Networking is not only about acquiring new business, it is about surrounding yourself with a support network for your life in general. I have never met anyone who said they have too many contacts.
Many make the mistake of not networking when everything is going well for them in the business or career. Then when the wheels fall off they have no contacts or support and need to start relying on people with whom they have never bothered to build a relationship.
My suggestion is that you always belong to your industry specific network and also non-industry specific network. There are many reasons for this concept but here are just a few.
Your own industry network can assist you to stay up-to-date on your industry and competitor’s knowledge, who’s who in the zoo and also any future job prospects etc.
Your non-industry network will expose you to a good cross section of business people who can offer fresh ideas that can be applied to your career or business and access to future career aspirations, mentors and information.
What are your tips on how to get the most out of a network event? Ie don’t stand in the corner, get your elevator speech ready etc.
Always arrive on time. This way you can introduce yourself to organisers and get a feel for the event, the format and have a quick look at the guest name tags to see if any of your contacts are attending.
Always have business cards on you but use your cards with respect. If attending a networking event for the first time act as a facilitator do not let it show that you feel like a fish out of water.
Do not take someone with you for support as you will inevitably use the event as a catch up – convincing yourself afterwards that the event was a good networking exercise as it gave you the opportunity to catch up with your colleague.
The truth be know you were never going to get any networking results because guests didn’t want to interrupt the personal meeting you were so obviously engaged in. If you invite a colleague to attend with you split up during any networking period and catch up after the event for your meeting.
Tips from Lynette Palmen, Founder, Women’s Network Australia
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