How to network effectively.

1. Effective Networking

2. Believe none of what you hear and
half of what you see.

3. What is networking?
Existing networks.
Building new networks.
Helping others and building trust.
Online networks.

4. What is networking?
Business networking is a socioeconomic activity by which groups of like-minded
businesspeople recognize [sic], create, or act upon business opportunities. A
business network is a type of social network whose reason for existing is business
activity.
Effective networking is a key way of generating business at low cost and can take
place in person/face-to-face, online, via the telephone - anywhere that there is
contact between two people.
Networking can be a way of directly reaching decision-makers and each new
contact provides access to wider networks. It is a low cost way of marketing
yourself and your business.

5. Existing networks
You’re already an experienced networker and will have a range of contacts from
family and friends, work colleagues and people with whom you attended
university, school or college.
Make the most of these existing networks which may include ones developed
through education, work, your local community and existing business contacts.
Let your current contacts know that you are starting or growing a business and
then set yourself the target of building a new network of contacts.

6. Where to start:
Look for local networking groups and associations.
All events and meetings are a networking opportunity - you don’t need to look for
specific ‘networking’ events or groups.
Try to find a setting in which you feel comfortable.
Sector specific meetings - useful for meeting new contacts and for peer support.
Meetup.com, Eventbrite, CING, Northern Digitals, B4B, 4Networking, UoS…
www.thebusinessgroup.org/events

7. Making the most of any networking event:
1. A good introduction.
2. What makes you different and memorable?
3. Help and listen to others.
4. Choose your targets.
5. Maintain communication.

8. Passing on your contact details:
Business card – most important tool you’ll own:

9. If you do manage to create a successful network make sure that you support that
network.
It is not just about helping yourself.
Always meet people’s expectations.
Share your experiences with others both online and offline.
Keep your network up to date.
Build trust.
Maintain credibility.

10. Making use of online networks:
Find which ones you are most
comfortable with or will be most
effective for your business.
Have a succinct description of you and
your business in your profile.
Help, listen and engage with others.
Choose your targets - who to follow,
friend and add.
Maintain communication - update, tweet
and post regularly.

11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYj7q_by_2E

12. www.thebusinessgroup.org