Pat Philpott

I have made so many good connections, to really great businesspeople - I am friends with the former CEO of Adidas, I have met Paul Kemsley (a property entrepreneur), and locally there are numerous individuals I know well who are successful businesspeople (i.e. the Vice-Chair of Watford FC). But all connections have their good points, and I believe in getting a lot of contacts, but really getting to know those who will be willing to help you, and you would be willing to help.

But networking is all about reciprocation - You get out what you put in, and it’s important that you respect people and how much time they are giving up, so always finish your emails with “Thanks very much” or end a phone call with “Thanks for your time”. It shows you care, and engenders a certain gratitude from them too…People like giving advice, but only when they know it’s appreciated.

I set up my network to ensure that there was an event locally that was running for local business people and professionals to ensure they could network productively, and my speakers are always top class (sometimes normally charging thousands for a slot) and I get them to speak to small groups of local people, who really benefit. There was nothing of its kind near me, and so it was about time someone gave it a go.

Always give a little introductory speech, outlining the event’s agenda, thanking people for attending Ensure that you search for the newcomers who might be a little apprehensive, and introduce them to a friend who might be there, so it is someone chatty and friendly who you will know will make the newcomer at ease. Make sure you hand out a delegate list before the event, and at the event, with your business card. That way people have a chance of researching people and their companies, and they can also contact you after the event to find out about people they didn’t meet, or to give feedback.

I find Linkedin to be a good source of contacts, plus brief coffees, phone calls, email conversations with existing contacts lets you keep in touch with your network, and also can bring up a lot of referrals and connections.

My networking events business is different in that it focuses primarily on small gatherings but with quality speakers - In the same way a small class benefits greatly from having an experienced and educated teacher, a small group of about 20-30 people will benefit more from an educated speaker on a topic of interest to them.

My network of contacts is special in that it is so vast - approximately 1500-1750. It spans the globe - From Australia to Austria, New York to Norwich, London to Lisbon…. It’s everywhere. So I have friends in every country, and I can get a great many viewpoints on subjects.