Making connections in the trade industry can lead to valuable relationships with other tradies and open doors for future business growth. 

In Australia, where small businesses, many in the trades, employ 42% of the national workforce, building strong relationships can lead to relationships with other tradies and future opportunities for business growth.

Networking helps you find talent, increase brand awareness, stay ahead of industry trends, and generate referrals. It also involves being open, transparent, and actively engaging with others. This helps build trust, strengthen your reputation, and unlock new opportunities to position your business for broader exposure. Here's why networking is essential for trade businesses.

How networking can benefit your trade business

1. Building brand awareness

Networking builds your brand awareness, putting your business front and centre for potential customers and partners. Online and in-person interactions, like participating in local Facebook groups or attending trade expos, can boost your reputation and brand awareness.

Did you know 71% of consumers are likelier to purchase from a brand they recognise and trust? Social media builds brand awareness, which, in turn, builds trust. That’s why you should use social media to your advantage. Referrals are another significant contributing factor to building brand trust - but we’ll get to that later.

Use social media to showcase your work, engage with customers, and grow your following. The more people know your name, the more they trust your business.

Here are other ways you can network to build your brand awareness:

• Attend trade conferences, events, and expos
• Participate in community initiatives
• Join trade associations
• Collaborate with other businesses
• Build relationships with suppliers
• Host workshops or seminars
• Ask your happy customers for referrals
• Stay active in local business groups
• Seek out speaking opportunities

2. Finding partners and collaborators

Networking isn’t just about landing customers. It’s also about connecting with suppliers, subcontractors, and fellow tradies. 

Expanding your pool of potential partners or collaborators increases your chances of working with the right people - not just anyone. Joining an association or attending an event puts you in touch with others more likely to share your values and goals. This helps you connect with like-minded tradies who are just as committed to growth and success as you are.

Also, building a good rapport with suppliers or subcontractors can give you better deals, faster deliveries, or priority service.

3. Finding talent

Struggling to find a new apprentice or experienced tradie? Hiring new talent is another problem networking can solve. 

According to Career Success Australia, as much as 70% of jobs are obtained through networking and referrals. Referrals and word of mouth often lead to better hires than job boards ever could.

Building a strong network ensures you’ll always have access to skilled workers when needed. You can connect with talented individuals who share your values and work ethic by being active in the trades community (attending trade shows, leveraging social media, and building relationships with other tradespeople). 

4. Staying informed and learning from others

The trade world evolves constantly. New tools, techniques, and tech are always on the horizon. Networking keeps you in the loop, giving you insights into how other trade businesses operate and the latest tech and innovations they’re using.

Whether through trade shows, social media, or just talking to other tradies, networking helps you stay ahead by learning new techniques, discovering better tools, and keeping up with industry trends. It can even position you as an authority in your field, making you the go-to tradie for advice and expertise.

Plus, networking offers more than just knowledge. It gives you a support system. Having a group of peers to turn to for advice can go a long way when challenges come up.

5. Generating leads and gaining referrals

92% of consumers are likelier to choose a business when friends or family recommends it. And when you narrow that down to the trades industry, the numbers don't lie. 47% of Australians rely on trust when choosing a tradie, and 77% prefer to see recommendations before hiring one.

Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways to win new business - and networking can significantly boost your referral chances. The more people who know about - and trust - your business, the more likely you are to be the top recommendation when someone asks, “Know a good plumber or sparky?”  

For more tips, this resource created by the QLD government can help you expand your network and make the most of your networking opportunities.

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