Course: Manage Projects and Ensure a Safe Workplace

Week 16: Develop and Maintain Business Networks and Relationships

A business network is an extended group of people who interact with each other for mutual support or assistance.

Business networks can help promote the organisational objectives of your company by connecting you with people who can help you perform your work and further the interests of your organisation, by letting others know about your services, and by providing feedback on your organisation.

No business works in a vacuum. All businesses have competitors as well as companies that complement the goods and/or services they offer. Establishing networks helps you to exchange ideas, expand your business and keep up with developments in the area you work in.

Business relationships are the relationships that are established and maintained to enable the exchange of information within the business network. A good relationship with a client is likely when a client or supplier demonstrates confidence when contacting you, that you are able to meet their expectations. In order to develop this confidence, you will need to know your client/supplier on a friendly, yet professional level, and work hard to develop and maintain the relationship with regular communications.

Resources

Portfolio Projects