David Wick

Getting connected in business is very important. More business is done if you can build, and have a relationship with the person you are supplying. If you help a fellow connector with a lead or referral, they are more likely to help you out in the future. If you look after the people you supply, they act as agents for you in the future, and will refer you in the future.

Two referrals which I received, stand out from the others. One of them, was when I was in Sixth Form last year. I was given the Chairman of Vodafone’s (at the time) email address by the Head teacher. This was extremely useful as I contacted him and at the time I was fundraising for an educational trip to China with the School. The idea of the trip was to coach British Sports, and I used the referral to obtain Sponsorship for the equipment which we left in China. The trip was extremely successful.

The second was from a BNI meeting where I was looking for an printers which could produce large, high quality photos, for which the drivers and the riders would sign. I sat next to a photographer who used a local company, and he gave me the referral. I have used the lead for over 100 large photos, and the quality is second to none.

Trying to remember everyone name is a good start. I try and keep everyone business card, and I write on the back, when and where I met the person, so in the future, you remember where and when you met the them. I think you have to listen very carefully to see what the person is want, as it is very important to refer the correct person.

I use Ecademy, a great online networking website to meet and keep in contact with people. Ecademy also hold in person networking events, and these are very useful as well.