Back to basics - What is networking & how will it benefit my business?

OK, let’s go back to basics.

Perhaps you already attend networking events or perhaps you’re a newbie and you’d like to know what they’re all about.

Here at Sterling Networks we have been running professional business networking events for around ten years and each fortnight, across twenty-nine events (a mixture of breakfast and lunchtime meetings), we bring together over 380 businesses.

What is a business networking event?

Quite simply, a networking event is a one to three hour meeting where businesses meet, get to know each other and work together.

They may be breakfast meetings (Sterling breakfast events for example, kick off at 6.45am and last until 8.30am), lunchtime meetings or evening meetings.

Usually over breakfast or lunch there will be a formal opportunity for each attendee to talk for one minute about their business and the type of help or referrals they’re looking for.

Attendees will often talk about the businesses they’re best placed to help and therefore, the ones they would most like to be introduced to.

Usually, there will also be space for them to have face to face conversations and swap contact details and/or business cards.

In addition, networking groups often will invite one of their members to stand up for ten minutes and share some useful business information and advice.

Essential follow ups

One of the most important parts of successful business networking is however, what guests do after each meeting, in terms of building working relationships.

At Sterling networking groups for example, we always encourage people to find time in their diaries and book in follow up, one to one meetings.

What do people get out of being a networking group member?

More support and more business!

It is as simple as that.

Networking is all about building trusted relationships so that people can help you move your business forward - and you can help them.

A vibrant and well attended meeting will have lots of collaboration and work shared between those attending including guests taking each other’s business cards (or email details) to pass onto their connections.

Like to know more?

The best way to get started is to book a place and attend a local networking event.

At Sterling Networking you will be guaranteed a friendly and professional welcome and you’ll meet lots of people who will be interested in finding out all about you and your business.

Click here to discover Sterling Networking Groups and locations or call the team at Sterling HQ on 01905 947150.