Networking is a simple concept with the basic aim of bringing people and businesses together. It’s a chance for businesses to showcase or share their experience and knowledge, seek help and guidance, collaborate, find sales leads and customers, or maybe just swap contacts details. In short, the focus is on linking up like-minded people so that something positive can happen.
Traditional real life networks can sometimes be formal groups, with rules about who can participate. For example, there may be set joining criteria in order to attract members with common attitudes or characteristics (such as company size or background). This is not intended to foster a ‘clique’ - it’s really about maintaining relevance so that attendees can get equal value from the networking experience. Such groups encourage highly engaged participants, who recognise their role in contributing to the overall networking dynamic.
Of course, not all business networking is so involved. One recent trend to hit the business world is the emergence of ‘speed networking’, which are casual events based on the speed dating concept where participants spend just a few minutes talking to each other. There are usually less restrictions about who can take part, the assumption being that although there is a higher probability that participants will bump into undesirable contacts, they will not have to spend too much time with them and can move on to meet others as quickly as possible.
Online networking is another growing marketplace where business people can link up without leaving their desks. ‘LinkedIn’ is an online business community based on the concept of building a network of ‘trusted contacts’. ‘BT Tradespace’ aims to link small businesses, individual sellers and customers, through its online community and business listings. Focus is again on building trust - this time through user comments, reviews and ratings. Such sites aim to build trust through clever technology, rather than through personal judgement resulting from face to face contact.
The involved membership only approach, and the high volume approaches like speed networking and online communities represent two extremes when it comes to business networking. There is in fact much more in between, such as networking breakfasts where business people simply sit down to eat with like minded peers, and formal or informal networking events held by local Chambers of Commerce or other business support organisations. The trick is to do a bit of research to find out what’s going on in your local area. Once you have found a networking approach you are comfortable with, all that is left to do is get involved!
Find out more - Learning through networking with others