As businesses wrap up one financial year and step into the next, planning usually centres around financial targets, marketing tactics and operational changes. But there’s one key ingredient often left off the whiteboard: people. Due to the introduction of AI, this relationship has certainly changed and must now be considered in relation to Your Network, Your Strategic Partner Relationships and Your Customer Interactions, in order to stand out from the crowd. The human factor that drives real growth.
Relationships Are Strategy
EOFY isn’t just about numbers and targets. It’s also a great time to reflect on who is helping move your business forward. Who do you potentially want to buy you out this year or in future years? Who are you building with this year? Who are you helping? And who is helping you?
In today’s business environment, trust and connection are strategic assets. Relationships are not a soft skill. They are a growth strategy.
Networking Isn’t Just a Nice to Have
Especially in a close-knit city like Brisbane, business thrives on word of mouth, referrals, and personal recommendations. It’s no secret that strong relationships often lead to new opportunities, collaborations, or even unexpected pivots that take your business to the next level.
In fact, according to LinkedIn’s 2024 Workforce Report, up to 80% of new business comes through referrals. Yet most new financial year plans still don’t include a strategy for building and maintaining those relationships.
If you want a unique point of difference to your competitor – looking at this as one of your strategic pieces of the Brand, Market and Sales puzzle is imperative.
Three Networking Reminders for FY2025/26
Before filling your calendar with events or updating your LinkedIn profile, take a moment to reset how you approach networking. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing it with purpose.
1. Develop a Strategy for Business Growth
Identify the channels that worked for you last year, where the opportunities lie, carry out a SWOT on your business – just to name a few strategic pieces. Then be very clear into what segments or industries you want to grow and what your potential decision maker looks like – and please don’t say “we can help everybody!”
2. Set Goals for Connection
Be clear about who you want to connect with this year. Is it a new industry peer, a mentor, a potential collaborator, a future buyer, merger or acquisition? Intentionality helps you focus your time and energy in the right places.
3. Prioritise Consistency Over Intensity
You don’t need to be at every event or online every day. Just show up regularly. Whether that’s once a month or a few minutes each week to message someone in your network, consistency builds trust over time.
3. Lead With Your Ears and Your Value
Franklin Covey says “Seek First to Understand, then Be Understood”, the same goes for networking. We have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason.
Then, offer before you ask. Share an insight, make an introduction, or simply check in without an agenda. Giving first creates a genuine connection, and people remember how you made them feel.
Surround Yourself With the Right People
If building relationships more strategically is one of your goals for the year ahead, Connection Central may be a good avenue for you. A growing B2B community that understands the value of relationship building, sharing vulnerably and growing together.
Think Strategically About Your Customer Journey
Maya Angelou wrote “people will not remember what you said but they will remember how you made them feel.” In a world where the phone becomes our companions more than the people around us, as businesses we can stand apart by showing a “human” side. Care factor, follow up, respect – all simple terms that sometimes simply don’t seem to exist. They go a long way to building trust, getting “sticky” and simply creating a strong ongoing relationship.
Introducing: The Connector’s Code Series
If you’re unsure if you are doing it right when it comes to networking, then the Connector’s Code Series is a great place to start.
This new series is built for business owners and professionals who want to grow their networks with purpose. It’s practical, real-world advice that helps you connect in a way that feels natural, not forced. It’s also fun and relaxed.
Book in for the events via our website.
Is FY2025/26 your time to kick those goals out the park? Then let’s get your strategy sorted, your networks built and your business ticking along nicely. Reach out if we can help.
