Forge connections to gain insights, solve problems and innovate

In today’s increasingly competitive and ever-evolving business landscape, technical skill and grit aren’t enough by themselves. Success is built not only on what you know but who you know—and, more importantly, how you collaborate with them.

Networking isn’t just exchanging business cards at formal events. It’s about forging meaningful connections with other business owners and professionals, especially those outside your industry — to gain fresh insights, solve problems and innovate faster.

Cross-industry networking is an overlooked superpower. Building genuine relationships with people from other service trades can lead to game-changing shifts in your business practices, regardless of your service line. If you solely rely on social media marketing, you are missing a huge opportunity to grow your company in today’s fast-paced, decision-making world.

Value of cross-industry dialogue

Too often, business owners limit their network to peers within the same industry. While it’s essential to stay informed about what’s happening in your field, there’s a unique edge in talking to those who aren’t doing what you do. Tradespeople, creatives, restaurateurs, mechanics — everyone operates under unique constraints and perspectives. When you speak to them, you don’t just exchange pleasantries; you exchange philosophies.

Here are three solid examples of cross industry learning and takeaways:

1. A plumber might handle scheduling with precision due to emergency calls — an approach that could help a hair salon reduce last-minute cancellations.
2. Snow fighters / landscapers often juggle unpredictable weather and client expectations. Their workflow strategies may offer inspiration for managing customer service in retail and service-on-demand industries.
3. Electricians prioritize safety and regulation compliance. Their methods can teach others in hospitality or logistics about risk management practices.

In these conversations, you’re not just hearing about how someone runs their business, you’re unlocking transferable wisdom and strategies that can reshape your operations.

Referrals working with other trades

Consider a small remodeling business that started working with local HVAC professionals. Beyond referrals, this relationship uncovered key insights:

• HVAC teams use seasonal promotion cycles effectively. This inspired the remodelers to structure their marketing calendar similarly, like we do in snow and seasonal landscaping.
• The HVAC crew’s intake forms and job-tracking methods were adapted to streamline project management.
• Shared customers helped both businesses understand the full customer journey and identify service gaps.

Through regular conversation, these businesses didn’t just grow leads — they grew smarter. The power of a solid referral in today’s market helps you get a serious leg up on your competition since you are already partially vetted for professionalism and accountability.

Make networking a lifestyle

In a world where change is constant and competition fierce, no business owner should go alone. Networking across industries allows you to gather insights, sidestep pitfalls, and approach challenges with fresh eyes. I have found that through a simple lunch or unexpected encounter at the supply house, a conversation breaks out about real-time issues that are relevant to our marketplace.

It’s about building relationships that go deeper than the standard handshake. Whether you’re learning how a local carpenter schedules jobs, gaining insight on marketing from a florist, or simply hearing how someone else weathered a tough year, every conversation can be a
catalyst for growth.

So next time you think of networking, don’t picture a stuffy mixer. Picture a roundtable of minds, each with something unique to offer — and everyone walking away better than they came. It’s the tiny nuggets that you gather over time that will someday become worth a fortune. 

Mike McCarron is president and founder of Image Works Landscape Management, a commercial landscape maintenance and snow removal firm in the Northern Virginia market. He has 20+ years of industry experience. Email him at mike@imageworkslandscaping.com.