Networking, when done well, can provide a multitude of opportunities for your business development. A big mistake businesses can make is not dedicated enough time to networking because the short-term benefits are not immediately obvious. Yet, networking offers a valuable way of expanding your knowledge, meeting new people, building a reputation for your business and meeting potential clients.

Keep reading to check out some of our latest tips to help you to best maximise your networking opportunities…

Set realistic goals

If you are just branching out into the networker world then it’s a good idea to ease yourself in rather than go over-board and try to attend every single networking event in sight! By doing this, you risk burning out and losing interest in networking altogether.

Make sure to take the time to research networking events in your area and to set up a networking calendar on your desktop and phone so that you avoid missing important events.

Another tip is to vary the types of networking events that you attend. This will not only prevent boredom, but it will also help you to see which event is best suited to you and your business.

Don’t just collect cards

Let’s say you’ve made it to your first networking event, you’re stood facing a room full of people who all seem to be deep in conversation and you feel really out of place… we’ve all been there.

Everyone is in the same boat and is at the event for the same reason, to speak to new people – don’t be afraid to get involved. The general consensus is that if people are talking in an open-circle then it’s just general chit-chat and you are free to make your way over and join in.

The best advice we can give for a first-time and experienced networker is to LISTEN to what other people have to say.

Follow-up

Make sure you take a note of the people who you felt could contribute positively to your business or anyone that you feel could benefit from your services. You can do this via email, LinkedIn or even a phone call.

Get networking!

A good networking event will present you with new opportunities, a great networking event will leave you feeling inspired.

Don’t feel disheartened if you didn’t pick up any new business from the networking events you attended, if you got one fresh idea for your business then the event was worth going to. Remember, everyone are focused on their own business.

Your goal as a business is to see how you can add value to other peoples businesses or lives, not to repeat the same sales pitch to every person you meet!

Need a helping hand?

If you’re looking to branch out into the networking world, or you’re already a seasoned networker on the look-out for new events in the Warrington area, we are hosting our next Digital Summit on the 12th of September. The event will provide the opportunity to mingle with other attendees, listen to our wonderful guest speakers talk about how digital marketing has helped them and have a nosy at our new office.

Tickets will be released in July – we hope to see you there!