Is your networking group inclusive and interesting, or dull and demotivating? Would you be better off at Starbucks with a mixed bunch of entrepreneurs?
We are all supposed to get 'out there' and 'network'. Cue collective groaning, and creative avoidance techniques to avoid the tension inducing prospect that is networking. I sympathise, really, even having run a really enjoyable networking group myself, I am not blind to the pitfalls.
Even if you have managed to find the group that perfectly suits you, and more importantly, your business aims, it is likely that you sometimes suffer from post networking stress syndrome. Was it worth it? Why do I talk to the same people each time? Is it worth the effort?
Time to act. Why do you network?
- To find new customers?
- To engineer meetings with decision makers?
- To listen to the experiences of others in business or starting up?
- To enjoy some social contact with other business people?
- To raise your profile?
If you answered yes to 1) and 2), and no to the others, you probably need to rethink. Of course, it is possible to pick up business, if you regularly talk to the same people and they come to know you as a potential supplier, or advisor. However, if you spend a lot of time networking, perhaps using this as your main new business activity, you could be neglecting other key issues.
Make sure you are paying attention to the other elements of your marketing and promotion too. List all of the things that you do now to get new business, the time you have spent on them, and the results so far. Of course, you need a combination to ensure a steady stream of new clients, and repeat business from existing clients, but you will be able to see if you are spending valuable hours networking, with not much to show in terms of a return.
Your time is valuable, you know this, and you hear it from every business adviser you encounter, but it is absolutely true. Two hours spent catching up with nice folk you see twice a month, (plus travel time) might make you feel like you are working on the business, but examine the evidence, before you sign up for any more meetings.
If you answered yes to any, or all of 3, 4 and 5 - you are on the right track. Relax and let yourself listen, instead of trying to impress everyone, and a women's networking group can enrich your life. Of course, there will be women who are only intent on selling themselves, (figuratively speaking!). I have to admit, alarm bells tend to chime when I hear NLP in a conversation (really, is it not common sense??) The trick is, to use the usually friendly environment that a female networking event provides, to hone your communication skills and talk about your business. Volunteer to present your 30 second pitch if offered, and ask for feedback.
Finding networking groups for women:
There are now literally hundreds of groups around the country, appealing to City business women, and those in rural areas.
Here are a few regional organisations that would be a good place to start, ask about groups in your area.
UK wide
Women at Work - http://www.womenatwork.co.uk/
The Women's Company - www.thewomenscompany.com
Women Working 4 Women - http://www.womenworking4women.co.uk/
One Woman Business - www.onewomanbusiness.co.uk
Everywoman - www.everywoman.co.uk
London/South
The Womens Networking Company - www.thewomensnetworkingcompany.com
Aurora - www.auroravoice.com/
Women in Business - http://www.wib-org.uk/
Midlands
FATIMA Women's Network - http://www.fatima-network.com
Women involved in Successful Enterprise WiiSE - www.derbyshirechamber.com/cms/9.html
West
Business Support Network www.businesssupportnetwork.com
East
Women on Top - www.women-on-top.co.uk
North West
Women's Business Network - www.wbn.org.uk
Winning Women - www.winningwomen.co.uk
North East
Women into the Network - www.networkingwomen.co.uk
Northern Ireland
Women in Business Network - http://www.womeninbusinessnetwork.org.uk/
Republic of Ireland
Network Ireland - www.networkireland.ie
Scotland
Scottish Business Women www.scottishbusinesswomen.co.uk
Wales
Vale Womens Business Network www.vwbn.org.uk
International
Commonwealth Business Women's Network http://www.cbwn.net
About the Author Diana Horner has been interested in helping women run successful businesses since she started her first business in 1999. As well as establishing a highly successful woman's networking group and organising a series of events aimed at women in business, Diana now runs Enterprising Woman - an online magazine aimed at helping and motivating women starting and running their own businesses. Enterprising Woman is a growing community for finding information, sharing experiences and collecting tips from other women entrepreneurs. To read the latest issue of Enterprising Woman, packed with interesting articles and practical tips, visit http://www.enterprisingwoman.co.uk! |
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