3 Ways to Build a Powerful Network of Advisors – And Have Fun!

This is a guest post by Alex PAPA.

If you are set on becoming an entrepreneur, try to avoid believing the myth of the individual who works alone and becomes an overnight success. Entrepreneurs are smart individuals with a flair for risk-taking, innovative thinking and a unique take on teamwork. Entrepreneurs often work in teams, dividing the tasks, effort and costs among themselves in order to make an idea into a profitable business. What you need to understand is how to be an entrepreneur alongside people. You need a team of like-minded individuals whose skills are different from your own.

This article outlines 3 ways of expanding your network of advisors and making the most of the advice you are given.

1.   Join a Local Business Networking Group
Our cities are made of business-minded people, and in any large metropolitan area you will find business associations, investment clubs and industry groups. These associations are an absolute goldmine for new entrepreneurs who are willing to listen and learn. Clubs often are free resources, hosting lectures, discussions and offering a wealth of free advice. This is a great opportunity to network with people in an informal setting. Join one, get to know people, and talk about problems and solutions and trade ideas.

2.   Join an Online Business Forum
Forums are larger networks of people than what you will find in local business clubs. Forums also offer entrepreneurs the chance to share ideas and gain from other people’s experiences. You can share thoughts on all aspects of business: finance, taxation, marketing, legal as well as regulatory issues.  Forums often are internet-based, and may host larger conferences once a year to draw people together. Make the most of the online discussion not only to get great ideas on how to do business but also to give great ideas on your expertise. For example, an older entrepreneur might tell you how to promote a new product through traditional advertising, and you can tell this individual how to make use of the advertising capacity of blogging, Facebook and other online platforms.

3.   Join a Country Club
A country club offers you the chance to network and exchange ideas in a beautiful, social environment. You can chat about business while having fun, playing golf, having lunch or over a round of drinks. The great thing about a country club is that it will have plenty of business people both inside and outside of your industry. It never hurts to learn from various people even if they are not in your line of business.  While finding a country club can be difficult given the strict member criteria, you may have luck finding someone to “mentor” you through the club system. Try to find someone through a Business Forum or a local Business Networking Group. This mentor-ship can become really important as you try to establish yourself and your business.

Contrary to popular belief, successful entrepreneurs don’t go in alone. They build powerful teams and networks of advisors who help them achieve their dreams.

Share Your Thoughts!
What other ways can you build a powerful network of advisors? Feel free to comment below. Thanks a lot.