Networking can be an amazing boost for your business…

Business owners are going to have to dig deep into their bag of tricks if they are going to pull their businesses through the economic downturn.  Networking can be a fantastic tool to establish fresh avenues and information about your sector.

In fact, a staggering 70 per cent of new business is actually created through simple word of mouth so it’s not hard to understand the importance of networking as the benefits could be life changing.

Read on to discover a few simple steps to take to make sure you make the most of your chances;

•    Be prepared! – Before going to any event where you know you will have the chance to network see if you can get hold of the guest list.  By doing this you can start thinking about whom you would want to spark a conversation with.

You will also be able to find out titles of the people who take your interest and understand which sector they are in.  This will be able to help you when planning what you want to get out of the meet.

•    Know what you’re going to say – A pitch wouldn’t go amiss at an event.  However once again don’t go unprepared.  Rehearse your pitch and make sure you know it inside out – outline your businesses plans and keep the pitch around a few minutes.

By doing this you will have a way of introducing yourself to people, have a topic of discussion that you will be comfortable with and others will immediately be aware of what you have to offer.

•    Take my card – When someone asks you for your card and you don’t have one with you the situation suddenly feels like a missed opportunity.  Don’t find yourself in this position!  Take a bunch and make sure they’re easily accessible.

Keep the cards clear and precise and don’t forget to collect one from everyone that you have spoken to over the evening.  The most important thing to remember is to not be shy about handing out cards…you’re not imposing on anyone, you are networking and everyone will be in the same boat.

•    It’s not all about you – It doesn’t always have to be on your head to do all the talking.  Let others talk and spend some time doing some hard listening.  It is important to remember everyone you have met, their names and whom they work for.

Sometimes you might want to make a note on their business card for exceptionally important people you want to remember but generally you should be keeping in mind that you want to be able to listen to other people’s business profiles as much as they have listened to yours.

Whatever happens the best thing to remember is to stay calm and simply enjoy yourself.  Networking is a great opportunity to spread the word about your business and to attract new business – take your time and don’t forget to be prepared!

What about you?

Do you have any networking tips?  Maybe you have had some good or bad experiences networking and you want to share your stories – let us know!

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