The Importance of Networking

Go Networking!

Last night I went to a regular Networking event.   Our speaker was Andy Preston who is a true Professional Speaker who “Walks the Talk”... fabulous, thank you Andy.
Have a look for yourselves - http://www.andypreston.com

The one thing I noticed was the number of attendees had declined as I have noticed at all the events I recently attend.  This confuses me....

People talk about a recession – still.   They say they are not getting the business they would like...  But what are they doing to win that business they would like?

Last night, and other events, are golden opportunities to Market your business in a very cost effective way.  From last night alone I have already arranged 4 x 1-1 with new clients.  Like the lottery says “If your not in it you can’t win it”.

Today I read the Networking Top Tip from Andy Lopata - “In Sight In Mind”.... 

This is a very interesting point and links in perfectly with my point about people not coming out to find new clients.  Have a read for yourself...

“Many people are critical of status updates on Facebook and LinkedIn and tweets on Twitter. Yet they play a much underestimated role in keeping people in touch with each other. 

Time is scarcer than it's ever been, with so many demands on it both in our work and personal time. It's harder for many to find the time to keep in touch with old friends, colleagues and clients, particularly when our circumstances change such as moving onto other jobs, into new areas or new relationships.

In the past, many people would have seen old relationships disappear and be replaced by new friendships. Yet, if the friendship was rooted in firm foundations, there is no reason for this other than time. Now we can keep in touch with friends and professional contacts by posting status updates and commenting on theirs. 

Such activity certainly doesn't replace physical contact, but can be very powerful in filling the gap when we don't see each other. And by keeping us in sight and in mind, it means that when we do see each other again, often it feels as though we've never been apart.”

Andy Lopata’s weekly “Connecting is not Enough”.. http://www.lopata.co.uk/

So, my message here today, backed by many other professionals is clear and simple...

To improve our business we MUST get out there and let potential clients know of our products and services. 

Go Networking!
www.linkagepoint.co.uk