On a scale of 1 to 10, how good are you at networking?
Difficult to estimate? Here are a few questions you could ask yourself:
- When people ask, ‘what do you do’, do you state the facts, or do you impress them as to the value you give if they used your product or service?
- Do people regard you as an attractive business proposition?
- Do you take time to ask them about their business?
- How many contacts do you make from a networking group of say 20 to 30?
- More specifically, how many contacts do you make with whom you have agreed a follow-up?
In answering these questions, would you still give yourself the same score?
I have noticed during my recent forays into new networking groups, that some people are still hesitant about networking. This may be due to their lack of experience, or it may be that they are still feeling a little insular after the covid lockdown years.
Confidence is key; that and a simple method of approach.
When you venture forth into a networking situation, a little preparation can make a big difference. It could mean the difference between a zero result and 3 or more useful contacts.
Some of the key preparation questions to ask yourself:
- What am I offering? – lack of clarity here can scupper your efforts to attract new prospects.
- What do they need/want? – find out how you can help them
- What added value can you give? – have you something up your sleeve to sweeten the deal?
- Can you give them something to read? – taking something away will help to reinforce their memory of you and your business, even if it’s only a business card!
Networking can take a lot of time, and sometimes a large subscription. It is worthwhile investing in yourself to make sure you become a smart networker and make it a profitable experience.
If you would like some help and guidance in networking, I will be holding a 2-in-1 workshop from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm on Tuesday 14th October 2025, at Bowman House in Royal Wootton Bassett.
In the first part, we will start with ‘Selling Yourself’ – important skills in making a great first impression and attracting interest. In the second part, we will have ‘Smart Networking’ as a great way of using these skills to the best and most profitable effect.
Full details can be found here.