Networking A-Z through the UK Singles Chart – Following a musical theme
I promised that I would share something that I “created” a few years back.
To set the scene – at one of the Bristol Business Network events one of the members delivered the 10 minute speaker slot with the aid of music – one track specifically and he use dthis to introduce his talk – it was The Pointer Sister “I’m so excited” and you know what I know how he feels as typing up my handwritten notes – “I am so excited” – whether you will be remains to be seen!
My theme was – and no prizes for guessing – networking and it was to be an “A-Z” with my reference source being the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles 2nd edition – 1979
and the 12th edition in 1999 
If we are talking about an A-Z of networking we need to start with ABC (The Jacksons reached No.8 in 1970)
or even the ABC and D (Blue Bamboo reached No.24 in 1994)
or to use the whole alphabet as Prince did with Alphabet Street (1988 reached No.9)
So here it goes – the complete A-Z of networking and what you need to consider to enjoy the networking that you do and for it to be an effective part of your business strategy
A – Arrival – Abba Album – get to events on time – maximise your opportunities, allow time to get there, park and arrive ready not rushed
B – Be My Guest (Fats Domino No. 11 in 1959) – invite them along, meet them at the event
C – Call Me (Blondie No.1 in 1987) – that’s what we all want – the continued conversation, connection and eventual collaboration
D – Delivering the Goods (Skid Row No.22 in 1992) – how you tell your story on the benefits you bring to others
E – Everybody Needs Somebody (Birdland No. 44 in 1991) – maybe not instantly, maybe not necessarily you but with an abundance mentality you will rewarded
F – Firm Buzz (Firm No. 18 in 1997) – what an event should have, enthusiastic people conversing and connecting. Or Food for Thought (UB40 No. 4 in 1980) getting and giving ideas, innovations, opportunities.
G – Give Me Your Word (Tennessee Ernie Ford No.1 in 1955) – important that you follow up on what you’ve said/promised – the call, email, the one to one
H – Help (The Beatles No.1 in 1965) – a networking event will have a roomful of expertise that can help you (and those that you know) overcome challenges, fulfill future goals and develop a network that will only enhance your business
I – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2 No.6 in 1987) – you may not have but there will be someone who can help – it’s all in the conversation and questions that engage in with others
J – Just a Little Bit Better (Hermans Hermits No.15 in 1965) – it is better doing business with people you know, like and trust and it’s scientifically proven to talk to people face to face
K – Keep in Touch (Freez No. 49 in 1980) – meeting someone at an event is the start of building the relationship, with Twitter, LinkedIn and Face Book there is no excuse not to stay in contact and share knowledge, ideas. If you have “met” online and the event was the first “face to face” the same goes!
L – Longview (Greenday No. 30 in 1995) – networking is about long term relationships, not quick wins, and as I’ve mentioned before – abundance.
M- Main Attraction (Pat Boone No. 12 in 1962) – some networking events have speaker slots, some have seminars – your opportunity to demonstrate your expertise
N- Nine to Five ( Dolly Parton No. 47 in 1981) – networking is a genuine work activity, part of your marketing, brand development and awareness, part of your strategic plan – not an add on, not something that is dropped, an appointment that will generate opportunities
O – Opportunities (Pet Shop Boys No. 12 in 1986) – a whole host will be generated by networking with enthusiasm, a positive attitude, a willingness to look to help – to coin a new word “optitude” – the ability to develop opportunities
P – Problems (Everley Brothers No. 6 in 1959) – networking and the connections and relationships that forge will help you overcome them
Q – Quando, Quando, Quando (Pat Booone No.41 in 1962) – the Italian word for when – networking is about the when but also the how, where, what, why and who
R – Remember Me ( Cliff Richard No.35 in 1987) – you didn’t expect there not to be a Cliff record did you?! – networking is about being memorable so that you will be the first person that someone thinks of when they require your services. Also you need to remember other and reciprocate
S – Stop, Look, Listen (Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders No. 37 in 1964) – give people your undivided attention – listen to what they have to say, what questions could you ask to find out more – 2 ears and one mouth springs to mind!
T – Time (Culture Club No. 3 in 1982) – networking and the actions you need to take as a result of your networking need to be given time – to attend, to follow up. A networking event will give you people face to face, food, drink, conversation, knowledge and opportunities – a super example of multi-tasking!
U- Um, um, um, um, um (Major Lance No.40 in 1970) – come prepared – have questions ready to ask, have your story ready – an anecdote, an example of who you have worked with and how it benefited
V – Vacation – (Connie Francis No. 10 in 1962) – you need to look at networking as something that is enjoyable, envigorating and something to look forward to – you’ll come away feeling inspired, positive, with new ideas, with enthusiasm to take your business forward and help others do the same
W – Walker Brothers – No Regrets (No.7 in 1976) – the feeling you have when you have invested your time and money in to networking. There are many positives that come from networking not solely orders.
X – XTC – Making Plans for Nigel (No.17 in 1979) – the result of your conversations and the connections you make will result in opportunities being realised. X can also be seen as a crossroads – that’s a networking event – a crossroads where there will be numerous people who have the potential to help you – the art and skill is having the conversations that can lead to the opportunities!
Y – You’re More Than a Number in my Little Red Book – (Drifters No.5 in 1976) – the people you meet are real! Treat them as you yourself would like to be treated continue to nurture and develop the relationship
Z – Zager and Evans – In the Year 2525 (No.1 in 1969) – networking has been a vital business activity for hundreds of years and will continue to be so beyond 2525 so embrace the opportunities that it gives you!
Thank you for your time!
Feel free to comment and add your thoughts – any tunes, groups form after 2000 would bring everything up to date!
Bristol Business Network 