> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cibocom.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How to Find and Grow Your Trading Network on Cibocom > Learn how to find, connect with, and manage relationships with food industry counterparties to maximize your trading reach on Cibocom. Your network on Cibocom is the foundation of your trading activity. The companies you connect with can see your listings, respond to your bids, and invite you into their markets — so building a relevant, well-targeted network directly determines the quality and volume of trading opportunities available to you. ## Search for companies Use the **Network** search to find companies that match your trading focus. Apply filters to narrow your results: * **Commodity** — filter by the product categories a company trades in, such as Seafood, Poultry, Beef, Grains, or Dairy. * **Region** — filter by the geographic area where a company operates, sources, or distributes. * **Company type** — distinguish between producers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, and traders. Work through the results systematically. Prioritize companies whose commodity focus and geographic presence complement your own — these are the counterparties most likely to generate actionable listings and bids. ## View company profiles Before sending a connection request, open a company's profile to assess whether they are the right fit. From a public profile you can see: * Company name, country of registration, and a brief description. * Commodity categories and trade directions (buy-side, sell-side, or both). * Markets they participate in. * Shared connections — other companies in your network who are already connected to them. You cannot see a company's active listings, bids, or trading history until you are connected. The profile gives you enough context to make an informed decision about whether to connect. ## Send a connection request When you are ready to connect with a company, open their profile and click **Connect**. Before submitting, take a moment to add a short introductory note in the optional message field: * State who you are and what your company does. * Mention the commodity or trade direction you are interested in. * Reference any shared connections or markets if relevant. A personalised note significantly increases the likelihood that the recipient accepts your request. Click **Send Request** to submit. ## Manage incoming connection requests Incoming connection requests appear in your **Network** inbox and trigger a notification. For each request: * Review the requesting company's profile before responding. * Click **Accept** to confirm the connection — both parties immediately gain access to each other's network-visible listings and activity. * Click **Decline** if the company is not relevant to your trading focus. Respond to requests promptly. Leaving requests unanswered for extended periods creates a poor impression with potential counterparties. ## What connectivity unlocks Once two companies are connected, both gain access to: * Each other's listings marked as visible to **Specific connections** or **All network**. * The ability to place bids on each other's listings. * Direct messaging within the context of bids and deals. * Visibility into each other's activity in shared markets. A larger, well-targeted network means more listings appear in your market feed and more counterparties can discover and bid on your own listings. ## Recommended practices Build your network proactively rather than reactively. Consider these practices: * **Connect before you list.** Post a listing to a broad network rather than a small one — connect with relevant companies first, then publish your listing so it reaches the maximum relevant audience immediately. * **Review your network regularly.** Remove or archive connections that are no longer relevant so your feed stays focused on active counterparties. * **Engage with shared markets.** Joining a market that your target counterparties already participate in is an efficient way to establish mutual visibility even before a formal connection is made. A complete, well-written company profile is one of the most effective ways to attract inbound connection requests. Include a clear description of your commodity focus, trade direction, key origin and destination markets, and any certifications or standards you work to. Companies browsing the network use your profile to decide whether to connect — make it easy for the right people to say yes. All companies on Cibocom go through a verification process before they can participate in markets or connect with other users. Verification confirms that each company is a legitimate food industry participant. You can trade with confidence knowing that every counterparty in your network has passed Cibocom's onboarding checks. Understand how the Cibocom network model works, including connection types, visibility rules, and market access. Update your company profile to attract the right connections and improve your visibility across Cibocom.