So what's this Networking all about?

Someone has told you you'll get lots of work if you join a networking group so off you go to your first meeting. You're expecting to get lots of leads which in turn you will convert into actual paid work for you. WRONG! well at least not necessarily, so why have you bothered to join?

OK that’s a bit pessimistic as you may well hit lucky straight off, and the bottom line is to get more business. But that might not happen straight away. What’s more likely is that you start getting to know people straightaway, and these people will know other people who know other people who know other people... you get the idea. So from the word go the name of the game is to start building up good relationships with all those who you meet. And I mean 'ALL' as please don't fall into the trap of thinking ‘oh, I don't need to talk to her because she wont be interested in what I have to offer’ - just think of all the other people she knows!

So don't expect immediate returns – it can take months! – but if instead you pass referrals on to others in the group, or maybe are able to use their services yourself, in time your efforts will reap rewards. The leads you eventually get may well turn out to be second even third hand.

In any case networking can also provide other benefits …
- can increase your confidence, just pretend to be confident … works wonders!
- it is a way of getting together with others to share business & maybe resolve your issues
- the meetings often have very good speakers on topics relevant to you

But one word of caution - not all networking groups have the same dynamics so you may want to try out a few before paying out an annual fee which can be quite steep. You need to feel comfortable about the set-up but if you find the right one that fee should turn out to be money well spent!

Les

www.businessstationeryswansea.co.uk