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Although not for everyone , networking is central to the development and growth of many businesses , particularly in the SME and B2B sectors . This might be for purely lead generation but also for support and friendship among like-minded individuals . Running your own business – even if you employ staff - can be a very lonely experience .
Networking can also be an area of
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marketing which can easily be a waste of valuable time . So if networking is for you – what are some key hints and tips from those who are recognised across the South West for being experts ?
John Raine , owner of office and business products company Tarka , was recently named Networker of the Year at the South West Business & Community Awards . He ’ s
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also launched a programme of professional support for those who want to network effectively and fear they are not making the most of the opportunity .
John , 76 , was one of the first members of the national organisation 4Networking – which as its HQ in Taunton , Somerset and now has 5,000 active groups around the UK . The organisation has thousands of members
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from sole traders running an enterprise from home through to corporates who want to engage with other businesses in their communities , large and small .
John joined 4Networking in 2006 and is well known throughout the network . He is now a senior regional leader supporting other leaders across the UK to effectively manage their groups and local membership .
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JOHN RAINE ’ S TOP 10 NETWORKING TIPS |
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1 . Mindset – make sure you look happy and friendly , be positive and ready to engage immediately with everybody in the room .
2 . Friendly but business-like – make smart decisions about who you want to talk to in the room . If possible , find out who ’ s going to be attending beforehand and make a plan of who to make contact with .
3 . Business cards - some people say they ’ re old hat now , but that ’ s not true – they are a necessary tool .
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4 . Be present – look into people ’ s eyes directly and have a firm and friendly handshake .
5 . Summarise – give a concise summary of your business , not a lecture and let them know how networking has worked for you .
6 . Listen – be interested and ask open questions such as ‘ how ’ s business been lately ?’, or ‘ what are your successes ?’, or ‘ what have your challenges been ?.’
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7 . Plan – if you exchange business cards , do it with a purpose . For example , ask if it ’ s okay to follow each other on social media or can I call you tomorrow ( and make the call ).
8 . Email – only email if that ’ s been mutually agreed between you . Make a judgement about if they ’ re serious about receiving your email or they ’ re just trying to get rid of you .
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9 . Relationship – remember it ’ s always relationship first , business second . The 4Networking mantra is ‘ meet , like , know , trust ’ and it works .
10 . Connect – look for business opportunities between other businesses outside your own which you see as obvious . People will thank – and remember you – for it .
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