual respect and neither can a business relationship. When one party starts feeling devalued, it’s usually the beginning of the end.

Differences

1. Value Exchange (Mutuality): This is the #1 difference between business and personal networking. All business relationships are built on value exchange---usually money in exchange for a product or service. While there is some element of mutuality in personal relationships equal value exchange is rarely a reality.

2. Boundaries: The boundaries of a business network are narrower. As personal relationships develop, boundaries tend to widen, but this is not as true for business relationships (there are a few exceptions I can think of).

3. Accountability: This is a prerequisite for business networking---meaning both parties need to keep their word. While this is also important for personal relationships, friends and loved ones tend to be more forgiving.

4. Reliability: This means being on time, being prepared, taking responsibility, etc. Again, some leeway in personal relationships, very little in business networks.

5. Emotional Support: Business associates are less apt to make allowances for your personal problems; especially if they interfere with the products or level of service you provide (again I can think of some exceptions). Generally, if you don’t keep up your end of the value exchange (for whatever reason) the relationship is on thin ice. On the other hand, if you can find a way to maintain the same level of service through a personal crisis, you should expect support from business associates.

6. Loyalty: Friends and those in your business network can both be loyal, but with business, there is less certainty and there are more conditions. Loyal business associates in your network will pay a little more for your products and services than they would pay to your competitors, but not much. If a competitor approaches someone in your network with a much better deal, a truly loyal client will give you the opportunity to match the offer.

The Bottom Line

This is not to say that all business network relationships are superficial. They most definitely are not. They are just different and that’s the way it should be. Problems with business relationships arise because one or both parties either doesn't understand the differences or doesn't know how to develop a business relationship at all. They expect that business relationships will fulfill their need for companionship; survive the ups and down in their personal lives; accommodate bad behavior, support a lopsided value exchange, etc.

Developing good long-term relationships with the those in your business network is simple: maintain an even value exchange; don’t cross boundaries; keep your word; be on time; keep your personal problems mostly to yourself; and know the limits of loyalty.

For a no cost discussion of your situation and how we can leverage metrics-based content development to grow your business call 630-363-8081 or email jeanna@smartprcommunications.com.