Networking is an excellent way of building up your brand visibility. It gives you the opportunity to test your message out loud and watch how people react so that you can then tweak your message over time. Networking is a long game, when I first started networking it took nearly 6 months to build up relationships before I received any referrals. But all that networking has paid off – I’m delighted that I’ve been invited to be the guest speaker at the Tailormade Networking on 4th May.
It can take time for people to get to know you, understand what you do. I put myself out there – this is what I do, this is what I stand for and this is how I help. Then the magic started to happen… people started approaching me, they knew me, they liked me they trusted me and most important of all they were ready to work with me. Which then meant I didn’t have to go for the sell. There was no big sales pitch. Just an agreement that we would be working together on these services at this price.
Now networking can get expensive, both in monetary terms and in time investment. In York there are so many networking groups you could probably go networking everyday of the week! It can be difficult to choose which ones to go to, so here’s my selection for May. (You might see a common food theme…)
Thursday 4th May York Networking Meet Up with Afternoon Tea run by Tailormade Conferences
I am a bit biased on this one as I am the guest speaker this month talking about the 10 principles of Better Smarter Marketing you can apply to your business. Plus there’s afternoon tea being served.
Tickets are £20 and can be booked here
Tuesday 9th May Give Back Works
As a member of Give Back Works I can bring a guest for a free visit to get to know this friendly bunch of local businesses. This is a lunchtime meeting at the Beefeater in Poppleton and there is a £7 cost to cover lunch. Contact me if you’d like to attend as my guest.
Wednesday 10th May Networking Every Wednesday run by Natural Entrepreneurs Workspace
A new intimate networking event from N.E.W. with a focus on getting to know everyone in the room, build relationships and support each other in our businesses. There will be an opportunity to bring your business problems, questions or challenges to discuss with the group.
This week also feature yours truly as the guest member speaker sharing my story of how I became a Natural Entrepreneur.
Tickets are free during May Register here
Tuesday 16th May Naan Working run by Vale Radio
Nattering over curry is one of my favourite pastimes, the food at The Parvin in Haxby is delicious and Vale Radio are excellent hosts at this event. Last month each business was invited to record a short podcast to promote their business. Tickets are £20 and can be booked here
Wednesday 17th May Networking Every Wednesday run by Natural Entrepreneurs Workspace
A new intimate networking event from N.E.W. with a focus on getting to know everyone in the room, build relationships and support each other in our businesses. There will be an opportunity to bring your business problems, questions or challenges to discuss with the group.
Tickets are free during May Register here
Tuesday 23rd May Give Back Works
Evening meetings at the Novotel are always popular, more than the usually nibbles and canapes these guys know how to put on a spread and again I am inviting to join me as my guest – contact me and I’ll get you on the guest list.
Wednesday 24th May Networking Every Wednesday run by Natural Entrepreneurs Workspace
N.E.W. continues with a focus on getting to know everyone in the room, build relationships and support each other in our businesses. There will be an opportunity to bring your business problems, questions or challenges to discuss with the group.
Tickets are free during May Register here
So that’s where I’ll be this month, where will you be?
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