What makes Networking such an effective tool? It is something we do every day when we are looking for a product or service - how many times haven't you asked a friend "do you know where I might be able to get someone to fix my ..." computer (for example)and relied on their recommendation or made a recommendation yourself. Networking is a lot like that.

Here are a few important points about networking relating to this

• Networking makes the business world go around.

• Networking isn't about hard selling it's about referrals and building long term relationships.

• Networking works because of trust and confidence in the product or service we have received or is referred

• Networking works because we prefer to use the services of a business that is known to us or someone we know

Basically we like to know who we are buying products and services from and through Networking you get an opportunity to meet other business people, and potential customers, who can get to know you and understand you and your business.

This makes Networking the single most effective and cost comparative way in which to bring new customers into your business and thereby grow your business.

A well known international networking organisation has evidence of US$2.3 billion in revenue received by their members world wide.

Networking events bring you

• new business opportunities

• opportunities to meet new business contacts, leads, clients, customers

• the possibility to promote your products / services

• enable you to meet owners or decision makers from other businesses

• opportunities to learn from others and share ideas and experiences

• the ability to meet potential service providers

• the opportunity to align with others for strategic advantage

Our Networking events are relaxed, informal and have no hidden agenda, there is no pressure, just relax and enjoy talking about what you do.

However, networking does mean that you have to put effor in, you cannot expect to be at a networking event and have people give you business. As we mentioned above you need to build relationships, you need to be prepared and you need to be professional.

For more information on how to most effectively network read our article Networking - How to Make it Work for You.

© Leaping Ahead - John Norton - feel free to copy and replicate any of this information, we only ask that you attribute it to us.