{"id":39931,"date":"2020-06-30T11:08:37","date_gmt":"2020-06-30T10:08:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/?p=39931"},"modified":"2021-03-25T16:24:19","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T16:24:19","slug":"grow-with-networking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/grow-with-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"Leveraging your network to support and grow your business"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='elevate'  class='avia-section av-2qwy3ht-25e3e254369c509abf1a91080ba05dea main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-0  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><main  role=\"main\" itemprop=\"mainContentOfPage\"  class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-39931'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jp009ut1-c2a891abf735c7eb7a5c24d037e4b61f\">\n.flex_column.av-jp009ut1-c2a891abf735c7eb7a5c24d037e4b61f{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-jp009ut1-c2a891abf735c7eb7a5c24d037e4b61f av_one_fifth  avia-builder-el-1  el_before_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div av-hide-on-mobile av-zero-column-padding  '     ><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-28z32gh-8306082e681bdb1a559cb023abad5737\">\n.flex_column.av-28z32gh-8306082e681bdb1a559cb023abad5737{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-28z32gh-8306082e681bdb1a559cb023abad5737 av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_one_fifth  el_before_av_one_fifth  flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-1txvxe9-b00ea93861545631179200d41110c8e4 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h1><b>How can my network support and grow my graphics business?<\/b><\/h1>\n<p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-v4g6ak-1d639df38b074c4c8eeb90b09a79d152\">\n.av_font_icon.av-v4g6ak-1d639df38b074c4c8eeb90b09a79d152 .av-icon-char{\nfont-size:1em;\nline-height:1em;\n}\n<\/style>\n<span  class='av_font_icon av-v4g6ak-1d639df38b074c4c8eeb90b09a79d152 avia_animate_when_visible av-icon-style- avia-icon-pos-left av-no-color avia-icon-animate'><span class='av-icon-char' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue862' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<em><strong>approx 5 minute read<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-1txvxe9-b00ea93861545631179200d41110c8e4 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019ll take a look at strategies and support systems you can use to support and grow your business. Primarily, how business networking can be used to grow your business. We\u2019ll focus on graphics businesses to give some context, but these apply to all small and medium sized businesses looking to grow, generate leads and get more customers, so let us know if you\u2019d like some advice on your own industry and we\u2019d be happy to help!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><i>Nettl is a global network of local web, print and signs studios. We help businesses of all shapes and sizes get more customers through marketing and design. Please do feel free to get in touch below if you\u2019d like to chat with your local Nettl team.<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is networking?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a business and personal context, networking is connecting with other people. We network everyday when we comment on LinkedIn posts and email clients, when we chat with barber and bartender alike. All of this is building your understanding of the other person and enabling you to make a connection with each other. It enables you to authentically connect and generate trusted leads and referrals for one another to grow your businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Why does networking feel difficult and awkward?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overthinking, in the main. Some networking groups require an elevator pitch, ask for referrals or share presentations. This can sometimes feel contrived. It\u2019s important to remember in these settings that you\u2019re doing the very same as you do when the barber or the bartender asks, <\/span><strong><i>\u201cSo, what do you do yourself?\u201d<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><b>Who\u2019s in my network?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people would answer this with a screenshot of their 500+ connections on LinkedIn. Others, the names of the 30 people in their weekly networking group. Remember what networking is though? It\u2019s when we make a connection with other people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><i>Your network is the group of people you have a connection with.\u00a0<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those you lean on in times of crisis, those you love to do a favour for when they need it. They vary in degrees of closeness. Your network is the collection of people who can support you and your\u00a0 business. Let\u2019s break that down:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Industry<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Others in your industry can be a threat or a support system. It\u2019s vital, especially for smaller or newer businesses, to cultivate relationships with others in their industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Clients<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Especially in the creative industry, to create works that are relevant and successful, it\u2019s integral that we have an in-depth understanding of the business and people behind the project. We can offer a more refined and tailored service to clients who we know well and enjoy working with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Friends, families, acquaintances<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your network isn\u2019t limited to working hours. Your friends, family and people you meet everyday are part of your network. They\u2019re people you can call upon when you need advice or ideas. They\u2019re who you can introduce to other network connections and who can introduce you to potential clients or partners. <em><strong>Never underestimate the shape and size of a connection. From small acorns, large oak trees grow.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-1txvxe9-b00ea93861545631179200d41110c8e4 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2><b>How can networking assist new businesses?<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Entrepreneurship needs support\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s July 2020, the sun is shining brightly but there\u2019s a dull cloud over our economy. Times of recession can bring unfathomable loss and difficulty. However, it\u2019s undeniable that times of recession also inject innovation and entrepreneurship into our veins. We, as business owners and leaders, are forced to scrutinise our business model and processes in order to survive recession as a small or new business. Growing your network delivers a support group to you to help you do just that. Having a network can provide you with leads and customers. But it also provides <\/span><b>so much more<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Your network is a collection of people who know you, in the main probably share your values, and understand your vision. As you launch a new business in a recession or change your business structure, your network is the group that you can rely on for advice and feedback as well as some downright emotional support. Think of them as your business consultants. As the age old adage goes,\u00a0<strong><em>no man is an island.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39932 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-300x149.jpg.webp\" alt=\"-\" width=\"785\" height=\"390\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-300x149.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-1030x513.jpg.webp 1030w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-80x40.jpg.webp 80w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-768x382.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-1500x747.jpg.webp 1500w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-705x351.jpg.webp 705w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-1124x560.jpg.webp 1124w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029.jpg.webp 1502w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 785px) 100vw, 785px\" data-smush-webp-fallback=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-300x149.jpg&quot;,&quot;srcset&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-300x149.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-1030x513.jpg 1030w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-80x40.jpg 80w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-768x382.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-1500x747.jpg 1500w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-705x351.jpg 705w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029-1124x560.jpg 1124w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/island-covered-with-green-trees-under-the-clear-skies-188029.jpg 1502w&quot;}\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strength in numbers\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, the last few months have seen pivot after pivot. You\u2019re changing your offering, launching new products, arranging payment options you\u2019ve never offered before, mixing up the structure of your business or perhaps started an entirely new graphics, print or signs business. There\u2019s a big old world out there to tackle and a huge part of what will enable you to survive and thrive in difficult times is your businesses\u2019 Share of Voice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Share of Voice is all about how much of industry-related advertising and marketing your brand holds versus your competitors.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By growing your network within your industry, you can combine efforts, expertise and offering to grow your communal Share of Voice. This is super evident among Nettl partners, over the last few months in particular. Nettl partners span cities, countries and continents. Nettl\u2019s a global network of local web, print and signs studios. Over the last 3 months Nettl partners have teamed together to create Support Websites for their local communities. They\u2019ve created <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/New-Normal-May-14v1.6-UK-INT_compressed.pdf\">Reopening Guides<\/a> to support their clients and communities navigate the unknown as they reopen their businesses. They\u2019ve shared social post after social post. They\u2019ve continuously optimised their sites and methodically maintained PPC campaigns. This benefits each Nettl studio across\u00a0 their local networks. They are supporting their clients and communities. It also benefits themselves in the whole market though, doesn\u2019t it? If Nettl of Dublin, Ireland and Nettl of\u00a0 Cambridge, UK and Nettl of Breda, Holland are all sharing valuable ways for their clients to get more customers, it grows the worldwide strength of their network and brand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39935 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-300x213.jpg.webp\" alt=\"-\" width=\"817\" height=\"579\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-300x213.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-1030x731.jpg.webp 1030w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-80x57.jpg.webp 80w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-768x545.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-260x185.jpg.webp 260w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-705x501.jpg.webp 705w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-789x560.jpg.webp 789w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1.jpg.webp 1501w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 817px) 100vw, 817px\" data-smush-webp-fallback=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-300x213.jpg&quot;,&quot;srcset&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-1030x731.jpg 1030w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-80x57.jpg 80w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-768x545.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-260x185.jpg 260w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-705x501.jpg 705w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1-789x560.jpg 789w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/Zoom-Call-MacBook-1.jpg 1501w&quot;}\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve had over 25<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Partner Drop in Sessions and Group Training events over the last 3 months. Our partners and Performance team are coming together to share ideas, resolve issues and lay foundations for the future as a global network of local graphics businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local networks, globally\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em><b>Many local businesses have seen <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irishtimes.com\/news\/consumer\/shopping-locally-what-difference-does-it-make-1.4281400\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a shift in consumer behaviour in the last weeks and months. An increased sentiment towards shopping local.<\/a> They see shoppers valuing the opportunity to meet the producers behind their products, and interact first-hand with the creatives and craftsmen of their communities.<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consumers are valuing buying local more now than they have in a long time. When the doors of the world closed we had downtime to browse our local area. To see that local designer we\u2019d not noticed before. Browsing online we found the portfolio of a signage maker up the road whose craft is unmatched. Our printer supported our business as we sent flyers \u2018round the community to tell people about our click and collect option, our online store, our community street music.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With an increased sentiment towards buying local, it\u2019s important to establish your foothold within your local community. Attend local networking events (if over video call, so be it), join community groups and drop a message to the businesses on your street to see how they\u2019re doing. Your local network will be an extension of your sales team. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As well as your cheer leaders! <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local networks are an integral part of growing your new business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39936 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-300x200.jpg.webp\" alt=\"-\" width=\"885\" height=\"590\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-1030x687.jpg.webp 1030w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-80x53.jpg.webp 80w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-705x470.jpg.webp 705w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-840x560.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-272x182.jpg.webp 272w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421.jpg.webp 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 885px) 100vw, 885px\" data-smush-webp-fallback=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-300x200.jpg&quot;,&quot;srcset&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-80x53.jpg 80w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-840x560.jpg 840w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/woman-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-chair-in-front-of-macbook-4458421.jpg 1500w&quot;}\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grow relationships\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Things for many businesses have gone a bit quiet of late. Clients are rich in time and that means they can get that web project started that they\u2019d been pondering, or write content they\u2019ve needed to send.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><b>This is a hugely important time to nurture your relationships. Clients are feeling isolated and alone and you can provide a support structure to one another that might not exist otherwise.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/business-functions\/marketing-and-sales\/our-insights\/connecting-with-customers-in-times-of-crisis#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> This McKinsey article<\/a> talks about just that, and touches upon the importance of improving Customer Experience in\u00a0 times of crisis. A topic we dived into last month to find out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/effectively-manage-customer-experience\/\">how to effectively manage customer experience<\/a>.<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now is a fantastic time to pick up the phone or grab a video call with your clients to understand them better. Clients are the most important stakeholders in your business. So why don\u2019t you know them better? Everyone&#8217;s a little richer in time right now, and for those of us in the graphics and marketing industry, knowing your clients better means you can pre-empt and offer insights they can use to get more customers in the future. Spending 15 minutes a day on a call to a client or potential client to <\/span><b><i>simply learn more about them<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will improve how you can serve them, and how they can support you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39937 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/happy-coffee-6347-1-300x200.jpg.webp\" alt=\"-\" width=\"891\" height=\"594\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/happy-coffee-6347-1-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/happy-coffee-6347-1-1030x687.jpg.webp 1030w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/happy-coffee-6347-1-80x53.jpg.webp 80w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/happy-coffee-6347-1-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/happy-coffee-6347-1-705x470.jpg.webp 705w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/happy-coffee-6347-1-840x560.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/happy-coffee-6347-1-272x182.jpg.webp 272w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2020\/06\/happy-coffee-6347-1.jpg.webp 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 891px) 100vw, 891px\" data-smush-webp-fallback=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/happy-coffee-6347-1-300x200.jpg&quot;,&quot;srcset&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/happy-coffee-6347-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/happy-coffee-6347-1-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/happy-coffee-6347-1-80x53.jpg 80w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/happy-coffee-6347-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/happy-coffee-6347-1-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/happy-coffee-6347-1-840x560.jpg 840w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/happy-coffee-6347-1-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\\\/\\\/www.nettl.com\\\/uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/happy-coffee-6347-1.jpg 1500w&quot;}\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-1txvxe9-b00ea93861545631179200d41110c8e4 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2><b>So where do we even start with building and growing these relationships and networks?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We can all agree that from this day forward we\u2019ll be viewing our businesses through a new lens, right? As the saying goes, \u201cTough times breed good men\u201d. We\u2019ve learned an awful lot about our business operations over the last 3 months. But how do we achieve the change we want? Easy. Habits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use habits to create and grow your network. Over the next 6 months, why not try the following each day, week and month?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Today:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> List the people you would seek support from. List the people who act as your ambassadors. List whose business you act as an ambassador for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Tomorrow and each day following that: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">call 1 client or potential client and ask them; how they are, what they do, what they\u2019re struggling with, what is keeping them going these past few weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Next week and every week following that:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> organise at least 1 video call or face to distant face coffee with a client, an industry partner or a potential client to chew the fat and have a good time for 30 minutes. Remember to learn about <\/span><b>them<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, their lives and families and interests. Please don\u2019t try and sell things to them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>This month and every month for the next 6 months:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> attend at least 1 event in your local area or industry. Choose 1 person from that group to connect with on LinkedIn and organise a coffee and a chat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>In 6 months time:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> List the people you would seek support from. List the people who act as your ambassadors. List whose business you act as an ambassador for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-1txvxe9-b00ea93861545631179200d41110c8e4 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2><\/h2>\n<p><b>If you\u2019re in the graphics, signs and print industry and are looking to grow your network and support, Nettl partners support one another and share branding, marketing, training and custom built CRM systems.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/nettl-partner\/\"> Take a read here to learn more<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/lindsey-boyes-28877b55\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">drop a message to our Nettl team<\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>If you\u2019re a local business owner looking to grow your business, through networking or through branding, marketing, design, print and signs, grab a coffee with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/studio-locator\">your local Nettl studio<\/a> to learn more about what you can do to get more customers<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-button-wrap av-jinlazj9-f47f8387f79c7df52db169272c375004-wrap avia-button-center  avia-builder-el-9  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last '><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/studio-locator\" class=\"avia-button av-jinlazj9-f47f8387f79c7df52db169272c375004 av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-large avia-position-center avia-color-theme-color\"><span class='avia_button_icon avia_button_icon_left' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue803' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Find your nearest Nettl<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jp00a0tr-ca081bd21a4ac0057905c2c9922a0c55\">\n.flex_column.av-jp00a0tr-ca081bd21a4ac0057905c2c9922a0c55{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-jp00a0tr-ca081bd21a4ac0057905c2c9922a0c55 av_one_fifth  avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div av-hide-on-mobile av-zero-column-padding  '     ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/main><!-- close content main element --><\/div><\/div><div id='after_section_1'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-39931'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for a way to grow your graphics business? Look no further than your own friends and colleagues. We take a look at how networking can support and grow your business as well as ways to strengthen that network.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":261,"featured_media":39937,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"iawp_total_views":6,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/261"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39931"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39931\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39937"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}