What is more valuable - Networking or a having a Network?
Chris Bantock
Agency Business Guide helping Marketing Agency owners navigate the ups and downs of the journey of running an agency business. ??BIMA100 & BIMA100 Judge/ Father / Cyclist and Co-Founder of Agency Aid
When you use the term ‘networking’, what do you actually mean?
For me, it is an activity where you go and meet other people. Most people who go ‘networking’ do so as part of a business development activity. So they are looking for sales.
They're looking for potential customers and prospects. And people that they can sell too.
They are looking for new one to one, relationships.
Working in this context is a solo sport.
Having a network
Now consider the difference between having a ‘network’ and going ‘networking’
A network is a group of people that you know, like and trust
By the term ‘know’, I mean, you know them as individuals. You know what they do; you know what they're looking for; what they do and you know what they can deliver.
There is no point in building up a network of people that you don't like.
And the final one trust is the cornerstone of everything that we do.
When you have a network then you are always on the lookout for ways you can help and support the people In your network.
Advocacy is the key
Introducing others to new opportunities is called advocacy. Now imagine a situation where you have a network of 10, 20, 50 or more people. These people are all going out, looking for opportunities for you.
This is now a team game and a team sport. This is the network effect.
I urge you not to think about networking but how to build your network - a network of advocates.
Then when you do go ‘networking’, you're looking for opportunities for your network and they are looking for opportunities for you.
Question for you?
So, do you want to go ‘networking’? Or do you want to build your ‘network’?
Please put in the comments how I and others could advocate for you.
CEO & Founder
3 个月Chris, thanks for sharing this! Insightful.
Turn challenges into triumphs.
3 年Great article Chris. Networking has many benefits for me. 1) I can provide clients with access to amazing talented people 2) I have a resource to sound board/be a soundboard, innovate and create with others and 3) Working for oneself, it's important for me to feel socially connected with others too.
Senior Commercial Leader of Sales, Marketing & Business Development Teams with expertise in Partnerships & Commercialising Shared Value | Rev Ops & GTM Specialist
3 年This is an important article Chris. Thanks for publishing. It does take time to build a network, however, it is definitely a case of "slowing things down, in order to speed things up". It takes time to find others who are genuinely collaborative and who are great "team players" (meaning they act, think and behave as part of a team), but when you do find them, things move like a hot knife through butter. I've seen you in action Chris and you're one of the best!
Business Growth Specialist transforming sales and culture for growth and loving it!
3 年Great post Chris and a really good discussion point. I see networking as meeting folks and building connections with like minded people some of whom may become clients or suppliers and some remain connections. I like to meet new folks to learn new things or refresh and validate thoughts. The network is a wider bunch and this can contain people we know better and align to more. This will include colleagues, associates, business partners and, for me, my go to folks in specialist areas where I need guidance for myself or for others. I also look at network building in different sectors and countries to be targeted in relation to a personal or business wish and aspiration. I like the add from Ben too with the crew as that needs inclusion too and is a very relevant part of the chat. I would add also that this is a skill that needs understanding, managing and developing as for a lot of people they miss an objective as it is not properly considered as an activity. Networking really does lead to opportunity when handled correctly. Lunch Club is an easy example of this where opportunity can be developed quickly by complete strangers if you develop relationships well and build through that know, like, trust aspect.
I Help Agencies Grow In A Profitable, Sustainable & Enjoyable Way | Sold My Agency For ￡1M
3 年Good distinction! Too many agencies spend too much time 'networking' with no clear goal and no 'next steps' in place. Having a great network around you is super important. Maybe the first precedes the 2nd?