Really Successful Networking!

by Lynette Allen

As Spring mornings approach and finally we're waking up with the sunshine, there may be some of you out there who might now consider going to one of these very, very early networking breakfasts. In my opinion, only hardened networkers venture out at that time in the morning in the dead of winter!

So, what happens if you're considering going but then get the jitters about the actual business of networking?

Well, that's what I'm here for - to smooth the way and give you some of my best kept secrets for making those early mornings really worthwhile.

Gone are the days where networking events are about seeing how many business cards you can collect and trying desperately to sell your business and pick up a client within the hour. That's a real no- no nowadays. The networking events of today are full of enthusiastic people who simply want to meet other enthusiastic people and make friends with those who are in a similar situation i.e. they run their own businesses or are senior within a bigger company.

So, where does the selling come in I hear you ask?

It comes through getting to know people, through being approachable, through helping others by giving the odd bit of (wanted) advice or by passing on relevant information or contacts. The point about networking today, is to make contact with people and build relationships with those who you seem to get on well with. Personally I've made most of my friends through networking and doing business together. Why do networking events still work if it's not about selling?

Well, people do get business out of it - lots of it! It's just that the way in which that happens now is through people getting to know you, your reputation and being able to recommend you through knowing your personality. Plus, working for yourself can indeed be a lonely job at times and if you're stuck in your home office with no-one but the dog at your feet, who's going to hear you speak passionately about your business? Unless you're armed with a loudspeaker and are leaning out of the window, then probably not many!

Therefore, these days, networking is simply a chance to go out and meet people - it's business dating I guess!

There are huge benefits to making friends with other business owners/employees and many friendships started over a coffee or a glass of wine at an event have led to major pieces of work being won and business being done on a daily basis. It's also about keeping in touch with those you liked at an event and meeting up outside of structured events too - here are my top tips for getting the very best out of networking;

Be interested in others first!

Keep in touch with those you got on well with by sending an e-mail after the event

If you're worried that sending another e-mail might not be appropriate try the old-fashioned way of sending a letter, note or card - it's happened to me and I've admired the person who went to the trouble

When talking about your own business, think about what problems you solve for your clients and talk about those.

USE the business cards you get

• write comments on the back
• write description of them
• e-mail them and THANK them
• ask if they want your newsletter
• maybe meet for coffee/lunch
• send them your web link
• Ask what THEY need

Understand that at first networking is scary for everyone else too!

Know that small talk is easier than you'd think, especially if you compliment something about the person your'e speaking to - people love chatting about themselves

Use your body language, practice a decent, firm hand shake, stand tall and remember to breath if you're nervous!

Be on time, NEVER rush into a networking meeting - it's just not cool!

If you haven't yet found a networking event you'd like to try then just type 'business networking' and your area into google and you'll be amazed what comes up - alternatively check out the networking group I founded over 2 years ago Business Uncovered.com - it's definately new style and very friendly - maybe I'll see you there!

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