WHY NETWORKING IS SO IM

hard-earned cash. You shouldn’t have to visit dozens of stores in search of just the right suit. Frankly, that’s a daunting, exhausting process that doesn’t always bear fruit. Struggling with limited choices of fabric type, colour and pattern, and then leaving empty-handed or worse: settling for less.

Bespoke tailoring removes all of these problems and comes with the added bonus of providing an expert to navigate you through a huge range of suitable options. No one likes to feel that they must accept a choice between A & B, or being presented with so many choices that the process becomes overwhelming. A good tailor will have an educated idea of what cloth, styles and colours will suit you. Then they'll gently guide you towards making wiser decisions. The result? A fantastic, complimentary personal style, and a good deal more time to figure out your next big career move.

Written by Jamie Henfrey who founded Marc Oliver Bespoke Tailoring in 2008.

Why Networking Is So Important To Your Success

Networking or “Not Working” as some people call it, is either something you love or loath. Whether you like it or not, there is no getting away from the fact it can kickstart your business, that next business deal or a killer referral partner. But why is this and why should you bother going? I’ve put together a few bits of advice to help you get started or dive in again. You never know who’s in the room, so go find out. This is a fantastic piece of advice you don’t know who’s in the room unless you go and speak to people and find out what they do. I find I’ll approach those on there on who are looking a little scared, they’ll admire you for coming over and you’ll look like a pro. When approaching groups, it’s best just to go over and ask if you can join. Mix it up, most of us go to the same events and see the same people, while there nothing wrong with that and you do need to find out what people are up to, you won’t meet anyone new. My rule is to start with those I don’t know, then you’ve done the hard bit! (Saying hello). It’s not what you know it’d who you know and who they know! That old adage is back, just remember that your speaking to a potential lead though a friend. Before there is even a hope of a referral, they need to like you and trust you’ll do a good job, this may take time, Rome wasn’t built in a day after all. Practice makes perfect, it’s ok if you’re not polished, there is no better place to practice than with strangers, ask them how to improve, it’s a good way to start a conversation and get vital feedback.

It’s not all about you, we’ve all be stuck with that person where you can’t get a word in edgeways, don’t be that person, everyone hates it. If you do find yourself talking, ask them a question and listen to the answer.

Follow up, even if it’s connecting on Linked in. this is step everyone forgets, how can people work with you if you don’t remember your name! always ask for their card and if they don’t have one whip out you phone and ask to connect on linked in. Don’t forget to ask before you add them to your email list. I’ve still not figured out how to step away from a conversation without seeming like I’m board, so do leave a comment and let me know.

Ed Hollands is the founder of Driven Media an advertisement company that uses large format to wrap lorries with his customer's adverts. Ed Co-presents the advertising podcast show Adcast, when he's not slaying Dragons in the Den. Ed is also a keen Dodgeball player.