Business Networking Part 1

I must admit at the outset, I am not comfortable in crowds, especially so amid a crowd of strangers compounded by the added responsibility for business networking.

When I started my own business, high on the agenda was to identify and explore business networking opportunities in my local area. I was very surprised at the number of events available, something to attend virtually every day from breakfast to dinner!

I was not a networking virgin but I swiftly realised that my previous networking experiences were very different to promoting your own start up business.

So to my very first networking event. Business cards at the ready with my “elevator pitch” well rehearsed (or so I thought!). Approaching the venue I noted that it was already very busy with everyone so confidently (or so it appeared) talking in small groups. Despite having tried to mentally prepare myself for this challenging experience I froze!!! I turned around and began to walk away.

Fortunately, I stopped myself and taking a very deep breath, steeled myself for this nerve wracking experience. I decided I would wait at the door, look around and head directly towards the first person who offered a welcoming smile. Fortunately the tactic worked and the ice was broken. By the time I left I was emotionally and mentally exhausted but that first experience was a huge learning curve.

I have since learned that there is a well proven process for successful networking, there is so much more to it than exchanging business cards. But more of that later.