Starting
up a new business is possibly going to be the most exciting
- and terrifying - thing you've ever done.
You know your idea is
brilliant and your business will be a success. But unless
you win enough clients or make enough sales you are going
to struggle.
This is where business
networking comes in. Initially an American idea, some people
still see it as a very 'un-British' thing to do - marching
into a room full of strangers and launching yourself on them
with your great business plan.
However it doesn't have
to be like that.
A whole raft of networking
groups is springing up across the country, some exclusively
for women, others tailored to business segments. Most are
relaxed, friendly, involve a drink and maybe even food - and
it doesn't have to be scary.
"I love the excitement
of going to a networking event as you never know who you are
going to meet. When I first set up Bliss I struggled to gain
the numbers of clients I wanted through using other, more
expensive sources. But since I started networking I've gained
the majority of my current business from either direct contact
with people at the event or referrals from the contacts I
have made there," said Andrea Waterhouse of Bliss Life
Coaching.
Even if the person you
are talking to doesn't need your services now, they may at
a later date and they could well pass your name on to other
contacts who need you now.
All you need is a smile,
some business cards and a little bit of confidence - which
anyone who has set up their own business will have in abundance.
And the chances are, you'll
also find people who can make your life easier!
"All the services
I need for my business like a bookkeeper and web designer
have also come through networking. The events are fun and
everyone is there to gain business referrals or to help people
by passing on details of useful contacts. Anyone not networking
doesn't realise the potential it has to help build your business,"
says Andrea.
Start with your local
Business
Link or Chamber
of Commerce or try searching for local networking events
in Google
You won't look back.
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