I do a far bit of networking in Berkshire and as any good networker knows you have to stand out to get noticed. In fact it is best to be outstanding to get noticed. Also like any good networker I try to make sure I network in the right places. People can and do become professional networkers, there are so many events you could spend your time always networking and therefore notworking! My Business is outsourced IT departments to companies (about 5-200 users) so I need to do 5 things.
1. Build Trust
2. Make sure people know what kind of businesses I am looking for
3. Help people
4. Show people why we are different
5. Stand out.
Most of my regular effort is focused in 2 places BNI Reading and The Reading Business Club. At these groups I can get to know people well as we meet regularly and I tell them and demonstrate points 1 to 5 above. I also use these groups to get introductions to other groups. This is a key thing in networking for me.
Who wants to go to a networking group where they know nobody? Well not me and I will tell you why. If you go as the guest of somebody already established in any particular group you are of immediate interest to those that already know and like your contact. Great so you get a leg up. Why is this important, because you only get a short time at these meetings to start the process of 1 to 5. That in essence is the process of networking. Move around your network online, offline and face to face. Make sure you talk to the right people constantly.
After the meetings follow up is vital, you should look at every meeting as having some preperation time and some follow-up time, don't waste what you started at the meeting by not following through.
Today I am the guest of Natwest in Sonning nr Reading and I will follow my own advice and see what happens.
Remember if you met somebody and started the 1 to 5 process then it is never a wasted opportunity. If you give you gain in the long term. If you want to be part of my network and get introduced to some great people then email me This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call me on 0118 907 0520
Check out BNI at http://www.bnihomecountieswest.com/
Look at the Reading Business Club http://www.readingbusinessclub.com/
Until next time - be profitable!