Networking strategies to boost your business

HomeColumnNetworking strategies to boost your business

Building a network of referral relationships with other businesses is one of the most important things you can do to grow your own business and weather market downturns. When markets dip, regular advertising becomes more expensive but referral partnerships continue to generate clients.

Networking is critical for any business, but it’s especially important for independent flooring businesses. When you network with other businesses you’re building relationships that can fuel your growth for many years after the relationship is established. By connecting with other aligned businesses, you can share knowledge, resources and leads.

Following are some tried-and-true networking tips:

Attend networking events. This represents a quick way to meet other professionals who are aligned with your business. When you introduce yourself to an attendee use the 70/30 rule: spend 70% of the time talking about their business and how you can help them. Spend only 30% of the time talking about your business. Get their business card and after the event send them a handwritten note telling them how much you enjoyed meeting them and learning about their business. Call them a week later and invite them to lunch. Subscribe them to your newsletter.

Join business organizations. This is another great way to connect with other professionals. Look for organizations that are aligned with flooring such as a local chamber of commerce or industry-specific trade associations—like the local realtor’s association.

Offer referrals. When you refer clients to other businesses, you build goodwill and trust. This can encourage other businesses to refer clients to you in return. Additionally, offering referrals can help you build a reputation with your clients and referral partners as a trusted advisor in your industry. Train your sales team to look for opportunities to refer. For example, if someone is getting new flooring as part of a remodeling project, see what other home improvement services your client needs and refer them to your aligned partners.

Host events. Consider hosting a workshop or seminar that is relevant to your business and invite other professionals to attend. This is an effective way to build relationships, share knowledge and position yourself as a trusted authority.

Aligned businesses to target. When building referral relationships, it’s important to target businesses that are aligned with your own. These may include interior designers, real estate agents, remodeling contractors, architects or property managers. Once you have established a referral partnership with another business, it’s important to nurture that relationship to ensure it continues to be mutually beneficial.

Follow up regularly. Don’t let the relationship go stale. Reach out to your partner regularly to touch base and see how things are going. Subscribe them to your newsletter. They’ll hear from you regularly and you’ll stay top of mind.


Jim is the founder and president of Flooring Success Systems, a company that provides floor dealers with marketing services and coaching to help them attract quality customers, close more sales, get higher margins and work the hours they choose. For information visit FlooringSuccessSystems.com.

Must Read

Starnet helps members navigate choppy waters

AmeliaIsland, Fla.—Many of North America’s largest and most influential commercial floor covering contractors assembled here earlier this month for the 2024 Starnet spring conference....

Mohawk Edge Summit early pricing sells out

Denver—Mohawk opened registration yesterday, May 22, for Edge Summit 2025 with an overwhelming response from retail partners. Early bird special pricing, which was set...

Golesworthy Flooring appoints new managing director

Bristol, U.K.—Golesworthy Flooring, a premier flooring contractor catered toward housebuilders in the southwest of England, has appointed Louise Golesworthy as managing director. With over...

Mannington Mills supports art in local schools

Salem, N.J.—For 22 years, Mannington Mills has hosted the “Art is Cool” program, recognizing and rewarding the talent of Salem County high school students...

Registration opens for Mohawk’s Edge Summit 2025

Denver, Colo.—Mohawk’s Edge Summit is returning this year with a newly-imagined customer experience at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center here from December...

Florida Tile unveils Bellanova

Lawrenceburg, Ky.—Florida Tile is set to introduce Bellanova, a new line of color-body porcelain tiles that captures the timeless elements of European oak, also...

As seen in

May 22/29, 2023

DOWNLOAD
Some text some message..
X