Networking

Get Networking

Networking is going out to business breakfasts and meetings and specific networking events to meet many people, swap business cards and help support each other with business leads.

I think networking is an extremely important business activity, but it needs to be done selectively. I am quite a social animal and have really enjoyed going out and networking and meeting interesting people. That in itself served a purpose. It kept my energy high for my business and I would come back with some new ideas. There are lots of networking clubs and groups. Your professional association may well have regional groups that meet, the local chamber of commerce will have meetings and the virtual networking club ecademy http://www.ecademy.com/ will have local meetings.

However did it bring me any business?

No! Not until I was clear about who I needed to network with and collaborate with. (More about collaborations in a future step).

Listed below are guidelines for making the most of networking.
Network with Purpose
Before you sign up for a networking event, think about reason for attending. Decide your goals and what you hope to accomplish. You may not achieve them straight away but thinking this way really gets your prepared and you will improve with networking practice. Often what happens at networking events is that you develop stepping stones to where you want to be.
Goals may be:

·         To get ideas for how to run your business

·         Find out about opportunities for working in clinics and centres in the community

·         Practice giving an elevator pitch (giving a short promotional presentation)

Prepare your pitch
Often at networking events you will be invited to give a short presentation. Grab this opportunity with both hands. In later steps I will be talking about how important public speaking is to your success (and how many people who would rather die than speak in public have become great speakers!).
Practice in front of the mirror at home a one minute presentation clearly stating with warmth and humour why you are the person to book for your particular speciality.
Practice scanning the room and making eye contact and smiling as you speak.
Be prepared
Make sure you arrive on time and are armed with plenty of business cards and promotional flyers. If you’ve booked an event be sure to attend- no dropping out because of nerves ort a better offer or feeling too tired!
Make sure if you promise something to someone that you do the follow up within 48 hours of the event. Remember what goes around, comes around and your success is more likely if you are congruent.
 Network and be yourself
People are more like to trust and warm to you if you are sincere and are being yourself.  Be interested, listen, be genuine, honest, friendly and giving
Network with a view to giving support and help
When you are networking your thoughts should be on “how can I help” rather than how can I sell my service. If you have this mindset, when you present a particular issue or problem people will want to help you too. So for example, I recently met a woman at an event who I know would really benefit from being in touch with 3 business people I know. I have called them to see if they would be interested in speaking with her and put them together. What I get from that is the satisfaction of helping and knowing that there are other like minded people at networking events who will do the same for me.

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