I’ve spent the majority of 25 years engaging clients and prospects. 

Engage, develop trust, grow, right?

More recently, hosting a regular business network, this importance on relationships has allowed me to understand the needs of a broad-based group of professionals … from a wide variety of industries. Many are well-established, some full of promise starting ‘the journey.’ 

I’ve worked with entrepreneurs with plenty of cash and employees looking for the next commission or order …

‘How do I grow my business, Charlie?’ 

‘Meet the people, go networking,’ is my usual response.

Not everyone shares a fondness for networking. Some have an established referral line already in place. Others aren’t looking for new business. Most of us are though, looking for the opportunity to connect. 

What turns away most new networkers? The ‘hungry’ member-driven groups often bring the most criticism. The calibre of people these seem to attract can be questionable. Dubious sentiments? Could be …

We all have our opinions. Variety is important to me.

Happiness is important, I’m always asking … ‘What would make you happy?’

I’m not talking about the hard sell either, ‘hit or miss’ is not my bag. Close relationships are essential if we’re looking to grow, it’s the same in business. If everyone took a little time to discover where ‘the pain may be,’ and shared a conversation, thereby understanding each other a little better … wouldn’t that be useful?

Knowing your prospects and customers well, sharing their visions, understanding specific tastes and of course where the humour lies … we tend to develop more meaningful conversations. We learn so much more …

We benefit. As the business grows so does our reputation.

By knowing each other we can ask the questions that matter. Through regular networking we’ve done the groundwork, and understand the reason why, when asking for support there’s no in-between … it’s either yes or no.

We cannot plan, build a business on the maybe.

Unless we know and understand where we can help.

‘People buy from people they know and trust.’