Tbg uo seffectivenetworking

Effective Networking

Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see.

What is networking?

Existing networks.

Building new networks.

Helping others and building trust.

Online networks.

What is networking?

Business networking is a socioeconomic activity by which groups of like-minded businesspeople recognize [sic], create, or act upon business opportunities. A business network is a type of social network whose reason for existing is business activity.

Effective networking is a key way of generating business at low cost and can take place in person/face-to-face, online, via the telephone - anywhere that there is contact between two people.

Networking can be a way of directly reaching decision-makers and each new contact provides access to wider networks. It is a low cost way of marketing yourself and your business.

Existing networks

You’re already an experienced networker and will have a range of contacts from family and friends, work colleagues and people with whom you attended university, school or college.

Make the most of these existing networks which may include ones developed through education, work, your local community and existing business contacts.

Let your current contacts know that you are starting or growing a business and then set yourself the target of building a new network of contacts.

Where to start:

Look for local networking groups and associations.

All events and meetings are a networking opportunity - you don’t need to look for specific ‘networking’ events or groups.

Try to find a setting in which you feel comfortable.

Sector specific meetings - useful for meeting new contacts and for peer support.

Meetup.com, Eventbrite, CING, Northern Digitals, B4B, 4Networking, UoS…

www.thebusinessgroup.org/events

Making the most of any networking event:

1. A good introduction.

2. What makes you different and memorable?

3. Help and listen to others.

4. Choose your targets.

5. Maintain communication.

Passing on your contact details:

Business card – most important tool you’ll own:

If you do manage to create a successful network make sure that you support that network.

It is not just about helping yourself.

Always meet people’s expectations.

Share your experiences with others both online and offline.

Keep your network up to date.

Build trust.

Maintain credibility.

Making use of online networks:

Find which ones you are most comfortable with or will be most effective for your business.

Have a succinct description of you and your business in your profile.

Help, listen and engage with others.

Choose your targets - who to follow, friend and add.

Maintain communication - update, tweet and post regularly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYj7q_by_2E

www.thebusinessgroup.org