Networking
Networking is all about creating business relationships and if you work in any business to business (B2B) service sector it’s an essential business development tool as it’s unlikely that cold calling is a valuable source of new business.
The problem with networking is that many people hate it – so you are not alone if you actively shy away from networking events or hide yourself in a corner when you find yourself in a room full of strangers. The reason you hate them is because you probably feel uncomfortable in a room full of strangers that appear to know each other and are happily chatting away, however the truth is that most people hated and shied away from networking until they learned how to network.
Networking has become a recognized marketing and business development tool and the number of networking events has grown dramatically over the last few years, indicating it's popularity. Burying your head in the sand won’t make networking go away, in fact the growth of social networking is making face to face networking even more important as using the two tools together is far more effective than the sum of the two used individually, providing it is part of a marketing strategy and activity is planned and targeted.
Sarah from SFM Consulting is well regarded at local networking events as a highly effective networker and as a consequence has recently been appointed as an ambassador for the Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry to introduce and support visitors and new members at the Chamber networking events. Having originally being in the 'I hate networking' camp Sarah fully understands how people that are new to networking feel and what they go through trying to make networking work for them.
How SFM Consulting can help you with networking
You never get a second chance to make a first impression so if you're uncomfortable with networking training from SFM Consulting will change your perception of networking and enable you to reap the benefits of this valuable business development tool. Like Sarah, you may surprise yourself and find you actually start to enjoy networking, and the benefits it brings to your business, and you, as a business professional.
The following training courses are available:
- One to one training: prior to the session we identify your specific concerns, then the training covers: the importance and value of networking; preparing for a networking event; how to work the room; what to say and what not to say and why; how to make conversations work for you; how to follow up. The session is tailored to address your concerns and provides you with the tools and confidence to network effectively.
- Group training sessions: prior to the session we identify the specific concerns of the group, then the training covers: the importance and value of networking; preparing for a networking event; how to work the room; what to say and what not to say and why; how to make conversations work for you; how to follow up. The session is tailored to address your concerns and provides the group with the tools and confidence to network effectively. It may be effective to include a role play session (see below) with this session.
- Role play sessions: role play for Groups to reinforce what is learned in the presentation and provide an opportunity for practice and feedback.
- Shadowing at networking events: Sarah will attend a networking event with you to provide support, encouragement and help build your confidence.
- Making face to face and social networking work for you/your organisation
For further details and prices of courses, or to find details of where you can meet Sarah Matthews at networking events, please contact SFM Consulting. In addition courses can be specifically tailored to meet the needs of your business.
If you don't have a marketing strategy SFM Consulting works alongside a number of marketing consultancies so can make an appropriate recommendation.
