Networking has been a central element of every event I've attended in recent years. Why Because there is hardly a better way to develop yourself, get inspiration and make valuable contacts.
For me, networking, as I described in a previous post, means working together on a motto and also researching what individuals can contribute. This often also provides opportunities for cooperation between network partners. This is known among renowned groups such as Rotarians and Lions Club members, and I am active in other social and future-oriented networks.
Networking as a person is more self-evident, but as part of the corporate strategy, I think it can be used even better. Yet there is enormous potential here — especially for SMEs. Many of the following examples are probably well known and used, but there may also be new ideas:
Trade fairs, industry events or online forums are perfect for making contacts at company level and making your own portfolio visible. Whether potential business partners, investors or potential customers — networks open doors. Hannover Messe is a good example of this. It is considered a global hotspot for industrial companies, including medium-sized companies, who want to network with international partners and present innovative technologies.
But why only have conversations? The newly created contacts certainly offer even more potential. Explore cooperation opportunities, develop ideas and products together, or open up new markets together with partner companies. I find the exchange between start-ups and established companies particularly exciting: Some bring innovative technologies and fresh market strategies, others bring valuable industry experience. The “German Accelerator” initiative shows how experienced experts help start-ups expand their business models nationally and internationally — a win-win situation for both sides. Because experts also learn new things that they can bring to their companies.
Cooperation with other companies — including competitors — can create synergies, reduce costs and facilitate market access. There are already successful examples: BMW and Daimler initially bundled their mobility services under the “Share Now” brand in order to be stronger together. Today, they are cooperating in the areas of digital multi-mobility and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. This type of cooperation is called “coopetition” in modern German, i.e. a combination of competition, and cooperation, cooperation.
Collaborations not only offer strategic advantages, but also valuable synergies. Why not develop new products or services together with suppliers, universities or research institutes? Joint marketing activities or resource sharing can also improve market opportunities. One example: The “Mittelstand-Digital” network of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection specifically supports medium-sized companies with examples of best practice and free consulting services for digital transformation. This means that the value chain is used in both directions.
Entering new markets is often fraught with hurdles. Strategic partnerships can be decisive here. Through cooperation with companies from other regions or industries, market barriers can be overcome and new sales markets can be opened up. The Bavarian Export Association, for example, supports medium-sized companies in finding international business partners and optimising export strategies. Such networks offer direct access to relevant contacts and valuable insider knowledge. This also exists across countries, for example to promote cooperation between Germany and France, via BPI France, which is similar to KfW.
Networks are more than just contacts — they are a strategic success factor. Use this potential for your company and let us work together to find out how you can use existing and new networks in a targeted manner for growth and innovation.
