The old adage ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ is more relevant today than ever. People do business with people they know, like and trust and for a business to grow, it’s team and management need to meet and build relationships. A fantastic way to do this is by networking: be this in person or virtually. Not only can you build those all-important business connections, you can also learn a tremendous amount by listening to different experiences and insights.
If you follow us regularly, then you know that HB is a massive fan of networking. Not only do we run events, such as our quarterly HB Accountants Ladies in Business luncheons, we are also active participants in groups such as Love Hoddesdon BID and SNAP Networking for young professionals.
From speaking to many business owners and managers, we are aware that many do not take full advantage of the opportunities that networking brings. Here are our top tips to encourage you to attend networking events and get the most out of them.
Top Tips for Successful Networking
- Be Helpful – Connect the members in your network
Helping people in your network to grow by making introductions or sharing business leads means that they may be in a better position to help you in the future. They are also more likely to want to help you.
We know through holding our regular Ladies in Business networking lunches and proactively linking attendees, we’ve not only helped our friends and clients, we’ve also received many referrals ourselves.
- Be Interested – Listen to what your connections have to say
Listening is one of the most valuable skills to have in business. Encouraging people to talk about themselves and their business whilst you show a genuine interest will help you build the all important relationship AND you could hear useful information or learn about potential opportunities.
Our top tips:
- Ask open-ended questions
- Don’t turn the conversation around to you and your business – keep it focused on the other person
- Think Long-Term – build lasting relationships
Whilst connections open doors; relationships close deals. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards and connecting on LinkedIn, it is most valuable when we form long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. It does take time but making the effort to stay connected, checking in every now and again, really does pay dividends – and builds loyalty.
- Be Generous – Share your expertise
We know that when we share our time, knowledge or resources for free to help a charity or a contact, then we are often repaid with new business or a valuable introduction to a potential new client. It works on social media too – when we share a blog packed full of useful insights, we often spark interesting conversations and at the same time, we are building our reputation and our network.
- Be Brave – Ask
‘You never know until you ask’ – this is so true. Ask for introductions. Ask for advice. Ask to be introduced to people you want to meet. Ask lots of questions!
- Be Proactive – Follow up
Once you’ve met someone, make sure that you follow up in lots of different ways. You could send an email acknowledging the connection, follow them on LinkedIn, set up a 1-2-1, make the introduction that you promised and so on. Then keep following up in a measured way (no stalking!) In short, do what you promised to do and keep the relationship alive.
- Be Open-minded – Look for other ways to network
Remember, there are many forms of networking including community events, sponsoring local teams or schools, supporting employees and their families, online groups, partnering with a non-profit – the list goes on. Keep your eyes open for different ways to meet new people, to build relationships, gain a different perspective on your marketplace and find new clients.
Great networking events in Hoddesdon
- Love Hoddesdon Networking Breakfast Join between 8-9:30am for breakfast and a hot drink for only £8. Attendees include businesses from the Pindar Road community, the High Street and all points around Hoddesdon and Broxbourne. The venue changes every month plus You do not need to be a BID member and newcomers are always made to feel welcome
- HB Accountants Ladies Business Networking Lunches – held every quarter, these very popular networking lunches cost £25 and include a 2-course meal
- SNAP Networking for Young Professionals – HB founded this networking for younger professionals to encourage them into networking, with the empahsis on informal meetings for likeminded business people
If you would like to hear more about networking opportunities across Hertfordshire email us at vickif@hbaccountants.co.uk or call us on 01992 444466. We’re experts ready to support you and your business, no matter your company size or sector
We’ve been in the accountancy business for over 100 years and today we are here to help you. Our vast experience means you have access to practical information and support no matter your business size or sector. If you would like a no obligation discussion about how we can help you and your business, please feel free to contact the team on 01992 444466. We’re accountants for business and we’re here to help you grow.
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The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any errors or omission or for any person acting on or refraining from acting on the information provided in the above
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