Chances are that at a few networking events you have attended, you have encountered a few negative responses – many will turn away at this and simply leave the potential opportunity at this point.
However, in networking, a ‘no’ does not always mean ‘no’ – perhaps you have simply mis-read the situation and approached it at the wrong angle. Perhaps they are not in the right mood or have a different attitude to conversation than you.
In the speedy, on-demand world that we live in, networkers want results and they want it now but networking doesn’t work like that. To quote the poet that is Gary Barlow , you need to “have a little patience…”.
Networking is a skilled activity, which, like fine wine, matures and gets better over time. The best wine is the 1935 Moet, not the 2010 Chardonnay (can you tell I don’t drink wine?!) and the same can be said for networking relationships. The longer a networking relationship goes on, the better it becomes. To achieve a dynamic networking relationship you’re going to have to put in lots of hard work, time and patience before you achieve the fine wine pay-off. (more…)
Like all the best meals, the success of networking is all about the preparation. Taking the time to get all your ingredients together and coming up with a plan of attack is vital to constructing a culinary masterpiece and the same can be said for networking.
OK, so you’re still going to be able to attend a networking event should you forget the butter but if you don’t perfect your networking ingredients then you might as well not bother turning up in the first place! Every networking event is different – the purpose might be the same for each one but every event should be treated as an individual to achieve maximum success. (more…)
Networking is all about meeting new people, sharing ideas and developing vital business contacts. Whether it’s internal or external, networking is key to making your business a success.
Many people believe that networking should only be limited to external events outside the company. They see internal networking as a waste of time and a distraction but they couldn’t be further from the truth. Internal networking involves getting to know your peers and ultimately results in a stronger community and workforce within the business. But is internal networking better than external networking? (more…)
Hear ye… hear ye… business networking is all about gossiping!
Yes, you did read that right! A key part of business networking is referrals which are largely conducted through word of mouth. In an ideal world, your reputation would precede you (in a good way) and your customers would do all the hard work. A simple bit of gossip from a customer could result in a whole new contract for you and… voila, the joy of networking! Unfortunately in the real world it’s not quite that simple. You’re the main one who is responsible for creating a buzz about your business, so you need to get moving if you want to be the subject of some hot gossip! (more…)
Freelancers… an odd bunch aren’t they? They drift from job to job and don’t ever really have a definitive boss so they can often be hard to pin down.
While it’s the lack of commitment and obligation which ultimately appeals to freelancers, there’s still a need to scope out work. This is where networking comes in. Networking can provide freelancers in any industry a chance to meet with employers and chat to other freelancers in the same field and it effectively means the life of a freelancer doesn’t always have to be a lonely one. (more…)
Online forums might just seem like a place where people rant about a referee’s decision or chat about the plotlines in their favourite TV shows but they can also be a great place for businesses to network.
The beauty of online forums is that they bring together individuals who are interested in one specific topic. Most forums require a username which means you can remain anonymous but regular users quickly get to know each other. Once you’ve built up a relationship online it’s time to turn your attention to networking. (more…)
Minority businesses face a tough time when it comes to starting out in business but luckily networking is here to help!
A new government survey has shown minority businesses face many more challenges and problems than white businesses. Black African and Pakistani-owned businesses are often refused finance outright, while those which are granted credit are often hit with higher loan charges. The government have a number of networking groups which are solely aimed at helping minority groups get a fair deal in the business world. (more…)
Networking is all about “working the room” and getting your message out there. While this is a fairly simple task for most networkers, many can’t think of anything worse than going into a room full of strangers and trying to make a good impression.
The problem with networking events is that people are plentiful and time is scarce – it’s almost like one of those impossible Rubix cubes that you just can’t get right no matter how hard you try. So how do you fit it all in and make sure you “work the room” to the best of your ability? (more…)
The government – probably not the first port of call you’d think of when considering networking opportunities but they could be more help than you think!
The government is keen to encourage businesses and everything to do with them – after all, small businesses account for more than 90% of the UK economy. This means growth is top of the agenda and to grow you need to network. As a result they’ve established a wide range of networking groups which can help you on regional, national and international levels. What are these wondrous groups? I hear you gasp. You’d better read on! (more…)
