Can you talk me through some of the different channels or groups that you network through?
The first is BNI. The chapter I belong to is a fantastic group of people who are all business owners, and I find that a great avenue for associating with like minded people who I can talk with about business issues. Because we're all business owners, we experience similar things and networking with each other means you don't feel so alone. We also get to know each other's businesses well, so we're able to refer work to one another.
I belonged to a couple of different BNI chapters before I joined my current group around six years ago. This one is a bigger group and it has a lot of people from the building industry in it, so I've found there's a good synergy there with my business.
I'm also a member of the Rosebank Business Association, which I joined when we moved to Rosebank Road in Avondale last September. There are a huge number of businesses in the association, and I think it's great to be able to support people in your local community, and they do the same for you.
Another group I belong to is the Auckland Executive Club, which is a group for women in business that meets once a month. It's wonderful to mix and mingle with other women in business, and the get-togethers are always really entertaining, with a great dinner and loads of networking. What I find is that people like to do business with people they like, so things like this are a great way to build those relationships.
Referrals from real estate agents also account for a big chunk of our business, so I also get involved with functions and morning teas with contacts in that industry. I love getting involved in sponsorship, and last year we offered a home staging to Bayleys Real Estate to support their Blind Foundation puppy appeal. There's actually a charitable side to a lot of these groups that I belong to and I think it's part of that philosophy that to receive you also need give.
How do you make sure the connections you make when you network translate into actual business for your company?
When I get a referral through any of these networking groups, I always make sure a quote for any work referred gets done in a timely way and that each and every job is done to our usual high standards. I think that if someone has the faith in you to refer you, there's a responsibility there to make sure you don't make that person look bad.
Would you consider yourself a natural networker, or are these skills you've had to learn and develop over time?
I am a people person, but I do find it difficult blowing my own trumpet - it's a skill I'm still working on. I think a lot of it comes down to practice. The more you get up in front of others, or talk about what you do the easier it becomes.
What are some of the other challenges you've found with networking?
Networking is something you generally do outside of work hours, so events tend to be either after work or early in the morning for breakfast. It is a commitment, and sometimes it makes for a very long day.
What advice do you have for other small business owners wanting to make the most of any networking opportunities?
• It's a two-way street: You need to be able to give as well as receive.
• Impressions last: I'm always surprised when I get a referral from someone I networked with many years ago, but I guess I shouldn't be so surprised because I remember many of them too and do the same for them.
• Embrace the support: Some great friendships are born out of these types of groups and they can provide a support network where people can share their experiences. It can make the rollercoaster ride of being in business so much more manageable.
Coming up in Your Business: When the days get shorter and colder it can be more difficult to make time for activities outside of work. What are some things business owners do to inject more balance into their days so they also maintain a life outside of work? If you've got a good story to tell about creating work/life balance, drop me a note: nzhsmallbusiness@gmail.com
