Networking, like kissing frogs!

I have had a sneaking suspicion for years that those who are negative about the power of networking can't do much of it. Emma Smith is a market research expert (ES Research) and part of an active networking group and she recently did a small experiment with networkers and non networkers which produced some interesting results.

When asked about the cost of membership to networking groups the networkers talked about how it pays for itself with the business it generates and how it is worth every penny!

Non networkers however said it costs too much and that membership fees are off putting.

When asked about the early starts networkers said they get more done, it doesn't eat into their normal working day and they are used to it. Non networkers said why does it have to be that early? and is there really any benefit?

When asked about the negatives of networking, the networkers struggled to find any but the non networkers were very vocal, "it's not relevant to my business" it's repetitive and not time well spent were also mutterings.

The responses made me think;

• Gold rarely sits on the surface, you have to mine for it!
• If you think it will work for you or if you think it won't work for you, you are right!
• The relationships in my life that yield the most joy and results are the ones I invest my time and effort in.

When a business sets up it needs a way of selling its products and services to it's customers, without that it will fail. 

Networking is simply a sales strategy to help you connect with people who want what you are offering. Those that complain that networking is just a room of people selling at them are either doing it wrong or attending the wrong sort of meetings.

For me networking is like an emotional bank account, if I open an account I have to put something in before I can make a withdrawal. In a networking sense my deposits are the meetings I attend and the effort I put in to understand what others do and how I can help to connect them to people who want what they have to offer. 

I also get interest on my deposits; people who understand what I do talk about me to their contacts when something is discussed that triggers me as a memory. I get great meetings over coffee where I learn about all sorts of solutions that make me look great when a client says "I am really struggling to find a ..." And every once in a while I meet someone who I get along with so well I know they will become a friend, not just a business contact.

So don't question networking as a strategy. Learn how to do it well and find the groups or networks where you can meet your prospective clients; they all work, but not all of them work for everyone. 

Kiss a few frogs in order to find your prince!

My name is Wendy Garcarz and I am a networker!