Networking is not about collecting business cards and closing deals. It is about making friends with people. Networking is a way of life - not an end result. Networking is not about taking - it is about giving. I know of one lady who said it took her 8 years to get business from someone she networked with. The deal she eventually got was for over £0.5m worth of consultancy.

I don't think you can read about networking - you need to attend workshops and conferences and learn it by practice. I have listed below some of the people and organisations I have found helpful in learning about networking ....

Roy Sheppard - Roy Speaks organisation

George Metcalfe - Director of Training for Business Referral Exchange - here are some of his networking tips

BNI - Business Network International - a very focused networking organisation

BRE - Business Referral Exchange - similar to BNI but started in the UK and less demanding that BNI but still very effective. Their training programmes are excellent.

Business Link Entrepreneurs - Business Link Surrey

Heather White of Bizplans offers some excellent tips and seminars on networking

FSB - Federation of Small Businesses - the regular newsletter is very useful in keeping up to date with changes in the law

IoD - Institute of Directors - networking and training at Director level

CIM - Chartered Management Institute - networking with people in management

Yes Group - http://www.yes-group.co.uk/ - networking with a difference!

If you are in the Runnymede area - Runnymede Business Partnership

One of the dangers of networking is that it can become addictive. You can attend too many events and achieve nothing - you don't give yourself time to follow up. Sometimes it can be an excuse to not face the real difficult tasks you have to achieve. Some of the organisations like BNI and BRE require weekly attendance at 07:00 or 07:30 for breakfast - this can be very demanding and if you are not a morning person it can leave you exhausted in the afternoon.

Used right, networking is a major source of customers, business partners, associates and suppliers.

UP