Hello and welcome

For first timers a brief introduction……

This A-Z has been compiled from sources gathered over the last 25 years – many before Google – it is by no means exhaustive or I trust exhausting; merely something that will help you get more from your networking.

Originally written or should I say compiled as a resource for members of Business Network SW and then developed into a series of seminars.  Now it’s the basis for a number of blog posts which I trust that you will find informative, useful and – dare I say, even worth sharing and ultimately even engage with.

I will serialise in posts over the coming weeks and months and it will develop as more knowledge and wisdom becomes available – which it undoubtedly will!

U

Uncover others’ challenges, issues, needs, pain, problems, developments, opportunities that you or someone you know can help with.  You should not be looking for ways to always promote your business and what it does.  During the conversations that you have, yes, conversations, not a sales spiel or your super rehearsed “elevator pitch” you will get to know the people that you meet and what their challenges are and what opportunities thay are looking for (personally or for people that they know).  Here’s where your own network can help.  A great opportunity to be the connector.

Think about what help/support/challenges/opportunities are facing your customers, suppliers, contacts?  It could be that during your conversation you uncover something from the person(s) that could be beneficail to both parties; again you are the connector.

It’s all about the questions that you ask.  And the response to those questions.  And the rapport that you build.  If you are from difefrent businesses, in different industries then it could be that what you have in common, the thing that can help build that rapport, is not business related but something like where you are from, your journey to event, a sporting event, a TV programme, film, a restaurant or some person that you both know.  See questions

Unique – you are unique, so are the people you meet.  One size doesn’t fit all so by listening attentively you can adapt what you say to suit the people you are talking to.  Be that unique person and be memorable for your genuineness, humilty, openness and willingness to help (without wanting something in return).

Unlimited – opportunities exist when you make conversation and start to build a relationship – maybe not immediately or directly but by working at the relationship then all sorts can happen.  Covered in a lot more detail in Abundance

V

Visibility – by being present, your values are in action – you are demonstrating what you and your business are about – Brand You!

BUT…think about the networking that you do and whether it is helping you achieve your goals – both personal and business.  Are you enjoying the networking taht you do…if not then this could well be why you get a feeling of “this networking is not working”.  When you go to the events are you looking to just secure business or to become a connector, help others, introduce others?

You could be super visible going to every networking event there is (OK perhaps not every one as there are hundreds) – morning, noon and night.  If you enjoy this and it works for you then great – there are many businesses that adopt this approach and it works for them…but you are not them!  Your enjoyment and passion for waht you do and how you help others needs to shine through when you meet others – would you do business with someone who is negative….

Let me explain what I mean by negative…..they do not smile, there is no eye contact, their handshake does not inspire, they are not enthusiastic about what they do, they seem not be wanting to be at the event, the language they use is not inspiring…..we have all met them and sometimes wish we hadn’t!  Seriously though if you feel like this yourself (and we all do sometimes) and you cannot shake this feeling…then don’t just go to an event for the sake of it….change your attitude and become the person that you would want to do business with

As Art Blakey said

Thank you for reading this far – the next instalment will be available soon and please feel free to comment, share

A-Z Networking blog posts

Part One @seanhumby  A-Z of #networking http://wp.me/p1UdDl-6Nq #BNSW

Out today…..Networking A-Z part II which is the C’s & D’s  http://wp.me/p1UdDl-6PX  #BNSW

C is for conversation & D is for Dale Carnegie – part 3  

A – Z of networking part 4 – the E’s & F’s

Part 5 of the Networking A-Z – it’s the G’s & H’s http://wp.me/p1UdDl-6Sj

G is for genuine and H is for help it’s part 6 of the Networking A-Z http://wp.me/p1UdDl-6Sj  

It’s the I’s and J’s of the A-Z of #networking http://wp.me/p1UdDl-6TY  

A-Z of Networking – the K’s and L’s   Part 8

Networking A-Z – the M’s and N’s – it’s part 9

Mindset, mistakes and names – part 9

Part 10 – the O’s and P’s – optitude, opportunity and proxemics

A-Z of networking Part 11 – The Q’s and R’s – Quality to Return http://ow.ly/kPjg30jD3v8  #BNSW #networking #Bristol since 1993

The S’s and the T’s – shaking to trust

If you would like to connect then you can find me on

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Have a great day and enjoy your networking and make it enjoyable and beneficial for those that you meet!

Sean Humby

Director and host – Business Network (SW) – monthly lunch time networking events in the Bristol.

Business Network SW was established in 1993 and for the last 25 years has been helping businesses build effective business relationships.

2020 Dates Here