Networking in Maidstone

Networking doesn’t only allow you to meet new potential clients and business partners but it also gives you an opportunity to exchange ideas and information with other business owners in your area.

If you are running your own business or working for a very small company networking can allow you to mix with your peers and meet other like minded people so you don’t feel so isolated.

It’s also a great way to find out what your competitors are up to and allow you to gather more local knowledge or particular industry information.

During networking you can discuss any problems that you’re having and bounce ideas off others with appropriate knowledge and experience.

Networking is also a great way to keep up to date with new industry developments, regulations and policies.

Finally one of the biggest benefits of networking is that you can start to form relationships with potential business partners and collaborators.

So now you’ve decided that networking is a good idea you need to choose where to go.  The first place to start is your local Chamber of Commerce, for Maidstone this is the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.  If you would prefer something that is more trade specific and you belong to a trade association then this will be another great source for you.  If you aren’t sure who or if you have a trade association do a search for “taforum”.

Attending exhibitions and trade fairs are a great way for you to meet new potential clients and businesses, even better if you can afford to exhibit at them to showcase your products/company.

There are various online networking companies who allow you to post your contact details and develop contacts via e-mail – but in my opinion networking is always done best face to face.

Before deciding to join a networking group or business club you should ask the following questions:

• How many members does it have in the network
• What type of events does it hold
• How frequent are the events
• What is the average number of people who attend the events
• How can you obtain a copy of the directory of members
• Who you can contact for a recommendation or an individuals point of view
• If you can attend as a guest before committing to join the network.

Before attending any business or networking events you should decide what it is that you want to get from the event.  If you are looking for business partners or affiliates then a formal sit down meal may give you the opportunity for long in-depth conversations.  A business club meeting with a guest speaker or seminar might be interesting and inspiring but might not let you have enough time to network afterwards.  If you want an informal chat and coffee with like minded individuals then a breakfast meeting might be best and still allows you to be back to work without losing any time out of your busy schedule.

Are you looking to network with large international organisations or simply local/similar organisations?

Other than going along to an organised networking meeting there are lots of informal ways that you are also able to create contacts, e.g. while travelling, during training sessions or conferences, while mixing with others as part of your day-to-day work and also don’t forget about your social life.  Do you know exactly what all your friends and their partners do for their jobs? Would any of them be suitable clients for you?  While at parties and sporting events you may also meet others who are suitable business contacts for you.

Once you have decided to attend a networking event you should set yourself a plan to be able to get the most out of it.  You might be quite vague about this and just set yourself a number of people to talk to or you might be more specific and aim to speak to one person in particular who you have already identified as a potential business partner.

Some top tips for effective networking:

• Treat everyone equally and with respect
• Be friendly and approachable
• Be interested in what someone else is saying – don’t get sidetracked.
• Listen to others as well as telling them about yourself
• Demonstrate empathy

As well as the above you need to be able to think on your feet and be ready for any questions that are fired at you.  It also goes without saying that you should dress appropriately and remember that first impressions count.  Think about various topics of conversation that would be suitable to the audience, as well some opening introductions.

Sometimes networking can help you to create contacts easily other times it might take you months to earn somebody’s trust and encourage them to work with you.

After the Networking Event

Follow up conversations and always do what you say you’ll deliver, such as calling someone in two weeks time.  Don’t just collect the business cards and let them sit in your draw – have a strategy for keeping in touch with the contacts.

To help expand your networks attend events that you wouldn’t usually go to – this can open up a whole new audience for you.

Networking is as much about giving and sharing as receiving, so encourage others to contact you with their information and think of ways that you might be able to help.

For information on networking events in Maidstone visit our Community Pages.