Building Better Connections

Key Takeaways:
-Strategic networking drives commercial growth.
-Casual industry connections can unlock valuable business-to-business opportunities.
-Collaborative engagement within the commercial cleaning industry fosters innovation and development.

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I’ve always been a pretty open book. And, as my parents have often pointed out, it’s a wordy book. In other words, I talk a lot. Add the fact that I genuinely enjoy meeting new people, and it’s probably no surprise that I love a good networking opportunity.

But networking isn’t just about enjoying a good conversation. Especially in the commercial cleaning industry—where relationships can be just as important as products, equipment, and technology—networking can have a very real impact on professional or business success.

I am often amazed at how much knowledge exists in this industry. Distributors, manufacturers, and building service contractors are all dealing with different challenges every day. A conversation at an industry event like Building Service Contractors Association International's (BSCAI) Contracting Success or ISSA can reveal a new way to approach an old problem, a product that hasn’t been tried, or an idea that could make an operation more efficient.

Networking with these professionals can also create opportunities that don’t necessarily come from a sales call or an email. Even a casual conversation can lead to a referral, a new customer, a supplier relationship, a business partnership, or an introduction to someone who becomes an important resource down the road. The way I look at it, sometimes, you don’t know you need a connection until you make it.

There’s also a professional development benefit to networking. The cleaning industry is constantly evolving, whether it’s through new equipment and chemistry, changing customer expectations, labor challenges, sustainability initiatives, or new technologies. Maintaining connections with people throughout the industry can help you stay abreast of that evolution—and learn from people who are experiencing it firsthand.

Even with all those benefits, it’s important to remember that good networking isn’t always transactional. It’s about building relationships and being willing to give as much as you receive. Sharing an idea, making an introduction, offering advice, or simply being willing to listen can strengthen relationships and build credibility over time.

That’s why I’m looking forward to touching down in Las Vegas in November for BSCAI’s Contracting Success Conference and ISSA. I’m excited to reconnect with colleagues I already know, continue conversations that have started at previous events and, of course, meet some new faces. Because you never know where the next good conversation might lead.