Why Do I Network

The most common answer you will hear as why people network is most likely going to be “to get more business”.

Be honest, how many of us have gone to a networking event and came away with with business on your first visit?

Yes, it would be great to get more business from networking but the only way that will happen is if people get to know you.

For that to happen you have to talk to people and get to know them as well. This way you form a relationship and on top of that trust starts to form.

Once you have trust, you have the foundations of a possible business relationship.

Whilst networking I tell people about my business. I don’t sell to them, that’s not what it is about. For me, most people know me as “Steve the Accountant” or “Steve the Gin Guy”.

Networking allows me to tell people how I went from one to the other. It also allows me to answer any questions they might have either in the world of finance or spirits.

I love to listen to other peoples stories and hearing about their journey. It’s surprising how many of us have been through the same sh*t but are in different industries. There’s an underlying synergy there that we can all relate to and share possible solutions.

By listening, it allows me to see if I can help others by connecting them to my contact. They be able to help my clients and friends. Or my contacts might be able to help the person I’m listening too.

The final reason I network is for self development.

Despite what people might see some of the time, I’m actually an introvert and I find it hard to strike up a new conversation with a complete stranger.

Oh yes, if I’m in my comfort zone I’m in full flow and look very much the extrovert, but answer me this. How many of you have gone to a new networking event and zoned in straight away, on someone you already know?

I do it all the time. I look for people I already know and that then sets me at ease before I then try and make new conversations with others.

Hopefully I’m getting better at it so if you ever see me at an event, please feel free to grab me and let’s talk. By going to networking and forcing myself to meet new people, I’m getting more than just contacts, or business out of it.

Its a bit like training. Training myself in the art of conversation, because let’s face it, we accountants get a bad rep for being boring to talk to. However, everybody loves to talk about alcohol.

I’m also selective about the networking events I go to as some of them are not run very well. There are a few good ones around just now, all with different formats and structures. Here are a few I attend or have attended that might be worth checking out.

BNI - forget what myths and rumours you might have hard. It’s a good way to meet new people, build relationships and grow your business. Check out TGI Edinburgh (on my profile) - we meet every week and have a business meeting with a bit of banter.

Thrive (Networking) is really good with good speakers and good members/visitors. We meet once a month at The Scotsman Hotel ( The Scotsman Hotel Group Ltd )

Love Your Business run by the lovely Michelle Brown and held at the wonderful Black Ivy every month. Great speakers and a great mix of businesses of all sizes.

Coffee Connections run by Mr Networking himself Colin McKeand - held monthly and a great chance to mix with other businesses and held in Gusto Italian in George Street.

The Business Playbook a event with no name badges and a live podcast every month. A feature is the live podcast which interviews some great business owners who tell you their story. Run by Jak Carlin ?? of Alleyoop? and Jamie Hodgson of 3C PRODUCTIONS .

Go and check them out, you won’t be disappointed.

The most important tip I can give on networking or networking events - enjoy it.