Networking with FOCUS - Introduction

Are you a member of any networking groups? Why did you join them? What attracted you to your first meeting?

It may be you felt it was the right thing to do in terms of your business. Perhaps the mix of people felt right. Maybe you thought you would find your customers there.

Broadening the picture, many people join networking groups, whether Chambers, online networks or one of many other organisations, for two main reasons.

The most common reason people offer for joining networks is that they have been invited along by a trusted colleague who promised great things for their business as a result. Alternatively, they have heard so much about the importance of ‘networking’ that they have done some research and gone along to a local meeting.

Once at the meeting, if it ‘feels right’ and the organisation seems to fit the aims of the business, they may well join.

Is this the best way to select a network? Perhaps not. Over the next few weeks, I would like to share with you some ideas about how to ‘FOCUS’ your networking and ensure that the results you achieve are more targeted and, therefore, exceed existing expectations.

We will look at the bottom line benefits for your business, together with the advantages you can gain in terms of personal development and in other areas. In addition, we will discuss the problems of balancing the various opportunities available and the importance of helping others to help you. Finally we will look at how it all fits together.

Next time... The Bottom Line