Positive Vibes
BUILDING STRONG AND MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS Throughout a 30 year corporate career I always struggled to find benefit in attending external ‘networking events’. Perhaps it was my introverted preference, perhaps it was because I found them fake, transactional and all I’d do is have a relatively meaningless chat over a cold cup of coffee with someone who just wanted to give me their business card. Or perhaps it was simply that there really wasn’t any benefit to me at that time. But I did network, it’s just I called it ‘creating relationships with key stakeholders’ instead. Within my network we would build common understanding and trust - leading to work across multiple teams being delivered quicker, easier and more effectively. It was clear that investing time in identifying and building these relationships would pay off, with an increase in stakeholder confidence, quicker problem solving and more efficient decision making. Wind the clock forward to the present day, and as a small business owner I knew I’d have to engage with external networking, so I shelved my ‘views’ and attended various business networking guest events. And it’s fair to say - ‘I’ve seen the light’ ! I’m now building strong and meaningful relationships with other small business owners, and 50
have very quickly learnt that a powerful network is essential to growing my business. So much so that I’m now part of a friendly, committed and motivated professional networking group that puts the emphasis on sharing, connecting and growing together – and having a bit of fun along the way! Business networking groups can differ greatly in their aims, and so it’s important to find the right one for you and your business. Networking, when done well, is the art of building and maintaining strong mutually beneficial relationships with others, based on trust. A network where you can learn something new, or where you can add value by sharing information or expertise that will benefit others. So, there is a clear benefit and power in networking. If, like me, the word ‘networking’ sends shivers down your spine then use a different word. But take time to identify who’s in your network and perhaps who you’d benefit from being connected with. Then build relationships with them to help grow your own business - and theirs. Neil Stead www.steadyconsulting.co.uk 07375 482637 WOKINGHAM LOCAL • SEPTEMBER 2022
