Networking is essential for both Personal and Business Growth

What is NetGiving? It's a phrase I coined to describe my approach to Networking best. Come with an attitude of whom can I serve and not whom can I sell to. And aim to give more than you expect to receive. It is possible to be successful in business without aggressively selling. Making time for Networking is an investment for your business and future. So here are some thoughts and tips on how to NetGive. When you go along to an event be it In Person or Online be prepared and show up ready to listen to others, really listen it's not about getting ready to speak yourself.

Three top tips for NetGiving........

1. Find a Networking group that resonates with you, shares your values and is a safe place where you can be your authentic self. You are truly the only person who will do what you do in the way that you do it, so lean into that and trust it. And finding a safe space to be your authentic self is really important in your choice of what group to join. And accepting that you might not be everyone's cup of tea! And tat is okay.

2. Be fully present Online or In Person. Think in advance of your purpose in being there, and tell a story about who you are and what you do, people always remember stories, not facts. Show up well presented remember you are your brand so put your best foot forwards. Show up consistently.

3. Go along with an attitude of service and not sales. No one likes to be sold to especially when you don't know the person. Think about how can I add value, how can I help the person, and how can I serve them. Ask questions, people love talking about themselves. Ask them about their hobbies, family, how long they have been in business, and what they love most about their business.

The investment of time and money in being part of a Network is an investment in your business and its growth. Take time to get to know, like and trust folks. You will only do that by following up and in my experience, the fortune is always in the follow-up. Take the time post-event to arrange a coffee or virtual coffee and truly get to know about the person behind the business, it is amazing what you learn and the more you know the more you can help and support that person. When you get to know people it makes it easier to think about who you might recommend them to.

Networking is all about building long-term relationships and if you are lucky friendships. And it can be fun!

Happy NetGiving to increase business success!