Introduction to topic

Building a Business based on trust is the key to success. Ask yourself this. Who would you trust more, someone you’d met on more than one occasion, or some random person you’d never met before in your life? Then decide who you’d rather purchase from if you had the choice and their prices and products were identical.

The answer is simple; you buy from people you trust. So how do you build these relationships that breed trust, again a simple answer – you network.

At most networking events you may have to introduce yourself for approximately 30 seconds. Speaking for any amount of time in front of a group may sound horrifying, but it doesn't have to be. If you truly are passionate about what you do - it should come naturally to you. As a key stakeholder in your business it is up to you to lead the way. If you don't tell people about it - why do you think that your staff will? They won't.

Not all networking groups are the same and it's not about group hugs and Americanised systems. Its actually about getting your company some real recognition by basically having a chat and passing on your business card. Simple!

The key to networking is to follow up after the event - and when you are networking remembering who you've met in the circle, so when someone else joins the group you can introduce them to the group by name - once you network one company to another you are not only networking effectively but building up your own reputation as a "resource" and someone to do business with.

Definition

To network means for you to engage in a conversation with a person face to face to define who they are, what they do and what they are looking for. Online networking falls under the “social media” category.

Benefits

Networking is essential for small businesses, the benefits include being able to promote your business to another person and potentially their databases as well. Imagine that every person in the room knows another 30 people in business, and they let their database know about you because you made a great first impression.

Pros

• It’s simple
• It’s easy
• It’s cost effective
• You get used to networking after a while
• Its good fun if you let it be
• You can really build key relationships with key stakeholders in other businesses that can help to grow your business.

Cons

• I can be hard to start out
• You do have to speak
• You need to follow up
• There may be membership costs associated with joining the club

How to Implement this into your Business

• Look at the Local networking clubs near you and register to attend
• Attend and see how you go
• Keep going – it does get easier

Tips

• Stay positive
• Use eye contact
• Smile
• Don’t be cocky – no one likes a smarmy salesperson
• Make sure you remember why you are there – promote your business and build relationships with key businesses who can actually help grow your business
• Take enough business cards with you and swap them
• Follow up after the event