Where building relationships can lead

At NRG we recently surveyed our members to find out what our members got out of the NRG relationship. I was (pleasantly) surprised to find that over half our members were actively collaborating with other members.

Then one of our more mature and wordly-wise members sat me down and explained things to me.

"You make a big thing about developing relationships don't you" he said.

"Absolutely, it is fundamental to successful networking" I said.

"Well, think about it - if your members do spend time getting to know other members in depth surely you shouldn't be surprise when a lot of them want to work together, share projects, jointly go to market - in other words, collaborate!"

Silly me - why didn't I think that through!

Martin Davies
NRG Business Networks

If only I could get in front of the right person

I often hear business owners say 'if only I can get in front of more people'. When I ask who those people are they can't name them.

Recently I have heard NRG Business Networks members ask for specific connections in named companies. In one instance someone knew the boss of the Finance Director the member wanted an introduction to. In another someone had been at school with the Marketing Director.

Do a bit of research on people in your target market in advance. Help your network to help you get in front of the 'right people'.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

Try getting someone else to do your one minute pitch

At a business networking event on Monday I was one of the 10 doing a 1 minute pitch to the group. Instead of doing it myself I asked a long standing NRG Business Networks member if he would do it for me. He agreed and instead of me saying how good it was he was able to focus on the benefit from a client perspective.

He concentrated on why he was happy to give the one minute, why he was a member and what he gave and received as a result. Everyone I spoke to afterwards commented on what a powerful endorsement it was.

Next time you have the opportunity why not give the approach a go?

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

Effective Networking

I found this step by step diagram demonstrating some great tips for attending networking events at the Effective Networking Inc. site:
http://old.xplane.com/explains/effectivenetworking/

What a great idea for explaining stuff.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

How not to win friends and influence people

I was at a Chamber of Commerce event last night. It was a good opportunity to catch up with some contacts and meet some new people. I started talking to one person who perhaps should have slowed down on the free wine.

A lady approached us and introduced herself. I recognised that she would be a great possible ally for the other person, but when he came to introduce himself he couldn't pronounce his company name! She was clearly unimpressed.

If you've taken the time and trouble to attend an event that is primarily business focused it may be best to wait until afterwards to unwind :-)

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success