The wedding industry is built on relationships—and not just the romantic kind! Collaboration between talented creative professionals yields the kind of events many couples only dream about, and whole businesses are transformed through mutual referrals and interest in each other’s success. Just as love at first sight is incredibly rare, powerful partnerships almost never “just happen.” They are cultivated and nurtured into existence.The question is, how can you take the connections you’ve made and turn them into the legendary kind of partnerships that take your business and our industry to the next level? 1. EXPAND YOUR BASE OF CONNECTIONSNetworking is the most important tool you have to expand the number of like-minded, creative individuals you know. By building a strong network, you strengthen the foundation of your company, allowing you access to more referrals and the kind of business you want to attract. If networking isn’t a big part of your business-building strategy right now, it needs to be. Though it sounds like hard work and a time burden on top of actually running your day-to-day operations, if you approach it right, it not only becomes routine, but it is definitely time well spent.2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIESStart by choosing associations or groups that fit your vision for your brand. Local organizations often yield the best day-to-day contacts, but don’t neglect national chapters and events. You never know where your next big inspiration will begin. If you’re considering joining a chapter, consider who the members are and look for a good mix of folks you trust and new faces you’re itching to get to know. Also, look for signs of active participation. You can’t grow your contacts if you’re the only one attending.3. PARTICIPATEYou also won’t get far with a membership card in your wallet but a poor record of attendance. Building powerful partnerships requires an investment of time in order to build trust. You have to show up to meetings to make this work, so once you commit to an organization, get those dates on your calendar and plan to attend as often as you possibly can.4. PRACTICE GENEROSITYThe best way to show off your product or service to your peers is to contribute to your networking group’s meetings and events. Many organizations have regular opportunities for participating creative partners to show off their stuff. There is certainly a time and a cost to donating centerpieces, audio-visual equipment, food and beverage and swag, but if you’ve carefully chosen your group, your return on investment (ROI) should be measurable and satisfying. Help encourage word-of-mouth by being an active and quality participant.5. GIVE REFERRALSThe other aspect to generosity won’t cost you a thing, but is probably the most powerful tool in your networking toolbox. Give referrals. It’s not enough to scatter your business card over every available surface at a meeting, then sit back and wait for the referrals to come rolling in. You must give to receive; so find potential partners with whom you would love to work, and give out their names whenever you have the opportunity. The more you refer, the more referrals you will ultimately receive.6. VOLUNTEERMost networking organizations have a tiny paid staff and a cadre of volunteers who run the major events and functions of the group. Help keep your association healthy and thriving by volunteering your time and service. The welcome desk is one of the best places to meet and greet new friends, so start by volunteering for a regular shift there.7. CONSIDER LEADERSHIPIf you’ve grown beyond the welcome desk, you can consider taking on a leadership position in your organization. This can increase your exposure and help set you up as a credible expert among your peers. If you do your job well, your name will be top of mind when your peers next need to refer a qualified professional to a client.8. BE A CREATIVE PARTNERWhen you have the opportunity to work with someone new, email in advance of the event and introduce yourself. Open the lines of communication early and offer to share notes about the upcoming event. If you are already familiar with most of the members of your event team, but see a new face or two, don’t be cliquey. Be open and friendly to everyone, and offer to help in any way that you can. After the event, send a thank-you card to each of your creative partners, expressing your gratitude for a great working relationship and indicating that you can’t wait to work with them again. Don’t be too "salesy"—just be genuine with your thanks. Trust me. You’ll be remembered.Nothing in the wedding industry is more powerful than the relationships you build with your creative partners. If you’re not actively pursuing powerful partnerships, please, start today! WPM__Kevin Dennis, WeddingIQ, Fantasy Sound Event Services, Livermore, Calif.