Networking for entrepreneurs
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This document provides guidance on networking for entrepreneurs. It discusses why networking is important, how to network successfully, and tips for networking. The key steps outlined are to set goals for networking, identify networking opportunities, make connections by introducing yourself and exchanging contact information, and following up after meeting someone. The document also lists local networking events and online resources for further information on business networking.
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Networking for entrepreneurs
- 1. Networking for Entrepreneurs Bonnie Hacking, University of St Andrews
- 2. Agenda What is networking and what makes networking important to you and your venture How to network successfully
- 3. One thing I can offer to other entrepreneurs is…
- 4. Business networking is the process of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with other business people and potential clients and/or customers. Discussion: What people and organisations would be useful to you in getting your business up and running?
- 5. Where do you start?
- 6. Step 1 – Setting goals Set goals for what you want to get out of networking, it might be: Marketing yourself and your venture Finding information to solve a business problem Finding customers Finding support or finance Building relationships with people who can help you
- 7. Activity List 5 ways networking can help you with your business Prioritise 3 of these reasons and state them as goals Identify networking opportunities
- 8. Step 2 – Meeting people and making connections Make a good impression Make eye contact Genuine smile Handshake Show real interest in those you meet Ask questions!! Listen carefully to the answers
- 9. Activity – Who’s in your network? Make a list of people you know Friends and family Neighbours Community leaders Business people For each person, ask yourself: Can they give me advice to improve my business? Can I sell my service / product to them? Can they refer customers to me? Can they put me in contact with someone else? Where else can you meet people?
- 10. Step 3 – Sharing information Purpose is to build a relationship! Participate actively If you can introduce someone you meet to someone else you know, do so If you can provide any information to help them, do so Exchange contact details, business cards are ideal
- 11. Step 4 – Following up MOST IMPORTANT!!!! Do it soon after you meet. Written in the first instance Provide background on where you met and the reason you are getting in touch Explain why you want to meet / talk further. Indicate you will call shortly to make an appointment Call!!!
- 12. Hints and tips Greet each new acquaintance with an openness to learn more about that person, a willingness to help, and an offer to stay in touch. Groups of 3 are easier to join in Have 3-4 questions ready to ask How did you get into the field you are in? What projects are you currently working on? What do you like best about what you do? Don’t be afraid to say ‘nice to meet you’ and move on Note on the business card what you should ask them
- 14. Events in Moscow Russo-British Chamber of Commerce www.rbcc.com Global Business Networking – Launch of the Autumn Season The event will start on : 20 Sep 11 19:00 And will end on : 20 Sep 11 22:00 At : tbc (Moscow) Click here to register : ekaterina.petrova@rbcc.com Phone +7 (495) 961 21 60 ext. 116
- 15. Online resources www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/networking www.networkingeffectively.com www.marketingforsuccess.com/networking-guide/ www.businessknowhow.com/tips/networking.htm
- 16. Bonnie Hacking Enterprise Adviser, Careers Centre University of St Andrews Email: bonnie.hacking@st-andrews.ac.uk @BonnieH1
Editor's Notes
- Main focus today will be on face to face networking, although I will mention online networkingSuccessful networking is a skill everyone can learn
- IcebreakerIntro selfOne thing I can offer to other entrepreneurs is…
- Discuss in group of 3-4.Good news is, it’s a process you can learn and with practice, be able to do well to the benefit of your business.
- Make a positive first impression. You have EXACTLY one opportunity to make a great first impression. Factors that influence this initial impact are your handshake, facial expressions, eye contact, interest in the other person and your overall attentiveness. Develop a great handshake, approach people with a natural, genuine smile and make good eye contact. Notice the colour of the other person’s eyes as you introduce yourself. Listen carefully to their name. If you don’t hear them or understand exactly what they say, ask them to repeat it. Many people do not speak clearly or loudly enough and others are very nervous at networking events. Make a powerful impression by asking them what they do before talking about yourself or your business.PRACTICE this first bit!!!
- It is estimated that the average person knows about 250 people. And each of those people knows, in turn, another 250 or so people. This means that for each new person you meet, you gain access to a potential pool of 62,500 people separated from you by just two degrees!Imagine the odds, then, that out of so many people, you would NOT find one person who would be a source of information about a better job, additional clients or customers, a speaking engagement or writing assignment, an investment opportunity, where to shop for better value, and much more. In all likelihood, you would find many more than one.Networking, therefore, is one of the most profitable activities in which one can engage. Fortunately, like any endeavor, one can get more proficient at it with practice. Moreover, it takes very little time or effort to get it right.It takes only a moment’s conscious decision to become a networker, with no interference to one’s daily routine. All it requires is a slight shift in attitude, and adopting one simple trifurcated rule:
- Plenty out there!! You need to practice and find your own style / comfortable and effective way of networking. You don’t need to pay for any books or advice.