When you decide to start a business, one of the first things you should do is take a good hard look at your professional network.

The people you surround yourself with are going to have a profound effect in your business – both positively and negatively, so choose wisely.

You’re going to hear the phrase, “Your network is your net worth” so often, it’s going to drive you nuts.

But it’s the truth.

The sooner you jump on board and get serious about networking, the better for your business growth.

But who are these people you are supposed to be connecting with?

People in your network will come in all sorts of forms, some of them not as obvious as others.

Here are 8 types of people you need to have in your professional network, if you want to launch a successful business…

1.   People who can mentor you

No matter how long you’ve been working on your business, there will always be someone out there who knows more than you do.

There is always going to be someone out there who knows more about your industry, business in general, people, emotional intelligence, or any variation of the multitude of skills you need to constantly hone as you run a successful business.

Therefore, do yourself a huge favor and be humble enough to seek these knowledgeable people out. Don’t make the common mistake of being intimidated by them – there’s a lot they can teach you.

It’s important to seek out these people so that you can continue to learn and grow. If you allow yourself to stagnate, you will get left behind – that is just the name of the game in business ownership.

You can hire a professional mentor or business advisor, who will help you with aspects of your business plan, goal-setting, and day-to-day planning.

Or, you can form relationships with people you know who won’t mind if you pick their brain over lunch once in a while.

2.   People you can mentor

You have a lot to offer! Are you really going to let all that valuable knowledge that you’ve accumulated over the years go to waste?

At some point, you should really think about giving back and nurturing the next generation of young entrepreneurs or professionals in your industry.

You will not only find it incredibly rewarding on a personal and energetic level, but you will gain significant leadership abilities and perspectives that will help you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Mentoring will help you sharpen your communication and personal skills, all while boosting your confidence.

Plus, word will get around and you’ll quickly earn respect as a mentor in your field.

3.   Accountability partners

An accountability partner is someone who can keep tabs on you on and your progress and isn’t afraid to call you out if you are slipping behind.

Having an accountability partner is sort of like having a gym buddy – you might not feel like going to the gym on a particular day, but knowing that your gym buddy will be showing up and expecting you there to take a spin class with them will help ensure you follow through.

Surround yourself with people who will listen to your goals and check-in with you periodically to make sure you are meeting them.

If you’re not meeting your goals, you can then consult with your mentor to find out why and devise a plan to get you out of your rut.

4.   Technical and administrative support

If you’re going to be a business owner, you are going to need an entourage.

When you first start your business, you might need to fill many roles by yourself. But, as you grow and become busy, you are going to need to delegate tasks so that you can free up your time to work ON your business (as opposed to IN your business).

For instance, at some point, you might need to hire someone to take over your bookkeeping and accounting.

Perhaps you will need an assistant to help you manage your calls and administrative tasks.

You will likely need some type of tech support to make sure your equipment, software, and hardware are all up-to-date and working properly.

And you are certainly going to need contractors and employees to take some of the load off.

These people make up your team and will be the driving force behind your company – make sure you get the best by keeping your tech and support network is top shape.

5.   Caregivers

Most business owners are on board with growing an entourage, but where many falter is in admitting that they need caregivers.

Entrepreneurs tend to be very independent, and also very driven. They often overlook their need to rest and recuperate, preferring to spend the extra time and resources working hard towards their goals.

While employees and regular nine-to-fivers typically stop working in the evenings and weekends, business owners will keep working when they can.

While this sort of sacrifice and resilience is admirable, it is flat-out not a sustainable way to run a business.

In fact, it is a one-way ticket to burnout and failure.

Entrepreneurs carry an enormous weight on their shoulders, and they need to rest and re-energize (both mentally and physically) so that they can continue to work hard and produce results.

Always remember that business ownership is a marathon, not a sprint.

Make sure you enlist appropriate caregivers in your entourage and report to them regularly. These might include: a personal trainer, a registered massage therapist, a psychotherapist, a physiotherapist, a spa specialist, a dietician, etc.

Self-care can be challenging to manage for the up-and-coming entrepreneur, so make sure you set yourself up for success by recruiting people who will make sure you mind and body are running well.

 

6.   Clients and potential clients

This category of people in your network is probably the most obvious to identify.

You definitely want to reach out to people who can buy your product or service.

The trick to connecting with them in a meaningful way, and not come across as someone who is always looking for a sale, is to always be offering value.

You can offer value by offering excellent customer service, an infallible product or service, and providing solid advice.

Always be up front and generous with providing value, and your clients and potential clients will want to be in your network.

7.   Connectors

There are some people in your network that will never buy from you.

They don’t provide a product or service that helps your business, and they don’t have much to offer as a mentor or caregiver.

But… they are excellent networkers and love to connect people who will mutually benefit from one another.

They know people. Lots of people.

They are those people at cocktail parties who say things like, “You need XYZ? I’ve got a guy!”

Connectors are in constant contact with many people – maybe they own a busy storefront or they do a lot of person-to-person sales.

They are great at relationships and seeing potential collaborations between others.

Having connectors in your network is a fast and sure way to expand your professional network.

8.   Friends and family

Being a business owner can be very solitary work.

Sometimes, all you need is a fun night out, or a meaningful conversation over coffee. Sometimes, you just need to share a few laughs or frustrations.

These are not frivolous moments. Meaningful connections are essential to our human existence – we cannot survive happily without them.

So, no matter how busy you get with building your business, never lose touch with your real friends and your closest family members.

You don’t need too many of these people – you can keep a small, close circle if that’s what you prefer.

But do have friends who will keep you sane during the tough times and help you celebrate during the good times.

Your network will have a major influence on your business. Make sure you build a strong network of people from all walks of life. Some of these people will be mentors, people you can mentor, accountability partners, tech and administrative support, caregivers, clients and potential clients, and – last but not least – your friends and family.

Come join our network of entrepreneurs and small business owners who are taking the courageous step out of their corporate worlds and taking control of their lives, dreams and freedom in our free Facebook Group – Employee to Entrepreneur Society.