For many people, networking conjures up images of business card exchanges and uncomfortable small talk. However, we believe that when done right, networking can be one of the most powerful tools in anybody’s arsenal. However, in this blog post, I’m going to share with you some of the not-so-obvious advantages that you can look forward to on your networking journey.
Make new friends who can offer you great advice
Finding somebody who can consistently give you genuinely helpful advice can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. But by getting involved in networking groups, you will find yourself consistently surrounded by people who have dealt or are dealing with similar problems to you.
It’s common for people to create long-lasting friendships at networking events. This could be due to the fact that for many, running a business is their passion and the source of a unique set of challenges. So when you find yourself in a room filled with people who all feel the same, its easy to create strong connections.
A change of scenery
Networking can provide you with the opportunity to get out of your office and break free from your usual routine. A great networking event will counter-intuitively allow you to switch off your business brain and start enjoying yourself and make some genuine connections.
Aside from this, networking events often take place in interesting venues and locations. This can provide you with an inspiring atmosphere and the opportunity to go back to your business with a fresh perspective.
Establish your reputation as a ‘people person’
Regularly attending networking events is a great way to build trust with others who you may want to work with. This is because we are hard-wired to trust people more with each touch point we have with them, so by simply showing your face on a regular basis, people will become much more receptive to you over time.
Through networking, you have the opportunity to convey your personality face-to-face with people. This is so impactful because, when somebody meets you and they decide that they like your values or how you think, they will feel more comfortable introducing you to the people in their network.
This is why networking shouldn’t be seen as just a short-term method of finding clients, because through patience and long term thinking, you can build up the reputation and relationships that will continue to serve you for the rest of your business life.
If you want to get yourself out there and start speaking to all the right people, please make an enquiry at www.bizpedia.com to find out if one of our UK networking groups would be a good place for you start your journey.