An introduction to networking

Author: Youth 2 Youth.

Networking can be difficult for the person who is just starting out in business; and can be even harder if you're young - especially if you have little or no experience of dealing with people in a business context, or with people outside your regular social circle. It's important, however, not to be daunted, as networking is essential for business success.

Networking is about expanding your circle of colleagues to include people from a diverse range of fields. Essentially, it's about meeting people, and meeting people can do a variety of things for your business! Networking can result in finding new staff or contractors; learning of new opportunities, services or market openings; forming a strategic partnership that could result in cost-cutting or more profit for your business; meeting prospective clients; and making new friends.

The best way to start is to think of what kind of networking you are interested in doing. There are so many opportunities out there that it's often best to get your feet wet by first sorting out what kind of environment you really want to put yourself in. Perhaps you are a young business woman and would prefer to deal with other business women at this stage? Or perhaps you would rather network with people within your specific industry, for example, retail. Or perhaps you are interested in meeting only other young entrepreneurs at this stage?

Once you have selected what opportunities you'd like to explore, then start searching for networking events and groups. Events are usually advertised in local papers, or contact your local Chamber of Commerce. For more permanent group membership, join your Chamber of Commerce; a social/communication organisation (Rotaract, Zonta, BPW) or the industry or professional association do to with your business.

Once you've experienced a few events or sessions, you'll start to hear of others 'through the network'. It's also important not to dismiss networking opportunities as irrelevant to your business - you need to remember that whilst not every event will be beneficial, you are never just meeting the people at the event - you are meeting their entire of network of contacts too!

Tips

• Practice your introduction and your 30 second sales pitch of what your business does
• Always take your business card, a pen and your diary. If you don't have a card - make one!
• Be early to the function, to maximize networking time
• If you go with business partner - split up for the event - and make 2 sets of contacts!
• Remember the personal details of people you meet. One idea is to write a few facts about the person on the back of their card. When you meet them again, use those points for conversation (eg. Sheila grew up in the Hunter Valley. She is in business with her best friend Tammy. She is doing a degree in Design).
• Help people out. If you have no valuable service or product to offer the person you meet, tell them about someone else you met who does. Give out these favours and they will come back to you! Referrals are the language of the networking world!
• Ask open questions, ones that can't be answered with a simple 'Yes' or 'No'.
• Don't be afraid to start a conversation - you have nothing to lose!
• Really listen to the person rather than waiting for your turn to speak. That way you can immediately pick up on common links with the person and their business, if any.
• Use current affairs as conversation starters, "Terrible bush fires today, aren't there?"

Youth 2 Youth keeps lots of information on networking opportunities or groups. Get in touch for some information on existing ones - or we can advise you on how to start your very own!

'Copyright 2003 Youth 2 Youth'

Disclaimer: This article is for your information, but it may not apply to or be suitable for your situation, so seek professional advice. Youth 2 Youth or Y-Biz Hothouse cannot be held liable for anything resulting from how you use the information provided in this article.