Kath Thomson

Networking is an essential skill for business people who want to move their business forward. The strong association between the business executive as a person and his or her business demands, are that, they get out into the world and create and maintain business relationships.

Q. how can I use networking more efficiently in my business?

A. Before you leave home in the morning, you always check that you have your keys, your diary, your wallet, your lunch, don’t you?

        Therefore, BEFORE you go to a networking meeting, there are a few essential checks you should make:

· Business cards – never leave home without them

o Make sure you have enough business cards

o Writing your details on a scrap of paper will make you look unprofessional and reduce the likelihood of someone contacting you.

o Make sure your details are current. Writing your mobile number or email address on your business card also looks unprofessional. Get some new ones printed if necessary.

Surround yourself with people who are supportive and don’t be discouraged by anybody. If your idea is good and you are determined to stick with for the first few difficult years you are more likely to succeed.

· Plan some thinking time into each day. If you pack your days with back to back appointments your business will never grow.

The best business connection I have made through freshNetworking is brigid Hardman the editor of South Warrington News, brigid has been kind enough to write editorials and promote freshnetworking to her clients and contacts, though she came through my bank manager Gill Hillier of Barclays bank.

Also through networking I have met, Sean Styles, Pauline Daniels, Dean Sullivan, Mark Jones, Nobby Styles, John Styles, Willie Miller, Ian Botham, Bob Carolgees, Stan Boardman all through networking and event management.