Build Your Network: Reaching Out for Support and Advice (Step Eight) - Agriculture Business Alternatives

Agriculture Business Alternatives is a series of eight factsheets designed to help you evaluate the feasibility of starting a new agricultural or rural-based business. This factsheet is the last one in the series.

In the previous factsheet, Launch your Business: Time for Action (Step Seven), Agdex 811-14, you created a business plan to take your business idea forward. Your family is on board, you have the resources you need – both production and financial – and a good idea what the path ahead will look like.

Now, here is one last step that can significantly advance your business idea: building support to help you succeed.

Many entrepreneurs find the act of building a new business extremely time consuming and sometimes isolating. This factsheet will explore three questions:

1. What kind of collaboration do you need: a network or a mentor?
2. What benefits can a network or mentor bring to your business?
3. How do you find a network and/or approach a mentor?

• an activity that allows a person to build business relationships while also generating opportunities
• typically a group of individuals or a formal organization
• operated for the mutually beneficial exchange of information, ideas, support and business leads

• an individual with whom you have a personal relation­ship, who typically has more business knowledge or experience than you, who provides you with professional development support and personal advice
• typically one individual, rather than a group
• someone who is not personally connected with your business, but has enough knowledge of your type of business or industry to add value

• developing personal connections that can grow your business through referrals
• presenting opportunities for business partnerships and joint ventures
• raising your profile in your chosen field
• building your confidence by practicing interacting with others you may not be close with
• creating friendships or social connections with people who have common goals or backgrounds

• providing fresh and impartial feedback on your business ideas, generally at no cost to you
• fast-tracking your plans by sharing the challenges and experiences they have encountered
• providing quick access to expertise in your field
• holding you accountable and helping motivate you reach your business goals
• connecting you with others and expanding your social network
• offering a personal connection that can ease social isolation

• Ask an Agriculture and Forestry (AF) New Venture Specialist to provide recommendations on agriculture-based organizations or associations that you can join.
• Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or town business directory for associations or organizations in your area.
• If there is an educational institution nearby, it may offer networking events or clubs you can join.
• Trade shows and conferences can be great way to find professional agricultural groups (see the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website 'events' for a listing).
• Reach out through your social network by asking Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn followers if there is an organization they would recommend for you.
• Many local communities have organizations you can join; remember that non-agricultural groups (such as Toastmasters to build communications skills) can also bring value.

• Ask an AF New Venture Specialist if they know someone whom they would recommend as a mentor for you.
• Ask someone you respect or admire for a referral; be specific about what you are looking for.
• Put the word out in your personal and family circles that you are looking for a mentor.

• Understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
• Know that when you put yourself in a position of receiving advice, others are often delighted to help.
• Make a short list of mentors you would find valuable, and research each person to decide who is best to start with.
• Telephone or email this person, briefly outline your request and then ask for an appointment.
• Use the approach “I value your opinion” rather than “I want to do what you do.”
• Prepare questions for your prospective mentor before your meeting.
• Meeting away from the office is often best (make sure you pay for lunch or coffee).
• Be specific when discussing which areas you want help with.
• You may want to bring a recording device, pen and paper or laptop to the meeting (always ask before recording the meeting).
• Keep the first meeting short to show respect for their time.
• Listen to what they say (try not to do all the talking!).
• Thank them for their time (verbally or with a small gift or card).
• Think about ways to make the relationship reciprocal; for example, if you find an article they would be interested in, pass it along.

Other Documents in the Series