We all network in different ways and it’s a very personal choice – to the nervous first time networker sometimes the splatter gun is the obvious choice. Speak to as many people as possible, get as many business cards as possible and strike up meaningful conversations. Always follow up.  But then as you become more confident you start to recognise the same faces, and if you’re not careful ultimately split up into little ‘click’ groups. Then you stop meeting new people and end up just going along for the food and a chat on the off-chance one of your click group will find you some work.  You all get on like a house on fire after all, right?

The reality is this approach to networking can work in the long term, but it’s a very slow burner. The key is to change tack, and make a conscience effort to be more specific with you’re offering. That’s a no-brainer surely? Well I mean being laser point specific. The last time I was at the Business Club in Harpenden I stood up and asked if anyone in the room knew a Marketing Manager at a Zoo. (As we are currently producing a lot of printed work for Twycross Zoo) – it made sense to see if any other Zoo’s or Wildlife Parks would require similar services. I sat down and thought I’d wasted my message. I thought I’d been too specific. That was until someone tapped me on the shoulder to say they knew the owner of Paradise Wildlife Park. Bingo!

After hearing what we had to offer, contact was made and a meeting was booked. Which of course is the whole point of going networking. So get your sniper sights out and aim high – you never know who is sitting next to you.  I also won a nice bottle of red wine for the most specific pitch! (Thanks Katrina.)