Welcome to the first edition of Women In Business Exclusive!

This Networking Mag is For YOU and About YOU!

So, what's it all about?

Networking is THE BEST WAY to meet people and be visible in your business. When you are networking with the right people in the right rooms we are your biggest sales team and best cheerleaders. Who doesn't want or need that?

Every issue we will be sharing: Networking Tips, Business Support, Inspirational Ideas and Stories from my fabulous WIBN members.

This issue is about me, but in the following issues, I will be featuring my fabulous WIBN members, next issue you will learn more about Kirstie Atherton.

Let me introduce myself

I'm Susie Sprigg and I bloody LOVE networking!

An ex-accountant and project manager in the corporate world, I now centre my working life around building the Women In Business (WIBN) brand and running 10 exciting groups around the North-West and online. WIBN groups are a fun and supportive way to build your business without all of the awkward conversations and icky sales stuff. We build communities of women who have each other's back and collaborate together to make sure everybody wins.

How networking has changed my life

After a tumultuous period in my life where I unexpectedly lost my husband at an early age, I took a step away from my corporate career and into the world of business ownership.

And it was SCARY, and LONELY and I didn't have a clue what I was doing.

After a couple of months floundering in panic, I started networking, and a few months and some good and bad experiences later, I found WIBN. And I felt like I was home!

The support and community were amazing and inspired me to try new things, explore new possibilities and really grow my business.

Fast forward 2 years and I am now the proud owner of 10 groups and help other women to start their own networking business with WIBN by opening groups in their area or online.

It's the best 'job' in the world!

My Networking Tips

Networking doesn't always work. BUT, that’s not because networking isn’t good – Sometimes, you're just not doing it right!

You NEED a networking strategy.

If you're anything like the old me - you'd go to an event have a good time and that's it. I remember having a 121 and someone asked me what my networking strategy was.

My what???!!!!

I soon realised - There are different types of networking events and you should have a blend of all of them.

Step 1 - A blended networking strategy

Made up of - Membership, Pay as you go, One-day events and Free.

• Networking as a member in a group(s) - a structured environment where you build lasting relationships. You should be part of a membership, at least one (maybe two or three).
• Pay as you go - ￡20 or ￡30. You don't have to be a member, but you can meet new people and support your connections.
• One-day events - International Women's Day, Summer Social, Mastermind Day. You'll be working on yourself and meeting like-minded people.
• Free - Expo's, festivals, coffee mornings etc - great to meet people but you aren't going to make lasting relationships by just attending these.

Step 2 - Have a plan of what you're going to do before, during and after.

• Before - Where are you going to go, why and what do you want to achieve?
• During - Listen more than you speak and have your monthly minute and a call to action prepared.
• After - Follow-up, give generously, and remember you can follow up 5 times in 100 days.

It’s so important to remember that networking works when you feel comfortable and able to be yourself. It’s all about finding the right people in the right place – and you might just have to kiss a few frogs until you find the perfect mix.

Peakefest was amazing

Speaking of trying lots of different events - last month I attended my first ever Business Festival - Peakefest!

The lineup of speakers was brilliant, and the workshop Tipi's, the shopping tent, and the food was all just perfect.

I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and got up on the stage to tell everyone how networking with WIBN has saved my life, my business and created a lifestyle that I love! 100% recommend it!

Take-away for this month

I'm going to leave you with a take-away for this month...,

Networking isn’t always about instant results - nurture, be kind and the magic will follow.

Your network is your net worth. See you next time, and as always I'm only a call or an email away.

Susie. x