Networking
- Look forward to meeting some interesting people, keep an open mind and never pre-judge whether someone is going to be worth talking to, networking is full of surprises!
- Listen - that way you find out how best you can help or they can help you. Network generously on behalf of other people as well as yourself.
- Think creatively about how you describe your business, saying that you help businesses to save money will be much more interesting to the listener than "I'm an accountant".
- Network all the time; networking is not just for meetings it happens at the schoolgate in a queue and at a party.
- Don't just hand your business card out, ask if it is OK and ask for theirs in return. Comment on their name/address/business name, it will help them remember you and your business.
- Finally, enjoy it! You never know where networking will lead you and your business.
Julie Edwards
Network Manager Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE)
www.wireuk.org
For more useful tips and suggestions, why not visit the Business Link website? www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast
