THE BENEFITS OF NETWORKING

 

Networking is important for people who are looking for employment and also particularly key to those who are starting up, or who already run their own small business, says Joanna Puczkowski life coach for Horizons Regained. 

 

They are beneficial for:

• Developing your knowledge and understanding of the industry you work in or want to access.
• Enabling you to share experiences and bounce off ideas with others.
• Allowing you to market yourself with the potential of generating business leads.
• To meet and maintain contacts with like-minded people.

Many people find the thought of networking daunting.  It’s best to try and approach networking as an event to enjoy yourself and meet like-minded people. Spend some time considering what it is that you want to gain from attending a meeting. 

For instance some groups may place more focus on socialising and meeting people, others maybe more formal. Where possible, it’s good to find several different networking groups that you feel comfortable with that each give a slightly different purpose.

This will enable you to regularly attend a variety of groups meeting a range of different people and therefore widening your network. 

By consistently being part of and meeting regularly with each group, you will build trust and get to know the members well.

 

Starting Your Own Group

You may find in time that there is a gap in the networking arena and choose to set up your own group. 

Here are some things to consider:

 

• What is the purpose or aim of the group?  Is it for sharing information in a particular profession or is it more about bringing together different skills and expertise such as marketing, finance, technology etc.
• Who do you want to invite?  Think about your contacts, ask if they’d be interested in attending and if they in turn have people that they could invite.
• Who is your target audience?  This will determine meeting time, place, frequency etc.
• Location for the group?  Consider who you want to attract before you decide on a venue.  The format of the meeting will then determine the venue and the atmosphere that you want to create.  Consider costs of venue hire.
• Group Size?  The purpose will again affect this.  About twelve is a good number to get to know each other personally.
• Format of Meetings?  Consider if you want to share ideas, invite guest speakers or take it in turns to address the others in the group.

Whatever structure your new group takes, remember that it’s important to create an opportunity for people to get to know each other where they can build relationships.

As people get to know and understand each other, the more likely they will be to pass on referrals, and recommend you to others and that can only mean more business for you!

 

Horizons Regained specialises in Personal Development Coaching for Women and Small Business Coaching. 

To find out more visit www.horizonsregained.com