My Top 10 Networking Tips

Networking then - what's that all about?

It's that thing .. you know that thing that everyone tells you that you go and do when you start your business!

The definition of networking is ‘to interact with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts’.

In a business context though it needs to develop into a 'Know Like Trust' relationship. We do business with people we know, like and trust so building relationships is key.

Here are my top tips for making your networking really effective.

1.Be You!

You can only be you! Quite simply, if you start building relationships pretending to be someone you are not then you make it really difficult for people to know like and trust you .. it's really hard to get to build a relationship with an alter ego!

2. Think about what you can give?

Admit it or not, we are all in business to make money. Networking is not about meeting people and selling them your stuff, the minute you say hello. If you go into a networking situation with a 'what's in it for me' mentality - you won't get very far.

Networking is all about making connections and building relationships, as I mentioned.Think about how you can help others. Who do you know who may be a great connection for them?

3. Join a network that 'feels right ' for you

Go along to several different sorts of networking events before you decide which you will join and be a regular attendee at. Some are very formal, some very relaxed and some sit in the middle. Some are early mornign, some meet in the evening. Have a think about which ones suit you and your circumstances best.

4. Make a Committment

Don't be a 'networking butterfly' Remember the building relationships stuff? Well you can't do that if you flit in and out of numerous networking events, never stopping round long enough to make those all important connections. You need to commit to the 'networking game' for mid to long term really.

5. Get on a team

Some networking events have a voluntary team that it invites members to be a part of. Do they have a vacancy? Could you commit to having a role? Being on a team raises your profile in the network and it is a great way of giving back.

To carry on reading my top tips - pop on over to my web site HERE

Make sure your networking is fun though .. the more you enjoy it and put into it, the more you will get out of it.

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Vicky is a Business Growth Coach and HR Coach and mentor. She is also the Regional Director for the Athena Network in Nottinghamshire.

She is the creator of the Success Planner - the ultimate planning tool for busy business owners

She works with her clients to improve the profitability of their business.

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