Networking has many different faces, but is has moved on from the; ringing everyone in your address book type scenario. Though this can be a valid way of letting people you know that you are in business or are looking for new clients, it can also alienate people as they get the impression you are using them for contacts.
Networking doesn’t have to be hard or painful, except possibly on the pocket (it can and usually does cost money to become a member of most networking groups.) There can also be limitations with membership of some groups; perhaps the total numbers of people/businesses are limited, for whatever reason. Take this into account before you pay your membership into a group. A good value networking experience will allow you to meet unlimited numbers of other business owners, without too many rules or regulations (you want to enjoy the experience, or you won’t repeat it!) Take plenty of business cards and literature (if you have any). Be friendly, open and enthusiastic. BE YOURSELF!
On a personal note, I believe competition is good; it keeps the level of services and standards up and ensures companies endeavour to keep prices/overheads down, plus it allows more understanding and support from a fellow member if you are in the same line of business. They can understand your dilemmas and operational issues more easily if they are in the same type of business or market. Another plus to having a fellow member in the same field, is being able to refer excess work to someone that you know, or arrange associate agreements so you have cover in times of sickness or holiday etc.
The art of networking is to meet or correspond with new and regular people via discussion groups, chat rooms, breakfast or lunch meeting, telephone; the list is endless; but don’t just stop at joining a group and then sitting back and waiting for the telephone calls or emails to roll in! You have to participate, respond to topics or postings in forums or chat rooms etc. Let people know that you know your stuff!
BEWARE DO NOT USE NETWORKING DETAILS AS A SOURCE OF NAMES/ BUSINESSES FOR SALES AND MARKETING!
Networking works by allowing people to get to know the person behind a business.
So first, joining some kind of networking group or forum etc allows you to meet people outside of your normal routine. When you have been communicating via any of the social networking sites or forums, support groups etc and have found someone you have similar work ethics too, or similar thought processes or beliefs, you get to like them. From then on you get to know them, build a stronger relationship or friendship, this allows you to trust them.
You now have the recipe for a good networking experience. These ingredients are vital for referrals, who wants to refer someone they don’t know to someone they do? Would you risk telling a good friend, family member or business associate that “you knew someone who”, then later found they were unreliable or ‘worse’?
Offer advice or a shoulder when someone is having a tough time. Become an expert in your own field. Don’t wait, don’t worry just do it!