Networking Tips

Networking Tips

One of the most valuable and rewarding ways of obtaining new business is through face-to-face contact. There are a plethora of networking opportunities on Merseyside for the creative business person.

How to find out about a networking event

Many of the business support agencies and creative organisation hold regular networking events. These are often at the begining of the day (breakfast meetings) or at the end of the working day, over a glass of wine. The best way to find out what is going on is to join the email lists of the main agencies. At the following web sites you will be able find links to register at.

Creativebias – www.creativebias.org

Design Initiative – www.designinit.org.uk

ACME – www.merseysideacme.com

Kin2Kin – www.kin2kin.co.uk

International Centre for Digital Content – www.icdc.org.uk

Creative Industries Development Services – www.cids.co.uk

Business Networking International - www.bni.com

Your local Chamber of Commerce and Business Link also hold regular meetings. Often it can be worthwhile joining the Chamber of Commerce particularly if they have special membership rates for start-up companies.

You can find your local Chamber of Commerce through www.britishchambers.org.uk

And your local Business Link via www.businesslink.gov.uk

How to cope with a network event

Don’t worry if you are not the ‘networking’ type. Yes, these events can be a bit daunting but often there is someone there you know, so don’t hug the walls - make yourself known! Remember that as everyone is their to network, people really want to know about you, your business and your products or services.

Make sure you have enough business cards to go round, and again, don’t be afraid to hand them out because you will get one in return – no one ca be expected to remember names and contact details.

When you find an interesting contact, perhaps a suppler, potential client or someone you could collaborate with, send them a short email message the following day to remind them who you are, and so that they have your contact details on their IT system.

Networking is also social occasion, so don’t talk business all of the time. Engage with people to find out their interests and what they like to do. You can build on the things you have in common later, so it might be worth jotting down any relevant information on the back of their business card.

Finally, relax! The first time is usually the most stressful - next time you'll be meeting friends!

Roy Jones 2007