Welcome to a new year of working well blogs fans of plans! What better way to kick of the year that to be thinking about how we can keep up our networking opportunities? 

Why network?

To paraphrase, ‘no person is an island’. And similarly in business, not organisation is an island either. We all need other organisations to help us achieve, be that our suppliers or our customers. We cannot exist in isolation. 

We may think that we can manage on our own, using our current connections. But we need to keep up horizon scanning – what could our next challenge be and who could we need to call on to help us, or who could be calling on us for assistance? 

By being proactive in networking we can be sure that we are in a good position no matter what life is going to throw at us. I think from the last two years we are all painfully aware of how keeping abreast of information from outside our business world is vital. 

Stronger together

Building partnerships with other organisations, people and communities benefits us all. As a conscientious business, you know that you are good at what you do and by networking you can let others see that you are good too. 

We all need to keep up our reputations, and by being a reputable business, we can hope to make an impact on others to recommend us. A prime example here is tradespeople. I’ve recently moved house to an area I’ve never lived in before and I have a list as long as Mr Tickle’s arms for things that needs fixing. It includes everything from plumbing to electrics to potential building work. 

But my first priority on moving in was the TV aerial (it was the strictly final that weekend and I didn’t want to miss it!). So, not really knowing anyone in the area we looked up TV aerial fixers on the internet, and chose a local supplier to come out and fix it. I always like to use local small businesses where I can and this is great as he was able to recommend an electrician to us. The power of word of mouth shouldn’t be underestimated. 

This is an excellent example of working well in different areas but looking out for each other. We made sure to say to the electrician whom had recommended them. I’m sure that in return they will now recommend the TV aerial repair man to other customers. 

Think about who you can help 

If someone comes to your organisation for some work, but you can’t assist them yourselves, it’d be shooting yourself in the foot if you don’t have someone that you can recommend on to help them. Think about it, by recommending someone you trust, that person is more likely to come back to you for something that you can help them with. This is not showing a weakness in your business, but showing a kindness. More and more, people want to be doing business with others that have good values. It’s not about being cut-throat in most businesses, but about making sure that there is business for all.  Well, that might be my idealistic view, but I stand by it. 

How to tap into different networks

There are many different way that you can tap into networks. Here are a few to get you thinking: 

• Look out for your local business networks – these are often promoted though local chamber of commerce groups. Find the one in your area and get in touch 
• Online networking sites – these can be across social media platforms or even dedicated websites set up to help connect local businesses.
• Volunteering – why not sign up to volunteer your organisation’s skills at a local school, college or community project. While these may seem like not being a direct route to helping your business, they certainly help to put your organisation’s services on the radar. 
• Host it yourself! If there isn’t a networking group in your area, why not set one up? Put out advertisements in the places that you hope to attract from, even make some phone calls to those that you think may also have influences on the right people attending and become the network instigator. 

Remember – in the current climate, we need to look out for each other to navigate tough times. By showing kindness and supporting others, we can all make a success in our local, national or even international arenas. 

P.s.: If you want some other free tips for your personal life, check out the Self Series blog – out fortnightly on Tuesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Wellbeing Expert, Lauren Willoughby. Browse the latest edition here:https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/