Lynette Palmen, founder of Women’s Network Australia recently answered these questions on networking for me –
Do networking events really work?
Compare the results of networking with other forms of acquiring business such as advertising, cold calling etc and you’ll soon realise that the grape vine is a gold mine.
Essentially any event can be turned into an effective networking exercise. For novice networkers the most important rule is to remember networking is not necessarily a skill you are born with.
Self-promotion does not sit well with many people. It takes practice, patience and confidence in the fact that you do have something valuable to contribute.
What is the role of networking for a SME?
SME’s are often working with limited budget constraints. It is no secret that networking is one of the most cost effective ways to increasing profile and acquiring new business. Building your professional networking contacts is not about attending a few events and flicking your business card around.
It takes time and effort and it will take a good two years to start seeing measurable results consistently flowing into your business. Networking is not an overnight wonder it only works if you position yourself well, create a profile and repeat the exercise.
If you take all three concepts on board two years down the track you will enjoy the benefits of 80% of all new business being generated through your first, second and third level generation networking contacts and their referrals.
Lynette will be running a 2007 MASTERCLASS on Self-Promotion and Networking. Covering how to turn your networks into your personal ladder for business success and making the right connections and creating Win | Win relationships. When: Wednesday 18 April 2007, Where: The Vibe Hotel, 111 Goulburn Street, Sydney, Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm, Ticket Price:WNA Member $149, Visitor $199, Book
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