“Networking” – the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts – “the skills of networking, bargaining, and negotiation.”
Networking is about interacting with people and engaging them for mutual benefit.
It can help you establish a new business if you have moved to a new city or town, and also assists in growing an existing one. You can also use networking as a tool for finding investors, customers, staff, suppliers and business partners with minimal cost to your business.
You can network face to face at social events, conferences and through industry organisations, like with the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce. You can also network online, through sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
The more ways you can network, the more your business and profile will benefit.
It’s common for people to feel apprehensive about networking, but it’s a skill you can develop with practice. The more networking you do, the easier it will become.
There are 3 different types of networks which can be used in different ways, operational, personal and strategic.
Operational networks include direct reports, superiors, and key outsiders such as suppliers, distributors and customers.
Personal networks can provide important referrals, and people who can offer information and often developmental support, such as coaching and mentoring.
Strategic networks provide opportunities to look at the bigger picture through mentoring, or simply give a different perspective on your business. This will provide the most immediate impact on the growth of your business. This builds a social network giving you referral potential which expands your presence in your industry.
If you own a small business, networking can be an inexpensive way to promote your business. Through networking, you can discover new opportunities, build your customer base and find new suppliers and staff. You may also find investors and new business partners.
You should get into the habit of regularly attending breakfasts, lunches, seminar and lectures that are held by various groups, which provide great networking opportunities to all that attend.
By joining the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce, being the leading voice in business on the Coffs Coast since 1911, opens up large networking opportunities to assist in your business to grow and make it a success.
For our next Networking event, members and guests are welcome to join us at the next Chamber event which is a breakfast on 30th April 2019 at Opal Cove Resort for the 2019 Federal Election “Meet the Candidates for Cowper”.