Networking: Your Gateway to Business Growth and Innovation

With Lisa Delahunty - Managing Director, Waste Management Facilities Ltd

If you’d asked me at the beginning of my career to walk in a room of business people I didn’t know and strike up a conversation I would have run a mile. But now I find it one of the joys of being a business professional with the privilege of being invited to these events.

Meeting new people and learning about their jobs and passions brings new perspectives and drives innovation in our industry, and guess what? They want to know about what you do as well.?Networking cultivates a culture of collaboration and partnership, opening doors to new partnerships, joint ventures, and strategic alliances.?Networking fosters a spirit of innovation by encouraging cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives. By engaging with individuals from different backgrounds and industries, businesses can spark creativity, challenge conventional thinking, and explore new approaches to problem-solving. It’s not an environment to go in with a hard sell but just inform, learn something new and enjoy getting to know everyone.

The best part is that you’ll suddenly get an email or phone call from someone you spoke to a while ago and they know someone who’s looking for a professional in your industry and they want to introduce you That’s how it works, and you had a fun lunch, breakfast or dinner with people who sometimes become good friends too. Networking is not just about building connections; it's about cultivating relationships that fuel business growth and innovation.?

Business and work is such a large part of our day to day lives, so why not make it more interesting by stepping outside your comfort zone and making new connections??I can’t recommend it enough.? It builds confidence, enhances your network, improves your knowledge, raises your profile and grows your brand all at the same time.

Some networking events I attend regularly are run by BH Area Hospitality Association , Bournemouth Property Association [BPA] and Bizpedia . If anyone would like to join me or wants some tips please contact me here on LinkedIn?