When you get out and start networking, business starts pulsing.
We all know what happens when you stay locked in your office – you stop talking, you start worrying and that’s usually bad for business!
On the other hand, constantly meeting new people and talking about your businesses or about business issues has the exact opposite effect. You swap ideas, you share information, you form alliances, you learn about others, you give and receive referrals, and your business grows. It’s motivating and a highly effective way to do business.
It also pays to be up with the play on what’s happening in your local business environment, or your industry group.
So where do you find these groups? Well, you might network with business acquaintances or professional colleagues on an informal basis, but now, more and more formal groups are starting up.
Some, such as the BNI networking group, meet weekly and, to prevent competition, only allow one type of profession into each chapter, although a large town may have several chapters. BNI groups are located throughout the country.
Local chambers of commerce run frequent networking events such as ‘After 5’ evenings, networking breakfasts, women’s events or larger conferences.
There’s also the home business website catering for the rapidly growing number of home-based businesses.
You may have a specific networking group attached to your specialist industry. Look into everything and find out what suits best. And remember, good networking is not all about you – it’s about meeting and helping others.
Try these websites:
www.nzchambers.co.nz – for information on local chambers of commerce
www.ema.co.nz – the employers and manufacturers association
www.bni.co.nz – for information on local BNI groups around the country
www.homebizbuzz.co.nz – for loads of information for the home-based business
www.herbusinessmagazine.com – Her Business magazine which gives information on local groups.
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