It Pays To Network

The strength of your network can make or break your search for your next job, your ability to acquire new customers or business partner seven the likelihood that you’ll land a big promotion.

The most successful people are often those who rely heavily on the power of networking.

Some people hate the idea of networking but, as the Harvard Business Review said: 'in today’s world, networking is a necessity.'

Successful networking can help raise your profile, meet new customers, develop your knowledge or skills, explore innovative ideas, find investment, establish partnerships, build a presence in other markets and source new suppliers.

You should actively look for opportunities where you can share your experience, knowledge and contacts with other network members.

If you think networking is just attending events and 'working a room,' you would be wrong, it also takes place every time you meet up with a business associate or contact.

Networking is about establishing and developing relationships. These contacts will be more productive and last longer if you make sure they are mutually beneficial. The aim is to make connections with people who might be able to help you achieve your aims, whilst helping them with theirs.

To get the best from networking it helps to target events and places where you think you are most likely to meet useful contacts.

Don’t be shy, introduce yourself to others. Remember, never interrupt people in deep conversation, it’s rude and causes embarrassment. When the times is right, approach the individual or group, say hello, introduce yourself and offer a handshake. Smile and maintain good eye-contact. Don’t forget they will be looking to network and make contacts too, so they are expecting approaches.

Develop a short, 30/45 seconds ‘elevator pitch’, that describes your business


‘Dress to impress’ – wear appropriate clothes that look professional. The casual look will be perfect for some sectors and a suit might be expected in others. There’s no specific rules, just think “what does my appearance say about me” and dress accordingly.

Make sure you always have professional business cards with you. It may be that you exchange LinkedIn details or ‘beep’ your details from mobile phone to mobile phone, but the old-fashioned business card can still be the best way of exchanging details.

Don’t be uncomfortable ending the conversation and moving on. Before you move on, agree next steps, for example, promising to get in touch to arrange another meeting. Once you have made an arrangement, always stick to it. Even if you don’t think you can help each other now, be polite. You might be able to help each other in the future. Say that you enjoyed meeting them, exchange business cards and move on.

After attending any networking event you should file away business cards and email anyone you had a particularly interesting or valuable conversation with, to say that you enjoyed meeting them and decide a way forward. If you said you would follow-up with anything make sure you do it promptly, whilst the contact is still ‘hot.’