The Benefits of Networking – and Cookies!

Just back from an entrepreneurs networking event with guest speaker Gordon Slater, the man behind Byron Bay Cookie Company. And yes, I was hopeful of some free samples. We weren’t disappointed with loads of cookies to munch on. The company is now international and along the way they’ve bought other ‘cookie’ companies, Luken and May and Falwasser. But it started at a kitchen table and a market stall. Here are some of his pearls of wisdom:

• Segment your time and focus on the task at hand, then move on.

• Know that there’s a market for your business, do the research

• Keep a balance between the artisan/ creative side of your product but make sure it stacks up scientifically. They’ve managed to grow from handmade rough shaped cookies to a product that ticks all the nutrition and wholesaler requirements without losing their handmade look.

• Work with your market – don’t lose your branding and personality to suit other markets. Find solutions to recreate your USP no matter where in the world you’re manufacturing or selling.

• Make sure you have a high Adversity Quotient if you want to survive the tough times – you need to conquer your fears to be open to opportunities and survive the tough times because they do happen. But if you train your brain you have a good starting point for success.

And as I do at every opportunity, I used question time to ask his thoughts on the need for a business plan to the success of his business. He agreed that they are essential to success. Planning is essential and it allows you to put all the elements together that you believe you need to follow at that time – but he did qualify that with a quote “a plan is only good until you go into battle” – you still need to be aware and responsive to opportunities – stay entrepreneurial!

Chrissy
Program Co ordinator NSW

Advice From A Babe - The Value Of Networking (Part 3)

Networking is about developing relationships. Sales are frequently developed through these relationships. Networking events provide the opportunity to expand your contact list and create and nurture quality relationships. Every networking event has the potential for new business leads, gaining business knowledge, gaining research, improving your business presentation, public speaking opportunities and valuable resources for yourself and your clients.

Think you don’t have time to network? Think again. By not consistently widening your circle of contacts and acquaintances, you may be limiting your chances for success. If, as it is said, that the average person knows 250 people, and each of these people know 250 other people and so on, this means for each person you meet, you gain access to a pool of thousands. So the odds are very slim that you would not find a person, who would be a source of information,

Try to focus on quality contacts versus quantity. My approach is to make between three to five new contacts at each event I attend. It takes time to build relationships with people. Meeting someone once is rarely enough to bring you business. On average people will need to connect with you 4-5 times before they see you as being trustworthy.

Keep your mind open to any possibilities. You may not walk away from an event with a string of new clients but the power of networking lingers on. I have had people contact me that I met more than 6 months earlier that had kept my details. This may just mean that they have no need for your services or products at that time. Also importantly, look beyond that person being a potential client, a good referral source is equally if not possibly more valuable. A good referral source is someone who interacts with your target market on a regular basis

Enjoy your networking experiences and you will gain a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Wendy Tadokoro runs bi-monthly networking events on Brisbane’s north side.  If you would like details, please go to www.meetup.com/Business-2-Business-Brisbane

Wendy Tadokoro
Organising Works!

Advice From a Babe - Networking (Part 2)

Thanks again to Bizness Babe Wendy Tadokoro for writing part two of her ongoing series on networking. To recap, here is part one.

Part 2: Types of Networking

What type of networking is best for you?

Before we can answer that question, firstly let’s take a look at the different types of networking opportunities available. Basically networking is done either in person or through social media on line. It pays to network in person for a number of reasons, it allows you to meet new people, re-connect with older relationships, practise your social and communication skills –especially good to practise your elevator pitch. Even if no relationship develops with a person, at least he or she will likely remember you as a nice person if asked about you at some future point.

If you spend some time researching networking groups in the web, you will find there is a vast number so best to define your search to your local area. Networking organisers usually hold events monthly and you can join their database to receive reminders of upcoming events. Most events follow the format of a workshop followed by casual networking or speed networking. Some events are held in the evening, breakfast or at morning tea. Cost will depend upon the type of speaker and whether a meal is included. There are some free networking events around, these are usually held to promote a business but can still be good value. The best networking results usually come from attending functions for your particular industry. These would include trade shows, conferences and industry association seminars and training courses.

The other type of networking is a referral based format. Referral networking groups usually meet weekly, require a membership, commitment and the focus is on referring business within the group. Depending on your business, target market and your stage of development, these groups can be a very effective form of referral business.

Social networking includes platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and many other business forums. These can be very effective as part of your marketing if used correctly. Decide first if this type of networking/marketing will appeal to your target market before you invest your time.

At the start up phase of your business, the best strategy is to attend as many networking opportunities as you can manage. You will then be familiar with the different types of events, who attend, and importantly their relevance to your business. Attend events with an open mind and you will always gain something whether it is a new contact, a prospective client, some business advice, a new skill or valuable feedback.

Next time on the blog - Part 3, The Value of Networking.

Wendy Tadokoro
Organising Works!

Advice From a Babe - Networking (Part One)

Wendy Tadokoro rang the Brisbane Bizness Babes office last week to share her excitement over networking. She felt so enthused about the importance of networking that she wanted to share her experiences with other Bizness Babes. Well of course we couldn't let that knowledge and passion go to waste! So Wendy has kindly agreed to write a series of articles on the subject for us. Thanks Wendy.

Part One:

If you have just started your business, one of the first challenges you will face is how to let people know you exist. Networking or word of mouth marketing gets a mention on the list of possible marketing activities, it may be one option that you haven’t been too eager to get involved in.

Networking has enormous benefits and should be at the top of your marketing To-Do lists. The results can be huge as long as you can make networking work for you. The marketplace is competitive and the choice for consumers is endless, people want to deal with people they know, like and trust. For me, networking has enabled me to build relationships, get to know and further define my target market, find clients and prospects, gain valuable business advice, learn about other networking opportunities and events, find other businesses to form alliances with, compile a list of reliable business for my own personal use and also to refer to my clients and socialise with like minded business people who are often prepared to be mentors.

Some people say that you should attend networking with a strategic plan in mind; I prefer to go with an open mind as you just never know what opportunities may come your way. You will gain something from every event you attend even it is just something new you have learnt from a guest speaker.

In Part Two of this blog article  I will comment on the different types of networking groups and events that are available.

Wendy Tadokoro
Organising Works!