Making a name for yourself in the business world is an essential part of being an entrepreneur, particularly if you have recently gone solo or are trying to branch out from one area of business to another. With so many individuals and companies trying to make noise in their field, standing out can be a challenge. There are some fundamental ways however that will enable you to boost your position in your industry and make a name for yourself.

Here are some ways that will enable you to boost your position in your industry, make a name for yourself and increase your standing in the business world.

Networking

Networking is key to creating a name for yourself and ensuring you surround yourself with a circle of contacts. Building real relationships rather than shallow or flaky relationships are important as people will not respect someone who doesn’t appear to be genuinely interested in them. Knowing how to network properly, especially if you are an introvert,  can help you make useful connections, promote your business and give you an opportunity to see potential business opportunities.

Learning to network efficiently takes a little bit of skill, however, as the creation of a mutually beneficial business relationship requires a different approach from traditional relationships. Learning to network efficiently is important, as too often you can spend far too long focusing on the 101 other things that make up your business day feel that you have neither the time nor the energy to devote to networking.  

There are several things to keep in mind when networking, take a look here for some strategies to successfully network.

Build yourself an online reputation

Your brand should be professional but also personal, ensuring that potential clients and investors can connect with the person behind the brand. A good marketing campaign should take place across all social media platforms and should allow people to get involved with your brand through various types of engagement.

This might include creating a catchy slogan that draws people in, and makes your name a memorable one, as well as including on-line testimonials from contented clients and customers. Depending on the type of service or product you provide, you might consider using your image to promote your business, as well as increasing the engagement between you and the public. This is something that increases people’s interest and involvement with you and your product, as people feel more connected to people rather than a faceless brand.

Writing blog posts is an excellent way for people to connect with your brand and provides you with an opportunity to showcase your knowledge on a particular subject.

Consider getting a mail forwarding address

A mail forwarding address service, allows you choose from same day, weekly or monthly forwarding to your designated address and is a useful service for people who move around regularly with their job. Some companies, such as Capital Office – Your Virtual Office, even forward your mail to your address anywhere in the world, which is incredibly useful for globetrotting entrepreneurs or international businesses.

Having a mail forwarding address in a conveniently located area can also boost your image and attract both clients and investors alike.  It’s particularly if you are trying to appeal to a particular clientele.

Professional and personal development

Even if you think you have reached the top of your game, there is always more room for improvement. Showing people that you are continuing to work on your personal and professional development demonstrates that you are hardworking and ambitious. It shows that you’re an individual that people will trust going into a business arrangement with.

Evaluating where you are now and where you want to be within a particular time-frame is also key for the long-term health of both yourself and your company.

Try attending seminars relevant to your career and consider filling in any educational gaps that you might have. Personal development is also as important as professional development so take some time to invest in other side projects or hobbies that you are interested in and which show that you are a well-rounded individual.

Try attending seminars relevant to your career and consider filling in any educational gaps that you might have. Personal development is as important as professional development so take some time to invest in other projects or hobbies that you are interested in.  This will show that you are a well-rounded individual.

Volunteering is also a rewarding way to build your image and the image of your company, so get involved with organizations that might represent the ethos of your business. Volunteering with organizations that can benefit from your particular skillset is also a form of networking.  This allows you to both contribute to society and expand your network.

Try  mentoring or being a mentor

You will undoubtedly be able to offer something to someone wanting to learn from you.  You can also find a mentor who is more advanced or knowledgeable in an area of interest to you. 

Mentoring is an excellent way to share your knowledge with a colleague, intern, or someone who would like to learn from you.  This allows you to build a relationship with someone who could also be a useful contact in the future.

Pin, share and let me know if you have other tips to increase your standing in the business world.