The Key to successful Networking.
Successful business people know that the lifeblood of their business is found in making the right connections, whether it is for potential business alliances, sales, marketing or even to escape the loneliness of being a solopreneur, making the right connections is vital for business growth.
Networking may come easy to some but for others in can be an intimidating prospect, so below are a few proven practices that can make networking a rewarding experience.
Start with a plan
All good business starts with a plan so why wouldn’t the area of networking get the same attention as other parts of your business planning. Very often this area is left to chance. Ask yourself the following questions. Who do I need to connect with to make my business successful? What groups, individuals or companies could be beneficial to my future? How can I connect with them? List your answers and then prioritize what your networking activities will be over the course of the nest week or month, incorporate your networking activities into your calendar and commit to a plan with a timeline.
Be Selective with your efforts
As a business owner time is the most important commodity that you have so be careful where you spend it. Look for events that feed your business and your mind. Try and be strategic and if possible do some due diligence as to what kind of people and businesses attend various events before you commit to attending.
Use the Hostess Principle
Working an event can be a little daunting , you are at the venue armed with business cards , your opening “pitch” speech and name tag on your suit or dress , do a quick sweep of the room and try and decide who you want to meet , this is where the “hostess “ principle kicks in , Walk up to the person or group and offer your hand to introduce yourself , the key is to act as if you are the host of the event and it is your job to make everyone feel comfortable and at ease , if you approach it with this mindset you will find that you feel comfortable and others will too. Remember also to be a keen listener; people do not generally like to be “sold to” this is about building rapport and relationships.
Make a real connection
Remember the goal here is not simply to get as many business cards as possible, but to make quality connections. It is important to be genuine and honest. The fallacy of much of social media these days is that it keeps us all connected and whilst it is good in as far that your message can be put to a wider audience, a connection is not a relationship . It is a relationship that sustains a business for the long term. To build rapport and develop a personal relationship takes face to face communication and time.
Build on your network and keep it current
Whilst social media is not a replacement for face to face relationships it does however have a place in society and indeed business. Face book, LinkedIn and twitter are easy to build contacts and have become the sophisticated rolodex for business professionals. Use them often to update, share, congratulate and connect.
Help others to achieve.
Old fashion values and notion are still tools that will help your business become and remain successful , help others to achieve , introduce them to potential clients , recommend them , offer help and suggestions , be sincere and care about their wellbeing.
The art of networking can be very rewarding, ultimately you will be enriched by the relationships you make and your business will thrive.
Until Next time Ian Chambers @ HoskinHomeLoans
Hoskin Financial Planning Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority number 613005. The guidance and/or advice contained in this website is subject to UK regulatory regime and is therefore restricted to consumers based in the UK. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
