Networking Round-up: Stepping into that room!

We’ve all stepped into a room of strangers. The idea – even just on paper – is daunting! Why would anyone put themselves through such an awesome experience? The answer, of course, is simple. Networking is all about building relationships, establishing trust and making connections.

Business coach, Stephanie Smith, describes the ambience of the room you’re approaching as full of animated and engaged people. Our first and most natural response might be to turn tail and head for the hills. Thankfully, Stephanie has provided some key tips on how to start the conversation.

Networking is not a skill learned from our parents or in the classroom but it’s important for our careers and businesses. The skill is in knowing where to start, who you should talk to and what you should talk about. Fox Business recently produced a number of networking tips for novices.

Is networking important in the first place? Lisa Butler recently balanced up the pros and cons of networking from a business point of view. Should she or shouldn’t she include networking in her next year’s budget?

So, if the answer’s yes, Clare asked “What type of networking animal are you?“… Definitely worth a read, but please don’t let it put you off networking! I recognise some of the traits Clare has described, but there are a few more convivial animal characters on the networking circuit.

Take it from me; not everyone at networking events are peacocks and lions! As we have been talking about overcoming nerves and walking into that room, I shall leave you with four tips from Heather Townsend.  As the author of the FT Guide to Business Networking, I’m sure she knows a thing or two about how to work a room!

One things for sure… There is something collaborative, supportive, friendly and inclusive about bloggers. In my “blogging travels” I have met many on and offline. The Britmums Christmas Networking Event is Monday 25^th November in London. With The Great British Bake Off final fresh in our minds, this event will be showing us how to cook a perfect succulent turkey. There’s room for 70 friendly bloggers – and it’s free! Sounds like a networking blogger’s Christmas dream!

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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