How to Stand Out, Build Trust, and Grow Your Business Through Networking with Jim Ries
Feb 11, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Jim Ries, a business development powerhouse at Offit Kurman, shares his expertise in strategic networking and building meaningful relationships. He unveils his top three strategies to create connections that genuinely matter. Ries emphasizes the importance of innovative events that attract attendees and turn casual contacts into long-term partnerships. Discover pitfalls of traditional networking and learn how to leverage collaborations to expand your reach effortlessly. His practical insights are a game-changer for anyone looking to grow their business.
Jim Ries emphasizes that innovative event partnerships, like co-hosting relaxed activities, create unique networking opportunities and strengthen professional relationships.
Proactive content creation and monitoring industry news are essential strategies for maintaining engagement and fostering growth in professional networks.
Deep dives
Developing New Collaborations for Business Growth
Establishing new collaborations and partnerships can be instrumental for business development. One example discussed is a weekly project initiated by Jim Reese and a colleague, John Dinkle, focused on creating concise content on business development experiences. This venture aims to offer valuable insights while nurturing their networks, as sharing content not only benefits the audience but also keeps the creators relevant and connected. Maintaining a content calendar is emphasized as a key element in ensuring timely communication and consistent engagement with their audience.
Experiential Events to Foster Connections
The transition from virtual to in-person experiences is highlighted with the launch of Virtual Rebels 3.0. This new format will provide small business owners an intimate setting to explore unique venues while engaging in discussions on relevant topics. By curating exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and inviting guest speakers, these events offer networking opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere. This distinctive approach creates a memorable experience for participants, enhancing both learning and relationship building.
Innovative Event Partnerships for Networking
Organizing joint events with strategic partners can create unique networking opportunities, as demonstrated by a recent pickleball event co-hosted by a law firm, a bank, a CPA firm, and a benefits broker. This informal setting allowed participants to relax and engage in conversations without the usual pressure of a sales environment. By inviting clients from each firm, participants expanded their networks while enjoying a fun activity that fostered camaraderie. Such innovative partnerships not only benefit client interactions but also strengthen the relationships among the partnering firms.
Continuous Learning and Networking Strategies
Staying proactive in one's professional development is essential, as highlighted by Jim's commitment to ongoing learning and networking. Utilizing tools like Google Alerts to monitor relevant industry news ensures that valuable information is readily available for sharing. His practice of consistently producing content through newsletters, LinkedIn posts, and client interviews allows for regular engagement with his network. These strategies, paired with a focus on relationship-building and follow-up, demonstrate how commitment to personal and professional growth can drive success.
How do you build real relationships that drive revenue and open doors to new opportunities? In this episode, I sit down with business development powerhouse Jim Ries to break down the art of strategic networking, collaboration, and event-driven growth. Jim isn’t just talking theory—he’s in the trenches, creating partnerships, hosting innovative events, and helping professionals develop a book of business that actually delivers results.
We dive into his top three strategies for making connections that matter. Jim also reveals the hidden power of event partnerships and why most networking efforts fall flat. If you’ve ever struggled to get a prospect to return your call or wondered how to stand out in a crowded market, this episode is packed with information you can put into action right away.
Topics We Cover in This Episode:
A fresh approach to networking that eliminates awkward small talk
The secret to creating events people actually want to attend
How to turn casual connections into long-term business relationships
The #1 mistake professionals make when trying to grow their network
A simple strategy to get in front of more high-value prospects
Why traditional networking fails—and what to do instead
How to leverage partnerships to multiply your reach effortlessly
If you enjoyed this conversation and want to connect with Jim, reach out to him via email at jries@offitkurman.com or find him on LinkedIn. And if you found value in this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use these insights!