How do I get the most from business networking?
Comments(4)
At Saratoga, Business Networking is an integral and key component of our marketing strategy. I do an awful lot of networking. Most of the time I enjoy it - although the waistline is sufering from traditional English breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
All of the team do some regular Business Netorking. Therefore we asked ourselves the question; ‘how can we ensure each staff member gets the most from the networking they do?’
It became clear that we would need to define what Business Networking is, why we do it and what we expect to get from it. So I came up with a 1 hour training session to cover these issues and a simple sheet to record planning and follow up. I have attached these documents here so that you can use them for your own purposes.
business-networking-training-notes.pdf
saratoga-business-networking-planning-and-follow-up.pdf
Business networking has 3 distinct phases: preparation, attendance and follow up. There are different networking groups that tend to focus on one or two of these, but only a few actually focus on all 3. Our belief is that if you do not do all 3 well, your Business Networking will not be as effective as it could be. If you are not prepared to invest time in all 3 you may as well not invest the money in the events either. Spend it on advertising, or another marketing activity.
How much Business Networking do you do? Does it have a positive impact on your business? Do you have a different view on what it is and how to get the most from it?
I always like to get views of others and share good practice. I’d also love to hear from you if you use the materials provided here.
Happy networking
Wayne