Networking Round-Up: Richard Branson — Yes or no?

As a freelance copywriter and blogger, I spend a lot of time at home alone! The kids are at school and hubby’s at work; it’s just me, my computer and social media for company. I am quite happy, but I do consider myself to be a sociable person; if I let myself sit here day in/day out three things would happen:

–          I would go stir crazy!

–          My own wellbeing would deteriorate, and

–          I would have very little work to do

Networking is about getting out and about, meeting people and developing relationships. @copywritemattrs tells us that networking is about getting out of the office cave. It brings back relationships that lead to business.

You could take it from me… or (even better!) you could take it from a man who is at the top of his game!

@richardbranson, founder of Virgin Group which consists of 400+ companies, certainly did not get to his entrepreneurial heights without a spot of networking! Here’s how he did it, complete with tips and hints for the likes of you and me.

So, as Mr Branson says, if networking is essential to the growth of our businesses, what’s the key to skilful networking?

@CharlieMoos agrees that “face to face” banter is the way to go, and has provided us with 10 tips to successful networking.

@DivingJon suggests that once we have our contacts we should categorise them. Borrowing a term that alludes to major movie stars, he suggests we categorise them into A-listers, B-listers and C-listers – A-list connections being the hot list! These are the people who know lots of your target audience; they are the ones who could really help you by providing a continual stream of referrals.

@susan1stclass and David Lavenda gave us 15 tips on mastering the awkward networking waltz! Don’t ask..! Just click through to find out why both the invention of the sewing machine and ballroom dancing etiquette have had a bearing on networking. You might also enjoy the embedded clip from The English Patient, where Ralph Fiennes elegantly intercepts in order to dance with the lady. Neatly done!

The common theme running throughout all of these blog posts is that networking is about building relationships over a period of time. When you look under the networking bonnet, there are sure to be numerous networking events in different formats at various times of the day in your local area. However, Jane O’Brien from BBC Washington brings a fresh perspective. This post talks about women networking around activities that – gender stereotypes aside – are predominantly considered to be men’s activities, such as poker and golf. Now there’s an idea!

So, like Richard Branson, let’s get out there networking in 2014 if only to mix the day up a bit, try something new and to exit our office caves!

I love hearing and reading people’s networking stories. Please send me your blog posts of networking tips, hints and tales about building relationships, and where these connections have led. I would love to hear them.

So, until next time, thank you!

About Lindsay McLoughlin

Lindsay McLoughlin has a love affair with social media. She combines these tools to great effect with her other big love – blogging! She runs a copywriting, blogging, editing and proofreading service at www.proofedbylinds.co.uk She writes about business, about topics of national interest (eg. Olympics, Royal Baby). She also writes an interview blog profile series called “Writer meets…” and sponsored blogs for her business clients. She loves talking to and interacting with anyone that will “listen” over social media. Check out her blog at www.proofedbylinds.co.uk or connect with her on social media. She’d be delighted!

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