How to create long-lasting business relationships

Al Buford, president and co-owner of Patriot Group International, Inc., has a deep understanding of and appreciation for enduring professional relationships.

Starting with his time in the Army Ranger Regiment’s Second Ranger Battalion, Buford was quickly received as a valued team member by his squad leaders. The regiment’s focus on completing missions as a team while respecting and protecting each other has stayed with Buford throughout his professional career. In fact, his first job after retiring from Army service came from one of his Special Mission Unit colleagues, and his current business partner is a friend from the Ranger Regiment.

Not everyone has experience in the armed forces, but Buford’s career arc shows the benefits of creating ties that lead to a strong professional network. With focused effort and a clear outlook on your goals, you can create lasting partnerships with people who not only improve your life, but who make you want to contribute to their success, too.

What We Gain From Professional Partnerships

Leaders often find themselves in leadership positions because they possess the drive, expertise, and required skills to guide teams to meet business goals. As businesses grow and teams evolve, a leader’s responsibilities typically change, too. Professional networks can offer the support and strategic suggestions that leaders need when facing new challenges or opportunities.

The benefits of a wide-reaching and well-curated network don’t stop there. Here are some other advantages of prioritizing networking:

• Greater access to industry insights. Staying current on industry changes and trends is essential to retain a competitive advantage over rival companies — but sometimes, there’s a lot to learn and not much time in which to learn it. Your network’s insights can fill in the gaps.
• New approaches to challenges. Different perspectives can help uncover interesting solutions to specific projects or help you think through more far-reaching initiatives, such as staffing issues, remote/hybrid work policies, or new technology or markets to pursue.
• Identify opportunities for hiring or diversifying skills. Your network can alert you of new job candidates, networking events, or professional development opportunities that can further enhance your leadership skills and take your company to the next level.

It’s nearly impossible for one person to excel at every aspect of leadership without some outside support. A professional network of trusted individuals can offer innovative solutions and perspectives that one person couldn’t necessarily achieve on their own.

Tips for Creating a Solid Network

When growing an effective professional network, quality is far more important than quantity. Determine what’s most important in your career, and foster relationships with others who share similar outlooks and goals. You’re not looking for clones — diversity is key to a truly effective and impactful network — but a shared set of basic values offers a critical connective thread.

Check out these other tips for better networking:

Make sure both parties benefit

Whether connecting with peers, industry experts, or ambitious employees ascending the leadership ranks, a good connection is one where both sides have something to gain. Meeting each other’s needs builds the type of trust necessary for sustaining a true partnership. Consider what you have to offer — not just what others can do for you.

Connect others when possible

You may not have the time, resources, or expertise to help every single person when asked, but if you know someone who can, make an introduction. Helping others with your network is one of the most fulfilling parts of networking and can inspire others to make future introductions, too.

Keep it alive

A dormant network doesn’t generate action, so interact, exchange information and ideas, and foster new connections within your network. Use social media platforms and email to start conversations and touch base on a regular cadence. LinkedIn alone has over 1 billion global users! Use it to keep up with your current network while continuing to build connections. When it’s possible to meet in person, like at an industry conference or over coffee, take advantage of the opportunity.

The more you practice networking and connecting others, the more opportunities you’ll see to create connections in everyday settings. Soon enough, you’ll be a part of a group of trusted individuals who can rely on each other for advice, guidance, and feedback that helps everyone succeed.