‘What’s so good about networking Charlie?’
It’s been a few years since I started my blog and most of you have been extremely tolerant of my persistent business focus, thanks for that.
I’m very happy that some of what I’ve shared has been useful as well and in answer to that question – ‘what’s so good about networking?’
I’ll try.
If – and there are a lot of ‘if’s’
If you can be generous with your time
If you are reliable (referable?)
If the people in your network are encouraging, if they reflect your own enthusiasm, if they care
If those that you meet understand it’s treating each other as we ourselves would like to be treated
If you have diversity … if you can dance!
If the timing is right, costs are acceptable etc, etc … like I said, lot’s of the if’s.
Another one …
If you give networking time, it can profoundly impact your business and therefore your future prospects. Networking is NOT just for the start-up either, if you are established, share your failures as well as your success.
Build the relationships and you shall succeed.
Succeed like this … (in my view)
Try networking with friendship in mind. Don’t be shy, there is always someone else less comfortable than yourself in the room. Find the like-minded individuals, make time for the information exchange and share ideas.
Referral business is a great by-product to networking, learning from your new-found friends, understanding their strengths enables you to pass referral while receiving the same, some of which can lead to great long-term partnerships.
Networking is great for the confidence. Being able to share your news and views in a room full of friends offers great scope for personal development through added confidence.
Developing your reputation, raising your profile with regular networking and engagement is great for the visibility. Engagement and visibility = the ‘bizability.’
It’s great doing business with friends, hugely satisfying, just show your new colleagues how they can help you, to help them.
If, (it’s that word again) you don’t ask, you don’t learn, you gain nought.
Business is personal.
CharlieKenny.me 