Two faces of networking by Safaraz Ali
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The document discusses the importance of networking for small business growth, highlighting various personality types in networking such as the 'shy simons' and 'boisterous bettys'. Effective networking requires a balance of assertiveness and listening, focusing on relationship-building rather than hard selling. The 'pathway2grow' initiative encourages open conversations and adaptation to community needs to foster genuine connections.
Two faces of networking by Safaraz Ali
- 1. The Two Faces of Networking
- 2. Is networking the best way for small businesses to grow? • Networking is the process of: meeting people making connections building enduring and mutually beneficial relationships
- 3. Good networking is an art • As with any group of people, there’ll be a variety of personalities; some will get on really well and others will clash. • Getting on with all these types of people is a skill.
- 5. The ‘Shy Simons’ • His contributions are what he can get away with not doing. • His participation is uncomfortable at best. • He wants to produce business, but he doesn’t want to engage in it.
- 6. The ‘Shy Simons’ • He is a passive attendee. • He has come with no clear plan, and leaves as soon as he can.
- 7. The ‘Boisterous Bettys’ • Everyone knows Betty…yet nobody particularly enjoys it when she walks over. • Betty fully engages with her idea of networking.
- 8. The ‘Boisterous Bettys’ • She talks to everyone with a passion about her area, but she doesn’t listen to theirs. • She’s a deal closer and sells at the event.
- 9. Simon and Betty are two classic networkers that many of us have met. They are extremes, or caricatures, but we can learn from them…
- 10. How can we do networking better? • Networking won’t get work falling into your lap. • Nor is it productive in the long-term to go for the hard sell.
- 11. How can we do networking better? Good networking etiquette is about a balance between the two; a balance between assertiveness and consideration.
- 12. It’s about listening • Ask about their business and find out how you can help. • Don’t presume a problem and sell on that basis. • Listen first and then you have them in your memory if and when you may have a solution.
- 13. It’s about listening • Follow up with them. • Keep up with their business activities and what their challenges might be. • When you start offering value by networking with people, that value will eventually convert into business.
- 14. Pathway2Grow: Network, Learn and Grow • A networking group that listens and is for people that may have never attended networking events before. • Based around open no pressured conversation (we call them natters) rather than elevator pitches and staged presentations.
- 15. Pathway2Grow: Network, Learn and Grow We are open to listening and changing to the needs of our business community. If you want to get involved, tweet @SafarazAli or connect with Safaraz Ali on LinkedIn.