What comes to mind when you think about networking? You might be pretty decent at it - the person who knows everyone and who is at every event across the region. Or does the word fill you with fear? Being stuck in a room full of people you don't know is your worst nightmare.
I’ve written previously about what an epic place the North East is to do business and this links to how amazing it also is for networking. We are a friendly region and everyone knows someone who knows something so it pays to get connected.
When I moved back to Newcastle from London and founded my own business, I knew literally no one on the entrepreneurial scene. I’d left the corporate job I’d held for 12 years and that was the only world I knew. Running a business felt lonely so I knew that making contacts and friends who ‘got it’ would be a valuable support. So I braced myself for awkward coffee table chats and got out to various events. Some were better than others but slowly I worked out where felt comfortable and a good use of my time. I made useful connections and lifelong friends who understood what it is like to run a business and this was a catalyst for success in my first venture.
My advice is to get out and about and see what works for you. You could even consider setting up your own events where you have control over the guestlist. I set up my own network, City Ladies, which is a monthly women in business breakfast event with Newcastle and London branches that always sells out.
So feel the fear and crack on. Opportunities will always come from talking to people and growing your network. Just remember to follow up in a timely and relevant manner and be sure to pay it forward when your circle becomes so valuable that you are able to see and make strong introductions.
