K-BID Affiliate Networking - Your #1 Asset – Affiliate Knowledge Base

Building Relationships That Build Your Business

💡 Why Your Network Matters

The auction business is built on trust, timing, and connections. You can have the best marketing, the cleanest warehouse, and the strongest work ethic—but without a network, you’ll be stuck spinning your wheels.

Your network is your #1 asset. It’s the source of leads, referrals, partnerships, knowledge, and opportunities. It’s what gives you leverage. Every successful K-BID affiliate has one thing in common: they invest in people.

📈 The Real Value of a Strong Network

A quality network can:

Feed your pipeline with consistent, high-value leads
Connect you to professionals who help you close more deals (attorneys, realtors, bankers, etc.)
Reduce your marketing costs through warm introductions
Increase your credibility by aligning with trusted local figures
Help you scale faster, opening new categories or markets

“People do business with people they know, like, and trust. Period.”

🧠 Who Should Be in Your Network?

Your network should be a diverse mix of people who can either:

Bring you deals
Help you win deals
Offer insight to grow your business

Key categories:

Business owners
Attorneys (estate, bankruptcy, business)
Bankers (especially SBA and asset recovery)
Commercial landlords and property managers
CPAs and financial planners
Realtors (especially those handling commercial or rural properties)
Other K-BID affiliates (collaborate, don’t compete)
Industry-specific vendors and contractors (equipment dealers, movers, cleanout crews)

🔧 How to Grow Your Network (the Right Way)

This is not about collecting business cards—it’s about building real connections.

1. Get Visible

Attend local Chamber of Commerce events, trade shows, or business networking groups (BNI, industry events)
Join the MN State Auctioneers Association and attend meetups
Speak or host short seminars on "how to sell your assets" at local business or real estate groups

2. Be Curious, Not Salesy

Lead with questions, not your pitch
Ask about their business, pain points, and how you can help
Follow up consistently—real relationships are built over time

3. Create Value First

Share sold comps or relevant K-BID auction links with your contacts
Introduce people in your network to each other
Offer advice or insight without asking for anything in return
Create simple one-pagers or guides for different industries (“How to Liquidate a Restaurant in 30 Days”)

4. Stay Top of Mind

Send a personal note after a meeting or call
Share updates via LinkedIn or email
Drop off coffee or treats before a big removal
A handwritten thank-you still goes a long way

🧲 How to Be Valuable TO Your Network

People will only refer or work with you if:

You’re reliable
You follow through
You make them look good

Ways to stay valuable:

Make it easy for others to refer you (clear elevator pitch, simple intake form, etc.)
Be responsive — return calls and emails quickly
Don’t overpromise — honesty builds long-term trust
Celebrate others — publicly thank people who send you leads
Reciprocate — send business back when you can

The more value you create for your network, the more valuable you become.

🧭 Final Thought: Build Before You Need It

Don’t wait until you're desperate for leads to start networking. Build it before you need it. Plant seeds daily. The strongest affiliates have pipelines because they consistently water their network—week in, week out.

If you focus on helping the right people, with the right mindset, over time you’ll have more opportunities than you can handle.

📎 Action Items This Month

Identify your Top 10 local connections worth deepening relationships with
Reach out to 3 new professionals (attorneys, CPAs, realtors, etc.)
Attend one event or meetup in your region
Post a valuable update or story on LinkedIn or Facebook (not just self-promotion)
Ask one seller: “Do you know anyone else who could benefit from an auction?”