Networking

I have been looking at my networking over the past few weeks and how much it has changed since Covid shut us all down.

In my last business 2017-2018, I used to spend a lot of time on the roads of South Wales visiting many groups and enjoying bacon rolls at 7:30am,also cocktails at 8pm. Some of those meeting were in different locations but being organised by the same person. Then of course there were the BNI's of this world, but they did not fit in with my business profile, but the question come into my head did any of those network meeting do my previous any good or were they useful to me and the business, the answer is simple and in one word NO.

Fast forward November 2022 different circumstances and a new business had been born, and back to networking again, a good friend of mine Alison Watermeyer ?? Save Money Make Money had told me during Covid and the lead out of the pandemic meetings were now on Zoom and so much better you got to cook your own bacon roll and make your own coffee or tea I personally was not keen on this Idea.

Then come alone a good friend of mine Neil Lloyd -Leading Business Networking and Development who runs Zokit and had always been there for me in my dark times, For those of you who know Neil, he wont take no for an answer, and yes he twisted my arm to join, leading to me running one of the hubs eventually. I loved it as it was all online, various hubs online great. But I could not cope with the face to face meeting due to my mental health. I had to ask myself what were the benefits besides a Zoom meeting or two daily, the answer Nothing. I have since moved on but Neil as always will still be a true friend to me.

Then in early 2023 along come X-Forces Enterprise a group set up for service leavers and veterans helping us with networking, courses to help us run our business which are free, and of course the service banter and understanding each other especially if we have mental health issues due to service. From there I was introduced to some great people who could help and understand my journey and me. Through joining this group, I have one company with a full team behind me who is not just a fellow veteran but also is Ex Royal Navy, she understands me because she has listened to my story, not think she knows me.

In March then come along a day out this time in Swansea with Debbie Basden who introduced me to Rob Basini at the Federation of small business and they offer such a great yearly membership package that it was a no brainer really, with their legal hub, courses, network meetings on zoom throughout the UK. and so much more, even a bacon roll occasionally.

The moral of the story is there is plenty of networking groups in all areas of the UK, you need to go to which ones work for you and give you the most benefit and connections and that you are not spending loads of time and money that perhaps your business simply cannot afford.

I talk to connections who are members of lots of networking groups spending loads of money and never go to them groups my question is WHY ? not money down the drain.

Also remember to get recommendations with value on your LinkedIn profile as they will help you build your business and brand.

You need to ask yourself are you getting referrals from your network, if not move on, find another one that you could potentially get referrals from.

Networking done well will be good for your business.

Have a great week and remember your network is your networth