Building Relationships That Build Your Business
đĄ 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 ethicâbut without a network, youâll be stuck spinning your wheels.
Your network is your #1 asset. Itâs the source of leads, referrals, partnerships, knowledge, and opportunities. Itâs what gives you leverage. Every successful K-BID affiliate has one thing in common: they invest in people.
đ 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
âPeople do business with people they know, like, and trust. Period.â
đ§ 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, donât compete)
-
Industry-specific vendors and contractors (equipment dealers, movers, cleanout crews)
đ§ How to Grow Your Network (the Right Way)
This is not about collecting business cardsâitâs 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 consistentlyâreal 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 (âHow to Liquidate a Restaurant in 30 Daysâ)
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
𧲠How to Be Valuable TO Your Network
People will only refer or work with you if:
-
Youâre 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 â return calls and emails quickly
-
Donât overpromise â honesty builds long-term trust
-
Celebrate others â publicly thank people who send you leads
-
Reciprocate â send business back when you can
The more value you create for your network, the more valuable you become.
đ§ Final Thought: Build Before You Need It
Donât 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 networkâweek in, week out.
If you focus on helping the right people, with the right mindset, over time youâll have more opportunities than you can handle.
đ 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: âDo you know anyone else who could benefit from an auction?â
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.