What are some of the particular channels or groups that you network through and why?
I've attended lots of events, including ones run by the HR Institute of New Zealand, Otago Chamber of Commerce, Otago Southland Employers Association, BNI, Women in Business and lots of others.
This is challenging given that I have young children - they're two and three years old - so to leave the house for a 7am breakfast or a 6pm dinner takes commitment, organisation and a supportive husband.
From attending the HRINZ events I've been able to build relationships with other recruitment and HR practitioners locally, which means not only have I been able to put business their way, they've also referred business to me. Actually, some of the people I've met at HRINZ events are now consulting for Human Connections Group so I've been able to connect with a lot of talented people that way.
And from attending BNI just a couple of times I found my personal trainer - who is amazing - and also picked up a new client locally who is now one of our biggest advocates.
Do you do a lot of online networking as well?
I often use online networking as a way of keeping in front of potential customers and building networks. I've found there are lots of interactive groups on LinkedIn that are relevant to my region, industry or specialisation.
So, for example, I've hooked into some local Dunedin groups like Growing Dunedin's Economy. From that group I've met so many talented local people and become involved with Dunedin City Council, Enterprise Dunedin, Otago University and Otago Polytechnic.
From that group I also found out about a local startup space that offers new businesses a free workspace to use, and from my time there I got to know a local tech startup called Timely, who have now become a client.
Do you think you're a natural networker or is this something you've had to work on?
I'm sure some people are more naturally suited to networking than others; it now comes fairly easily to me from years of being in client-facing roles. I really enjoy meeting new people and it was absolutely essential being in a new country and city. I've made some great friendships as well as valuable business partnerships as a direct result of networking.
But I think anyone has the ability to network no matter what personality type they are. If you have a product or service you believe in it's never hard to be passionate telling people about it. I think it just comes down to picking the right networking group. For less confident people, I think a good 'wing person' - a friend or work colleague - will make the whole process less daunting, especially for the first few events until you find your feet.
Do you have any networking horror stories?
You do need to be prepared to face your competition at these kinds of events; everyone is looking to grow their business and that includes people in your own industry. I'm the kind of person who thinks it's beneficial for businesses to work together to get ahead, but at one particular networking event I was approached by a business owner who questioned me pretty aggressively in the middle of a busy event, which was embarrassing and unexpected.
I did manage to keep calm and walk away from the situation unscathed - although a bit bemused by what had just happened. It certainly put a dampener on that particular event for me, but it didn't deter me from keeping on networking.
What are your top tips for making the most out of networking opportunities?
• Listen actively
• Ask questions
• Show interest in people
• Smile and be approachable
• Don't just stand and talk to your co-worker, get involved!
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
