Get the most out of networking
May 30 2010
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Building relationships with businesses that are complementary to your own means they can pass customers your way and vice versa. SmallBusiness.co.uk offers some tips on getting the most out of networking opportunities and events.
Firstly, networking generally fails when you haven’t thought about what you want to achieve. Reasons for networking are varied but include: meeting suppliers, advisers, investors or customers; testing business ideas and getting feedback on issues from entrepreneurial peers.
Different groups and networks will address different issues and if you have a clear motive for attending you are more likely to get the most out of the event.
People like doing business in person, but the worst thing you can do is be too heavy-handed in trying to sell yourself. If people like you, they will introduce you to people they know that could be of interest. You just have to be open enough to recognise opportunities when they arise.
You may not get it right straight away but it’s a learning process. Once refined, any successful entrepreneur will say the network they’ve developed is a pivotal part of their success.
Here are some tips:
Don’t be afraid – You must get over your initial shyness, approach people and introduce yourself. Everyone is there for the same reason, so there is no reason to be timid.
Know your plus points – It’s a good idea to write an elevator speech before you go, so when people ask you what you do, your reply is succinct, accurate and intriguing. An elevator pitch should break the ice and start the conversation flowing.
Sound interesting – Make what you do sound beneficial to the person you meet. Would you want to talk to someone who says 'I'm an accountant' or someone who introduces themselves with the line 'I help companies save money on tax'? Same person – different approach.
Get in touch – Set a target of a few good leads to follow up on the next day with a phone call or an email. If you say you will contact someone, make sure you do it sooner rather than later.
Don’t drink too much – Often networking events will have alcohol on offer. Even if you are nervous, try not to drink too much to calm your nerves. Remember that you are trying to give a good impression of your business.
Comment by Debbie Mann
Friday 15th January 2010This is great advice but I would just like to add two more peices of advice: 1. If you are nervous and unsure you will find someoneto talk with you need to remember that everyone is there to meet you and that's why they are there 2. You may not meet someone that day that wil specifically be able to help you but try to help someone else and pass their details on to someone who can - this act will be remembered and no doubt repaid. Mumpreneurs Networking Club runs meetings on a monthly basis in Brighton, Burgess Hill and Worthing between 9.30 - 11am so you don't even have to worry about the school run! Please contact me on djmann@tiscali.co.uk for future dates
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Comment by Oma Edoja
Wednesday 5th May 2010Great tips! One thing I find helpful to deal with the fear of, or apprehension towards networking is to get clear on (1) Who you serve, (2) What problem you solve, (3) How you help, and possibly (4) Whom you've helped before, and how. Once you are clear about these 4 things it is easier to deliver a clear and attractive message to others. If you are not clear about these, networking will be awkward, unpleasant and unproductive. At www.getcleargetknowngetclients.co.uk we help female small business owners overcome the overwhelm and achieve this clarity and focus. Once they have this, we are able to show them how to attract a steady stream of clients, honouring their feminine values, doing what they are good at, and enjoy. Networking can be fun, but you need the clarity first!
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