Tips on how to master networking to grow your business

Landscaping is about arranging flowers and plants to achieve beautiful cohesion. Business networking is similar: connecting like-minded individuals to help beneficial relationships bloom.

HOW TO MAKE NETWORKING WORK FOR YOU: • USE RELEVANT TARGETING: Join organisations that are relevant to your business interests and offer regular opportunities to connect.

• BE PURPOSEFUL: Set appropriate goals. Have a clear idea of what you want to get out of an experience. • ARRIVE EARLY: This way you have time to connect with people when the event is quieter and conversation cliques haven’t yet formed.• HAVE AN ARSENAL

OF OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS READY: Ask people easy, interesting questions that prompt conversation. The golden rule is to build relationships, not to sell. • BE DYNAMIC: Tell your story with passion and be enthusiastic about what you do. This will make you stand out in people’s minds, increasing potential for referrals.

• FOLLOW UP: Ask people how they’d prefer you to follow up, and don’t wait too long to do so.

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