“Networking”
Day 96 of 366 Day Project
“Magic is everywhere, explore & be amazed everyday!”
Networking: to interact with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
“the skills of networking, bargaining, and negotiation”
The power of networking. On the first Tuesday of each month Lauren Vercoe runs Zenko ‘s Networking Breakfast event at a local café One on Labalsa. Lauren is passionate about supporting, contributing and nurturing the wonderful community she has created through her business at Zenko Yoga. This networking breakfast is just one of the innovative community events Lauren operates. A variety of different of businesses attend…web builders, business coach, personal care and nutrition, photographers, stylists, personal trainers, chiropractic specialist, accountants, organics, health, essential oils, chefs, business coach, insurance, retail, Freelance Writer, Ghost Writer and Profiler, Counsellor etc etc.
Building a successful business takes a lot of time and drive, so it’s good to have a network of friends and associates to draw energy from and keep you going. By surrounding ourselves with people who share a similar drive and ambition, we’re more likely to move forward as a group.
But that’s not the only benefit of networking. In fact that’s only the beginning.
Shared Knowledge
Networking is great for sharing ideas and knowledge. Whether it’s asking for feedback or discussing your point of view, it will help you expand your knowledge and allow you to see things from another perspective.
It is also likely that within a group there will be those who have already been where you are today. This provides you with an opportunity to learn and avoid some of the common pitfalls they experienced.
Opportunities
It’s natural that networking will result in opportunities. The thing you will not know is when or how they will materialise. Whether it’s a referral, offer partnership or request for your service or product, it is important to be ready to seize opportunities when they come along.
Connections
Remember you are not just gaining exposure to the people in the room, you are building connections with their network too. If someone they know has a need that matches your business, if you have made an impression, you will likely get a referral.
And remember it’s not just a one-way street. If someone in your network matches a business you encounter at an event, don’t hesitate to share his or her details. It will only strengthen your relationship.
Increased confidence
By regularly networking, and pushing yourself to talk to people you don’t know, it will help increase your confidence. This is an important attribute as a business owner, because your business growth is dependent on talking to people and making connections.
Raising your profile
Being visible and getting noticed is a big benefit of networking. By regularly attending business and social events, people will begin to recognise you. This can you help to build your reputation as a knowledgeable, reliable and supportive person by offering useful information or tips to people who need it. You are also more likely to get more leads and referrals as you will be the one that pops into their head when they need what you offer.
Friendship
Lastly, this one is more personal related rather than business related, but is a big benefit none-the-less. Many friendships form as a result of networking because (mostly) you are all like-minded business owners that want to grow your businesses, and you meet and help each other regularly, so naturally strong friendships tend to form. Some of my strongest friendships have been started from networking.
Recent Comments