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5 reasons to network


Networking’s a lot like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it.

We happen to love it here at Worcestershire Business Breakfast Networking Club and we’re not just saying it because we’re a networking group.

We’ve been running for almost 30 years, making us the most established networking club in Worcestershire.

It also means that we’ve been living and breathing networking for a very long time. From seeing networking newbies attend their first meeting, to seeing networking pros in their stride, as well as picking up on the good (and no so good) tactics in action, we know the ins and outs of networking.

However, we recognise that not everybody’s as enthusiastic about networking as us. This could be because you’re yet to dip your toe in the water and are a little nervous and unsure about the best way to start going about it. Or it could be perhaps because you’ve been there, done that, and decided it wasn’t for you because you didn’t generate any leads. Or maybe you just haven’t had the time to try it just yet….

As with most business decisions, there are pros and cons to networking. And we believe the benefits very much outweigh the negatives. Still not convinced? Here are 5 reasons why we think every business should hit the networking circuit with gusto:

REASON #1: Six Degrees of Separation

As the theory goes, every person on the planet is only six introductions away from another person. In a world of 7.6 billion people, this may seem really difficult to believe, but back in 2008, Microsoft researchers proved that the theory is indeed true. So, get networking, meet new people and expand your possible reach.

REASON #2: Referrals and leads

Ask most businesses why they network and generating leads and referrals, especially leads, will most definitely be at the top of their objectives list. Networking enables you to get out there, poke your head above the parapet and start getting your business out there amongst new people.

Word of warning: Don’t expect to walk away from a networking meeting with a bagful of leads and referrals (if only it were that easy) new business from networking can take time to come through. The people you meet may not require your services right away however, they may do three, six or even 12 months down the line. The same applies to referrals – have patience, the work with come.

REASON #3: Connections

You can never have too many connections, after all, it’s not what you know, but who you know that can really pay off in the world of business. Networking provides you with the platform to meet individuals, who you may not necessarily cross paths with plus, they’ll have networks that you can tap into as well.



REASON #4: Advice

Being able to talk to like-minded business owners means you can get advice on all sorts of subjects, relating to your business, such as which accountants they use and the software they simply couldn’t do without.

Networking is a great way to tap into advice and expertise that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get hold of.

Word of warning: We’re not saying you should follow everybody’s advice verbatim (unless you’d obviously like to!) Taking little tit-bits here and there and learning from other people’s lessons is the best strategy.

REASON #5: Confidence

Pushing yourself to get out there and talk to people you don’t know and have never met before is a real confidence booster. And the more you do it, the more confident you’ll get at doing it.

Networking is great for people who aren’t particularly confident, as it really pushes them out of their comfort zone. They just need to get over the nervousness of attending their first few meetings first! But it’s well worth it!

So, there you have it, 5 reasons why businesses should network. There are, of course, plenty more reasons out there, but these 5 will provide you with enough food for thought and hopefully encourage you to get started or resurrect your networking strategies.

And if those 5 reasons haven’t convinced you about networking, then take a look at the quotes below from some of our lovely members about why they network:

“For me, it’s not about gaining direct referrals, but about having ‘business friends’, people who can help or support me with a range of business issues outside my own field and who can inspire and energise me.” – June Mills, June Mills HR Solutions.

“I do it to meet people and get out of my comfort zone! It’s also a chance to find new suppliers for my own company, as well as find contacts for new clients. Plus, it can be fun meeting new people from all walks of life.” – Andy Baker, Eureka Financial Solutions.

“Networking gives you the opportunity to meet people from a diverse range of businesses. If you are a sole trader running your own business, it can be very isolating, so the chance to meet other like-minded people is very helpful.” – Kathy Scott, Hands On At Work.

“I network because I want to interact with other local businesses and offer my services face-to-face. It also allows me to discuss my business on a more personal basis and to find out about local firms too.” – Phillip Millham, Millham Couriers.

“I network for a number of reasons - to speak with my contacts and build rapport, as well as get to know them, meet new people and get a different opinion on something.” – Julie Bott, Efficient Thinking Solution Limited.

“Networking’s a way of extending your knowledge and meeting and learning about new people and opportunities in addition to social interaction.” – Mike Gee, DMG Associates.

To discuss any of the points further with us or to find out more about our networking group, contact Chairman, Julie King, on julie@dpix.co.uk or 07980 051892.




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