By Nick Place, Chief Banking Officer

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, you know relationships matter. But what often gets overlooked is how those relationships begin and how they grow.

At Bridgewater Bank, we’re more than just entrepreneurial bankers; we’re connectors. We like to say we’re “networked and continuously networking.” And we mean it.

In fact, our founder and CEO, Jerry Baack, built this bank by leveraging his strong network. So, we’ve seen firsthand how the right introduction can unlock major growth, both for us and for our entrepreneurial clients.

Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling an established company, here are five practical ways to build a network that actually works for your business.

1. Be Authentic and Don’t Overthink It

Networking shouldn’t feel like a chore or a numbers game. Forget the goal of “collecting 10 business cards” or “asking for three referrals.” It’s not about quantity. It’s about quality.

Instead, approach every conversation with genuine curiosity. Ask questions. Find out what drives the person in front of you. You don’t need a perfect elevator pitch. You just need to be real. When you build authentic connections, business naturally follows.

2. Look for Ways to Add Value

Networking isn’t about what you can get. It’s about what you can give.

That doesn’t mean solving all of their problems. Maybe it’s recommending a great book, passing along a podcast, or making a timely intro. Even better? Connect them to someone in your circle who can move the needle, maybe a local expert or maybe even your banker.

At Bridgewater, we believe in connecting the dots. When you help someone solve a problem, even in a small way, you become part of their solution. That’s memorable.

3. Follow Up and Stay in Touch

So you had a great conversation...Now what?

Shoot a quick email or LinkedIn message within a day or two. Thank them for the chat, mention something specific you discussed, and keep the door open to continue the conversation. It doesn’t have to be formal; it just has to be intentional.

Consistent follow-up turns one-time conversations into long-term partnerships. And in business, that kind of staying power pays off.

4. Stay Organized and Use Your Network

As your business grows, so does your contact list. That’s a good thing, but only if you put it to work.

Keep notes. Set reminders. Tag your contacts in your CRM or contact manager. Whatever system you use, the goal is the same: keep your network active and accessible, so when an opportunity or challenge pops up, you know who to call or who to connect. 

Great business owners don’t just know people. They leverage relationships to create momentum.

5. Think Long-Term

Networking isn’t about quick wins. It’s about building meaningful relationships over time. Some of the best business connections I’ve made didn’t turn into deals right away. But they grew into strategic partnerships, referrals, or even lasting friendships.

Don’t walk into every event or conversation with an agenda. Just show up consistently, be yourself, and stay curious. When you focus on the long game, your network becomes one of your business’s most powerful assets.

At the end of the day, networking isn’t just about growing your contact list. It’s about building meaningful relationships that propel your business forward.

At Bridgewater Bank, we understand this. That’s why we’ve built a powerful network of local industry leaders, host unconventional networking events, and eagerly make mutually beneficial introductions between those we serve. Afterall, Bridgewater is more than a bank. It’s a network.

If you’re looking for a local banking partner who offers more than just financial solutions — one who brings a strong network and true dedication to your success, let’s connect.