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Mary Flavelle
TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More
Call me on 07778 970668 |
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Mary's Blog on Networking
Perhaps the answer lies in the old saying “It is not what you say, but how you say it”. Learning the value of communication in business and the importance of finding a “common language” to get results has never been more important.
It is crucial to learn and respect each others’ communication styles, email has no expression and leaves itself open to misunderstanding and mistakes being made. Never let your business depend on an email communication, there is nothing to replace personal contact. Learn very quickly that people will only do business with people they know, unless you have a niche product or need to deal in an unique field.
Networking encourages some of the oldest values we have as human beings, it invokes trust and respect. You accept people as you see them, and why not, you do not expect to find wolves in sheep’s clothing or fraudsters at networking events. You get to know people very quickly from a business point of view and shortly after their business ethics. It will only take one mistake on your part to be remembered the wrong way, it will also take months to try to change people’s minds if you have created the wrong impression. Networking is a fickle world and you need to be aware of the pitfalls at a very early stage.
1. First impression counts there may be new people at your regular event – don’t treat your business or your appearance casually.
2. Plan for your event, it doesn’t just happen, be professional on the presentation of your business no matter how much time allowed
3. Believe in what you do, find the passion for why you do it, without this backing you up, you may not appear authentic.
4. Honesty and integrity should be highest in your business dealings, people trust people at networking events – do not betray that trust.
5. Follow up contacts within 2 days of meeting new people. This is vital to your business and will always be a warm contact. Diary the time in your day, make it no more than half hour and be strict with yourself.
6. Take me-time out for yourself each day. You need this to function properly and be at the top of your game. Walk away for your tea breaks and lunch – don’t just sit there at a computer typing and chomping. This is not the art of multi tasking, this is the quickest way to wear yourself down and you will become lethargic.
7. It’s not all about the work – take a good look at what you are doing, be your own critic. Are you doing what you really want to be doing? Are you making time for people that matter or have you put the job first? Are you happy? Are you valued? One ‘no’ answer here and you are not in the right job. Work to live not live to work.
8. Become creative, and look for opportunities where you can recommend other people or work in association with others. Working alone is not fun, it can be very lonely – so make sure you network as much as you can.
9. There is no such thing as a sole trader…… creating a business brings work to others. A book keeper, an accountant, a banker then perhaps the family and friends support. Advertising and marketing which will mean printing and probably website support. Of course don’t forget your stamps and tax. At least the tax can wait for a while to help you get started.
10. With Networking- there are many groups out there all offering the same thing. For some, the time of day might be the only differences. There are special focus groups which might suit you but my final warning – JOIN NOTHING.. most are membership organizations. They will be looking for your hard earned money and some of them are very expensive. Any networking group that is worth its salt will allow you to attend free of charge at least twice – then see if it suits you and if so, then join. It is good to belong to a recognised group but it has to be right for you. Does you group recommend you, or give you opportunities to network with others. Is it appropriate to your business or is it just social? Networking is vital to your business because it is the cheapest form of advertising. So pay attention to how you are selling yourself and be lucky.
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