Why is networking a positive learning experience? 

Our weekly Swindon business advice column with Gail Gibson

 

As you network you meet new individuals and you extend the existing relationships you have built with regular networkers, creating an opportunity to learn something new.

 
Some say that knowledge is power. In relation to networking we can interpret knowledge as the sharing of information and experience to benefit ourselves and others.

 

It's about sharing information to help others solve problems, enhance business opportunities and to develop strong and lasting working relationships.

 

However the sharing of information should not be forced upon people in a dominant way. As learning is about discovery, so too is the sharing of wisdom and experience. Don't force your lifetime of business knowledge down everyone's throat at every opportunity. Participate in conversations where you share knowledge equally.

 

Awareness and Understanding

Learn to recognise and understand peoples' needs. If you are an experienced networker facilitate conversations with newcomers and start up business owners where you seek to find out specific areas or issues that may concern them. Demonstrate your awareness of their needs and they will see you as an understanding and knowledgeable person; a valuable business contact. Your approach may lead them to ask you for advice at challenging and winning times within their business.

Be Seen as an Expert     

Being an experienced business person, the value you bring to networking when you share your wisdom and knowledge can be one of the greatest benefits to others. Think about successful businesses and business people across the globe, what is one thing that helps them continue to be successful? Experience. These individuals have learnt from experience, wisdom and advice; about the best ways to manage and sustain their own business. What could you offer others as you network? How can you help them grow?

As your business grows you keep learning, experiencing positives and negatives, becoming better at what you do or provide. You become an expert in your field. Why? Because you learn from experience. When something works you keep doing it, and when it doesn't, you try something else.

As you share information with others, you have the potential to further another's knowledge and enhance the development of an essential set of business skills to help progress their business to another level. Be seen as someone who offers helpful advice and expertise. Remember you were once in their shoes and maybe struggled along the way, learning as your business grew. Encourage individuals to learn, to gain knowledge and together you can forge prosperous business relationships.

 

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