Networking is a real growth area in business development. If you want to get to know more people relevant to your business (whether as customers or suppliers, or both), networking, where you meet people regularly, can be very effective – and the key to networking is not just the people you meet but the people they may be able to link to you to as well. There’s no getting away from it, one thing that challenges most newcomers to networking is the idea of standing up and telling your fellow networkers who you are and what you do. But actually, networking is a great place to develop these skills. You are amongst like minded people who have all had to face their ‘first time‘ too! In a recent meeting of 4Networking there was a great talk highlighting some key do’s and don’t’s:
- Be yourself – networking is about building relationships with like-minded people.
- Be specific – your message probably won’t ‘click’ with everyone in the room but it may just really strike a chord with some.
- Don’t just talk about you – show how you have helped & benefited others.
- Connect with others in the room by saying thank-you for help or support you have received.
- Keep to time! – It can be a good idea to plan, practice and even work to notes – particularly as you start out.
Networking is not just about meeting people. It can also help you develop skills that you can take out and use everywhere! Network groups come in all shapes and sizes and are aimed at a dazzling array of different markets. Whatever your business, it is likely that there is a group that fits your target market – all you need to do is look. Don’t assume all networking groups are the same. If your first experience doesn’t feel right, look further. I’m sure you can find the group that is right for you. If you want to talk further about how networking can work for you, please give me a call
