Episode 6 of MYOB: Unveiling the Secrets of Effective Networking with Top Industry Experts

Networking, the golden key to personal and professional growth, has evolved tremendously with the advent of digital platforms. In episode 6 of Mind Your Own Business (MYOB), Sharon E O’Connor and Stuart Moore were joined by three industry experts to discuss whether networking works and, if so, how to maximise its benefits. The consensus was resounding, networking works, but a hybrid approach is often the best strategy.

?Timea Kadar: Building Your Brand Through Community

Director of London Business Society, Co-chair of IoD MarComms Group, Timea Kadar , is a seasoned marking expert and authority on networking and she emphasised the importance of community building. Her advice? Become a connector who genuinely promotes others. It's not just about being in the limelight; it's about shining a spotlight on others as well. And when you're attending a face-to-face event for the first time, Timea suggested to always try to find the host to overcome initial nervousness.

?Angus Grady: The 'Return On Ink' - LEAD

Angus Grady , the LinkedIn guru, brought an interesting perspective to the table. According to Angus, #LinkedIn should be the first point of contact, followed by a face-to-face meeting and thirdly follow through with the PPC approach (Postman Pat Colleagues aka snailmail) ?He uses this three-step approach to build meaningful connections, reviving the lost art of genuine interaction. His methods yield what he calls an impressive "Return On Ink," emphasising quality over quantity.

?Graham Miller: Your Ticket to the Media Spotlight

Graham Miller , with his extensive background in news and sports broadcasting and his company Media-Vu, he focused on the power of effective communication. He reminded us that almost everyone is initially nervous about networking. Graham's 3 practical tips was to:

?First, he advocated for the importance of a well-crafted 60-second elevator pitch that succinctly conveys your purpose and goals. Secondly, he reminded us that we have "two ears and one mouth for a reason," underlining the necessity of active listening as a way to foster deeper connections and gather insights. Finally, he spotlighted storytelling as the lynchpin of memorable networking. Graham explained that using short, relatable stories in your conversations not only sets you apart but also acts as a catalyst for linking people within your network.

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The Verdict: A Hybrid Approach Works Best

While digital networking opens doors and breaks geographical boundaries, nothing can replace the warmth and trust built through a face-to-face interaction. The key takeaway from the experts was to leverage both. Use platforms like LinkedIn for initial introductions, and then take those relationships offline for a more personal connection.

Networking is indeed a long game, and while the strategies may differ, the end goal remains the same: to build a circle that enriches, not just enlarges, your professional life. If you missed episode 6 of #MYOB, it's worth a listen for these invaluable insights.

Happy Networking!