Get Connected with Networking 

Networking is an everyday interaction. If you think about it, you interact with family, friends, colleagues and clients daily; within any group or community that you are a part of. When you network you connect with other individuals, associate with like-minded people, extend your thought processes, and develop and build relationships.

What is it that encourages you to network within a certain group, community or association? Do the words likeminded, familiarity, security and support spring to mind? Networking brings together these elements to help you effectively communicate and work with others and build a team of support and expert advice.

Using the analogy of baking a cake, let's take a look at how networking can mix together the right ingredients for both personal and business success.

How do you bake a great cake? Start by following a proven recipe. What does a recipe provide you with? There's a list of ingredients in various quantities and set timings to follow, then a series of instructions or a method about how and when to add certain ingredients, as well as what to mix together first.

Networking is a process, not to be strictly followed like a recipe, however being prepared is a key. When you prepare to bake a cake you get out all the ingredients and utensils you need and you turn on the oven. Likewise in business good preparation involves setting a goal. Consider what you desire networking to achieve for you and your business. This is not to say you can completely prepare for who you will meet and what you will talk about. But be ready for opportunities that can lead to your goal as you mix with others.

The difference between a delicious cake and an inedible one is definitely in the mixing and blending stages. Forget the flour and eggs (generally!) and you have no cake. What you'll end up with is a burnt pile of goo in your cake tin! When you mix and blend with the right people, in other words when you network with likeminded individuals, these interactions will become an invaluable asset to building and sustaining your business relationships. When you add the correct portions to your mixture, you will create a series of positive steps to your individual set of ingredients. Remember though it's all about maintaining a balance - not too much or too little of any one thing.

Now your cake is ready to be baked. As your cake rises you will meet new challenges through networking, helping you grow as an individual and within your business. Opportunities will be presented as you blend together your expertise and conversation with others. Build on your interactions to develop strong business relationships.

Serve up your beautifully baked cake. As you network the business message you deliver should be designed to meet with and exceed peoples' expectations. Create a reputation and become the icing on the cake. Throughout your networking journey bringing together the right blend of ingredients will ultimately produce a unique recipe of success for you and your business. Networking can be a powerful tool to help you present your slice of business excellence.

Simply Google "business networking Swindon" and you will find regular networking groups and events in the area.

All you have to do to be in the chance of winning is answer the easy question below...

C. Sales and Marketing

 

Written by Gail Gibson of True Expressions
Discovery, Change, Transformation