Learn how to build trust, rapport, and value with your long-term network relationships and turn them into loyal advocates who support and promote you.

One of the perks I actually found most rewarding in my business is that I happen to meet many diverse and outstanding professionals, and I do genuinely am interested into them, along with developing a trustworthy and meaningful, respectful, business relationship with them. In my experience, the people I’ve met have recognised and appreciated my sincere interest into them along with the integrity with which I approach our relationship.

How do you turn long-term network relationships into loyal advocates?

You know that building a strong network is essential for your professional success. But how do you go beyond just exchanging contacts and referrals, and turn your long-term network relationships into loyal advocates who support and promote you? Here are some tips to help you achieve that goal.

1 Provide value consistently

One of the key factors that influence how your network perceives you is the value you provide to them. Value can be anything that helps them solve a problem, achieve a goal, learn something new, or improve their situation. It can be in the form of advice, feedback, resources, introductions, opportunities, or recognition. The more value you provide consistently, the more trust and credibility you build with your network.

Add your perspective

Prinesh Pillay

Unlocking Opportunities for SMMEs | SME Development, Business Growth
Report contribution
As soon as I learnt that you don't have to win or earn 100% of the time, the better my long term relationships were built. Some of my past clients are still top of mind for me, as well as Nuclear Concepts is still very much top of mind for them. Whenever I "stumble" across an opportunity for my past clients, I automatically loop them into conversation, without sending them an invoice. This goes a long way to building long lasting relationships.

Like
Margaret Francoeur

Business Development Officer | Relationship Marketing | Coach | Speaker |
(edited)
Report contribution
Find being genuine is important. Easy to be in the moment when with someone in my network. Listening effectively is key. Sharing and commenting on my networks linkedin post, facebook is one way to provide value. Providing value consistently goes with selecting network groups and attending consistently.

Like

2 Communicate authentically

Another important factor that affects how your network relates to you is the way you communicate with them. Communication is not only about what you say, but also how you say it, and how often you say it. You want to communicate authentically, meaning that you are honest, respectful, and genuine in your interactions. You also want to communicate frequently, meaning that you stay in touch regularly and show interest in their lives and work. By communicating authentically and frequently, you create rapport and connection with your network.

Add your perspective

Vittoria Villa

Head of Sales & Marketing at Italferr, Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane
Report contribution
One of the perks I actually found most rewarding in my business is that I happen to meet many diverse and outstanding professionals, and I do genuinely am interested into them, along with developing a trustworthy and meaningful, respectful, business relationship with them. In my experience, the people I’ve met have recognised and appreciated my sincere interest into them along with the integrity with which I approach our relationship.

Like
Margaret Francoeur

Business Development Officer | Relationship Marketing | Coach | Speaker |
Report contribution
Dale Carnegie's principles for becoming a friendlier person is a start. Attending after college the Dale Carnegie Course, High Impact Presentations gave me the practice to communicate authentically. Made all the difference in relationships.

Like

3 Show appreciation and gratitude

A simple but powerful way to turn your long-term network relationships into loyal advocates is to show appreciation and gratitude for their support and contribution. Appreciation and gratitude are not only polite and courteous, but also effective in making your network feel valued and respected. You can show appreciation and gratitude by sending a thank-you note, giving a testimonial, endorsing a skill, sharing a success story, or celebrating a milestone. By showing appreciation and gratitude, you reinforce the positive impact of your network on your career.

Add your perspective

4 Ask for feedback and referrals

One of the best ways to leverage your long-term network relationships is to ask for feedback and referrals. Feedback and referrals are not only beneficial for your own improvement and growth, but also for your network's engagement and satisfaction. When you ask for feedback, you show that you care about their opinion and perspective, and that you are open to learning and changing. When you ask for referrals, you show that you trust their judgment and expertise, and that you value their network as well. By asking for feedback and referrals, you invite your network to be part of your success story.

Add your perspective

5 Give back and reciprocate

The final tip to turn your long-term network relationships into loyal advocates is to give back and reciprocate. Giving back and reciprocating means that you are not only taking from your network, but also giving to your network. It means that you are not only asking for favors, but also offering favors. It means that you are not only receiving value, but also delivering value. Giving back and reciprocating can take many forms, such as mentoring, volunteering, donating, sponsoring, or advocating. By giving back and reciprocating, you demonstrate your generosity and commitment to your network.

Add your perspective

Vittoria Villa

Head of Sales & Marketing at Italferr, Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane
Report contribution
Sometimes even your bare being there and available to listen and to share a point of view, may represent a great value you might add to your counterpart. I make a point of always being available for discussion to my closest connections and network. Hearing someone else’s mind, especially of some professional who’s in your trustworthy network but maybe not directly involved in the issue you’re trying to solve, helps you see things from a third, interdependent but qualified, point of view.

Like

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How do you turn long-term network relationships into loyal advocates?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Provide value consistently

2 Communicate authentically

3 Show appreciation and gratitude

4 Ask for feedback and referrals

5 Give back and reciprocate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Networking

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Business Networking

More relevant reading

How do you turn long-term network relationships into loyal advocates?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Provide value consistently

2 Communicate authentically

3 Show appreciation and gratitude

4 Ask for feedback and referrals

5 Give back and reciprocate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Networking

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills