The Value of a Strong Network

By Casey Hanisko - Casey owns Casey Hanisko, Coaching + Consulting where she helps women and purpose-driven leaders in the adventure and outdoor industries be great leaders and build great businesses.

The other day I was struggling for the right financial tool to document some business transactions I needed for my coaching and consulting business. After a quick Google search I was reminded of a solution (Wave) I had heard about in one of my business communities. I went to the communication string it was mentioned in and, Voila! I had several other ideas and also a connection I could ask questions to before making a decision.

This is one small example of the business value of having a strong network.

How many times have you needed to:

• find a supplier in a new destination,

• vet or hire a freelancer or guide,

• get recommendations on software solutions,

• hire a new team member, or

• tap into the expertise of someone outside your industry,

and you do not know where to turn? Here are a few ideas on how to build a strong network and the advantages they bring.

1. Advisors or Board - Building a group of advisors who have agreed to commit time and energy to your business is invaluable. Often advisors or a board will bring financial, legal, marketing, or HR expertise to the table to complement your skills. If a board is too formal for your business, ask people to be an advisor for you. Give them something in exchange for their time that is meaningful for them, which could be travel tips or connections or savings on your services. Tip: It is a best practice to outline your expectations so it is clear before your advisor or board member says yes or no.

2. Associations or Communities - Joining associations or communities is a sure way to build a strong peer community that allows you access to businesses going through similar struggles as you. These communities and associations often offer education, research, events, and peer groups that will help you innovate, improve, and grow your business. The key to success though is engagement, you have to be involved to get the value out: attend webinars and events, post in channels and communities. Tip: Raise your hand. Comment in a chat. You need to be seen and heard for people to know about you and by sharing information, commenting - you can help others and they will help you.

3. Peer Groups - There are many business peer groups you can join, Vistage and YPO are two more formal (and can be expensive) examples. There are also group coaching cohorts through organizations such as Women Travel Leaders (I am running one of these starting this fall, learn more here). The benefit of these groups is that you have small group of peers who have agreed to keep conversations confidential, they are often curated so your competitors are not in the same “room”, and your facilitator is coaching you and your peers to share expertise, think more deeply, and consider different perspectives. Tip: Research communities you are part of now, some of them may have these peer groups set up already. If not, ask if you can start an informal one, or join an organization that specializes in it for a more formal and professionally led experience.

4. Education - Continuing education is an amazing opportunity to not only learn more but also be surrounded by like-minded peers who are also interested in expanding their credentials and expertise. Whether it is a certification program, master's degree, mastermind group, or a one-off class, they are wonderful ways to make connections with people. Tip: If your education is virtual find ways to learn about others taking the course or ask the instructor if there will be ways to follow-up with other attendees. Utilize the chat feature and introduce yourself and share your Linkedin profile.

5. Events - Committing to show up at an event has many advantages, here you can grow your network, access new industry intel, and meet new partners. The community you nurture and grow before attending an event, can make that event even more powerful as you get introduced to colleagues, peers, and friends. If you go to an event to develop a network from the ground up, be patient and make each connection count. When you meet someone ask who else they know at the event or share what some of your goals are in case your new connection has some connections or intel. Tip: Prior to going to the event take a few minutes to decide what your goals are - examples of goals I have had: find two new partners, add ten people to my network, meet one great media who will cover my business, learn about three new destinations.

All of these ideas are ways to expand your network. LinkedIn is a great solution for creating connections and staying in touch. As you engage there, read and comment on posts, share your own content with your own business news, expertise, or insight. It is also important to share others' posts that you find interesting - give back to your community and they will give back to you.

Casey Hanisko owns Casey Hanisko, Coaching + Consulting where she helps women and purpose-driven leaders in the adventure and outdoor industries be great leaders and build great businesses. Formerly the president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and prior to that a marketing and communications executive at a respected international tour operator, Casey brings over 20 years of experience leading with her values and bringing integrity to her roles and teams. A certified business coach, trained in Brene Brown’s Dare to LeadTM and through the Leading People ProgramTM, Casey directly coaches SME tour operators and is a consultant with Guest Focus, Women Travel Leaders, and wmnsWORK as a coach, mentor, and educator. Her vision is to change the world through curious and courageous people in business.