In this video presented by Nick Elston of KN Office Suppllies (Bristol) you will see good reasons why Networking works and where you are going wrong if it doesn’t.
Nick Elston from Roland Millward on Vimeo.
Networking is a fast growing way for businesses to find new customers and suppliers and more and more people are beginning to realise this. 4Networking a national networking group that Nick is a member of is proving this. You can see from Nick’s presentation that he has been highly successful in creating new business for his employer and he now spends most of his working time (and non-working!) networking both off and online.
Please let everyone know how you have found networking by leaving comments below.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Good stuff! I like this story and if you network, there are plenty of tips here.
Very interesting to see this actually.
I have been so busy and have not been able to network recently, so perhaps I should try and set some time aside and attend a 4N event some time soon – what do you think?
Simon Thurston´s last [type] ..Comment on What Marketing Can Do For You by Roland Millward
Simon
It’s definitely time for you to network! Time is difficult to control at the best of times but in business we can end up in a feast and famine situation. When you have little work you have time to go and look for it but when busy we seem to stop and then the next famine can soon appear.
Roland
I have long been advocate of networking. At least 75% of my clients have come directly from it. The rest come from either word of mouth from clients or as a result of my website, designed by someone I met from networking.
You really have to look at the bigger picture when it comes to networking, its not just about sales but building relationships.
Note to all readers
Phil really does gain most of his business through networking. I have met Phil through networking and have seen how quickly he got his business off the ground when he left the comfort of the ‘employed’ world of accountancy to start his own business PAH Accounting
Phil also started the Wiltshire Business Club and is a Group Leader for Devizes 4Networking.
It is definitely worth networking, especially if your business is a B2B business.
I am not sure that for a B2C business it works quite so well.
The thing about networking is that it is NOT all about sales! Don’t try to sell to the room! I have found great suppliers, friends, colleagues, oh, and a few sales, through my 4Networking and other business event networking over the last 6 months.
It is enjoyable too! Dive in and try it if you haven’t before!!
Eric
I wholeheartedly agree with the comments about networking being an excellent tool for B2B – I too have got the majority of my clients through networking, via physical breakfast meetings and on-line referrals. I would strongly advise anyone that is either in business or looking to start; get out networking BUT do not sell to people – attract people and sales to you, by letting people get to know you!
I was amazed at the effect joining 4Networking had not just on me as a person, making me stronger more confident but the effect that had on my business, a truly powerful marketing medium!
Lynda Colley´s last [type] ..Hobbies – pastimes and passion…
Before I started my own business I had heard of business networking and thought it was a load of old tosh. But when the time came to set up on my own, I soon realised that it does have it’s place and went to my first networking event within a month or so. I’ve never looked back and it’s safe to say my business wouldn’t be in the position it is today without regular networking.
Though I do wonder about those “networking tarts” we all know…!
I think that ‘any’ business can benefit from networking, it’s the whole selling through the room scenario.
Denise McCallum´s last [type] ..Prime Investigations – Professional Investigators and Detectives
Networking is a great business asset. See it as a marketing expense. And see it as fun!
It can be a very social thing, and if your business is a ‘one man band’ then working alone can get to you, so this is where networking meetings can help you to feel a part of the local business community. Meet other people with similar issues, people who can help and support you.