Networking: the key to success
THE importance of networking to businesses across the North Cork region was underscored at a recent information showcase in the Fermoy Community Youth Centre.
Organised by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the seminar was kicked off by business advisor Joan Kelleher who spoke about the various supports offered by the LEO.
This was followed by a keynote address by JJ O’Connell, who is the national director of the PLATO Business Support and Development Network.
Addressing the full house Mr O’Connell spoke about understanding why networking is such an essential pillar of enterprise and why it has proven to be a pivotal element in the development of successful and valuable business relationships.
“It’s about understanding what you need to do and why you need to do it consistently,” said Mr O’Connell.
He said that good business relationships were founded on “trust and a sense of expectation that a mutual need will be satisfied during a transaction”.
“Meeting and communicating with like-minded people is the starting point of building relationships,” said Mr O’Connell.
“Given the level of energy and enthusiasm I have seen at this event, I am confident that business and enterprise in North Cork are in good hands,” he added.
Speaking at the seminar Clodagh Glavin, chair of the Fermoy-based NRG Group, spoke about the important role the networking referral group has played in helping to boost local commerce.
“We meet every Thursday morning to discuss how our businesses are going and, perhaps more importantly, refer business to each other. We also ask people to give us presentations on how they got to where they are in business,” she said.
“For me, this is the bravest group of people I know and I am honoured to hold the chair this term,” she added.
Concluding proceedings, Ms Kelleher said that in today’s business climate networking with potential clients had never been more important.
“There is a realisation among most sensible business people that they look beyond traditional ways of doing business and the type of promotional activities that they previously engaged in,” said Ms Kelleher.
“We have been delighted with the enthusiastic response that this networking initiative has received, which demonstrate that smaller companies are willing to look at every opportunity that presents itself,” she added.