Laura Woodroffe

On the one hand you have to be very opportunistic and grab opportunities wherever you can. But once you have lots of connections maintaining them can be very difficult. You need to be very organised to keep those connections fresh and keep your name and face at the front of peoples minds. This is the bit I’m not so good at - I have to force myself to do spreadsheets! A good memory for names and faces also helps.

Be bolshi - if you are trying to get in contact with someone important and hitting a blank wall keep going, don’t just give up at their secretary. If you are ringing a company to speak to someone senior always meake sure you know their name, not just their job title. If you are setting up in business on your own try to gather people around you who can help you, don’t try to do everything yourself. You’ll be surprised at the skills and expertise that your own circle of friends, family and aquaintances can provide you with, and usually for free.

The best connections are ABSOLUTELY NOT the big famous people. The best comnnections I have made have been with people who themselves are great networkers - much better than me in fact. These are the most important people in your network because when you hit a brick wall trying to get to the big fish - they usually know a way in.