Networking is not a numbers game by Dave Clarke

Todays guest blogger is the CEO of NRG, a brilliant networking organisation which run events in various locations across the UK. Dave is an awesome networker and an insightful speaker, he really does practice what he preaches and talks a lot of sense.

I recommend checking out an NRG meeting soon!

Many people seem to think that networking for their business is all about meeting lots of people. I have even heard people say that they will not be going to an event because they have been before so they have already connected with those people. You can often see the same approach online. People ‘connecting’ with as many people as the platform will allow.

Do you seriously believe that hardly getting to know loads of different people will mysteriously produce sales?  Your other real life social networks give you a big clue to how you may want to approach building your business network. These social networks evolve around you and what you do. Some of these change, but as you grow you have groups or social networks made up of your family, school friends, college friends, work colleagues, and those around social, sporting, other activities and shared interests. Most of your interactions are with a small number of people producing a number of close ties. In each group you will also have a larger number of acquaintances or weak ties and many transient interactions. It is with the close ties that you have the strong relationships and get things done.

Why do people think it should be any different with your business network?

You didn’t go to a different home every day.

You didn’t start a different school every day.

You did’t start a different college course every day.

You didn’t turn up at a different company every day.

You don’t turn up at a different football team every week.

If you do go somewhere else or try something new it is usually with people you know well.

Going to events to meet different people all the time is the networking equivalent of Groundhog Day.

The social network you need around your business is no different to your other social networks. You need a small number of strong, close relationships and a bigger number of acquaintances you have met more than once. People who you know, like, rate and trust. That way you can spend your networking time productively. Helping, supporting and uncovering opportunities for each other.

Good Networking!