Why is networking important?
As a marketing consultant I recommend that all my clients use networking as one of their key marketing tools.
In my opinion networking:
- Raises awareness of you and your company
- Allows you access to experienced business people to ask advice and get practical support if you’re new to the area
- Builds a network of trusted suppliers who you can turn to
- Builds trust in you and therefore your business
- Gives you marketing opportunities to give speeches, publicise your business via their website or newsletters and of course meet new people at each and every meeting.
- Is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and build your social network in a new place
Networking Dos & Don’ts
Do:
- Be brave and go and say hello to the people around you
- Bring plenty of cards and marketing materials
- Think of a concise and accurate business description so when people ask you what you do you have an answer
- Listen to others and take the time to learn about their business
- Offer help to members for free or at a very low cost
- Take advantage of all the extra promotional opportunities the networking group offers like website etc.
- Be patient – networking takes time because it’s all about building positive and long-standing relationships
- Just speak to the people you know
- Sell and push your business down people’s throat
- Get stuck talking to just one person the whole time, you’re here to meet lots of people and everyone understands that
- Be rude and constantly be looking around for someone better to talk to!
- Be critical of other members – it makes you look bad
- Forget to follow-up after the meeting – this is one of the most important elements
Remember our next meeting is the WIB Summer Party on the first Friday in July at Laguna Village.
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