Go forth and Network!
With the current trend for online business forums and social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and Myspace you could be cagoled into thinking that the modern day entrepreneur no longer needs to leave the relative comfort of his or her swivel chair to develop those all important business contacts. After all, why set foot outdoors when you have the whole of the world wide web at your fingertips?
But what of the “real world” networking groups- Do they still have anything to offer?
There are many different networking formulas available to suit all tastes and budgets: from formal breakfast groups to more relaxed wine tasting evenings in chic surroundings. Whatever you decide is best for you and your business, these meetings provide an excellent opportunity to meet and talk with real people who run real businesses. Psychologists say that as little as 7% of what we communicate is from actual words, with the remainder being conveyed through tone of voice, facial expressions, eye contact and body language. “Real” networking not only provides us with face-to-face encounters, in theory, it allows for up to 93% more communication, and less chances of misinterpretation than its ethereal counterparts.
In the past 15 years much has been made of the global market place, now readily available to and reachable by the smallest of businesses with little more than a PC and an internet connection. But what about the local market place? Surely what is an overseas customer to one, is a local customer to another. Networking events are also a great way of meeting local entrepreneurs. Many links can be made with local businesses and in these days of environmental concern, surely buying and selling locally can only be a (lower-) carbon footstep in the right direction.
So, what are you waiting for? Dare to put down your mouse for an hour or two and reach for those business cards intead. Go forth and network!
Try these for size…
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The BNI offer formal breakfast meetings to those willing to commit to attend on a weekly basis and bring business leads for the other members of their chapter. They propose exclusivity of business activity to each member and claim that membership can generate up to £xxx in extra revenue.
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LunchNet propose a whole range of networking events more suited to those who aren’t such early risers. Their speciality is the LunchNet Shuffle which entails everyone on your table getting 30 seconds to speak, and then swapping tables once you’ve heard everyone’s plug. This way you get to meet practically everyone at the meeting.
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4Networking offer free online networking for everyone and breakfast meetings for paid up members. With a networking passport members can visit up to 4 events a week all over the UK so you aren’t tied to a particular chapter.
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The Chamber of Commerce organise meetings for members and some Chambers may organise free networking events too. Check your local chamber website for details.
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If traditional meetings aren’t your cup of tea, then why not check out Mark Reid’s Netwalking events. Mark is qualified mountain leader and writer and is the author of the popular Inn Way series. His Netwalking meetings are 1 day events held in the North of England, offering participants the chance to mingle with 12 or so other business people whilst enjoying a guided walk in the great outdoors. A truly refreshing take on networking.
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Don’t forget, social and sporting groups also provide excellent opportunities to meet a wide variety of people from all professions and network in a more natural environment.