Business Networking

I do lots of business networking and love it. I get most of my business through it, both on and offline. However, it is obvious that networking isn't for everyone, so here's a quick quiz to help you decide whether it should be part of your strategy:

Q1. Are you interested in other people?
If all you want to do is talk about yourself and your business, and never take the time to get to know other people (and eventually their businesses) then you'll never get anything out of your time at networking events. You'll bore everyone.

Q2. Are you looking for instant sales?
Networking works best when you get to know people and build real rapport. You may be lucky and get a sale on your first visit, but it is rare. If you can't put the time in, then do something else.

Q3. Do you have good manners?
Here's an old fashioned concept: behave nicely! This includes not fidgeting and making it obvious that you want to go and talk to someone more "useful" to you, listening while any speaker is doing their thing and not disturbing everyone else by chatting loudly throughout, and not behaving like a lion stalking their prey, hunting down the perfect victim and ignoring those you assume are of no use to you.

Q4. Are you generous?
The very loveliest and most successful networkers are those that actively look for opportunities and collaborations for others, not just themselves. In doing so they "pay it forward" and opportunities come their way in droves.

So be honest with yourself. Is networking really for you?

Lisa Blackler has over 20 years' experience in Marketing and Branding, working in telecoms, entertainment, mail order, publishing and the arts to name a few. She heads up Honesty Marketing, offering consultancy and campaign execution for businesses of all sizes. Lisa believes passionately that marketing is not about smoke and mirrors, but is about delivering a strong, relevant message to the right audience. Lisa regularly speaks at business events on marketing and personal growth topics.