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“Succeeding in business is all about making connections” - Richard Branson
The well-know British Entrepreneur Richard Branson nailed it. Establishing a professional network is critical in developing your business idea into a successful business.
We have seen time and again in the Kickbox programme, how our Kickboxers connected to someone new and this connection opened new doors and opportunities. Maybe it was a new contact, a piece of advice or just a lesson learnt of what not to do. Such connections help save our Intrapreneurs time and money – both very precious resources when starting on your intrapreneurship journey.
We can apppreciate that small talk doesn’t come easily to everyone and yet it is important. Networking is essentially for building relationships and this involves being curious, asking questions and listening actively (spoiler alert: watch February’s blog on these two important aspects). By doing so you will not only establish new contacts but make new relationships that may come in useful.
Three things we can recommend from our own Kickbox experience:
1. Plan & research your networks in advance
If you are scheduled to attend a network event, take time in advance to research who will be there. In a second step make a list of the people you definitely want to talk to and prepare some relevant questions, which will help you grow your business proposal. This will ensure to effectively growing your circle of contacts. Don’t forget of course to stay in touch regulary with the contacts you have made – it's about building relationships not just a network!
2. Grow and stay on top of your online presence
A huge part of our business life is spent online so don’t neglect your online network or online profile too. Planning an online networking strategy using platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter or even blogs can provide an effective way to also grow your network. It helps connect you to people who you may normally not come into contact with, whilst at the same time providing you with more personalised information on how to best grow your business idea.
3. Ask for help
When we hit a problem or tricky question (which is something that happens quite a few times along the intraprenership journey) then it may be the right time to ask for advice. Again, it may help to do your research online to find people with the expertise you are looking for and then just reach out. Asking for help usually means you value that person’s opinion and so usually people are happy to lend a hand. In the words of our Kickbox Goldboxer Christian Rüttimann of the Infravista idea: “Ask, ask, ask..”
Even if you are not an intrapreneur, your networking skills will help you in your day-to-day job. Studies show that your network opens doors to new opportunities, e.g. if you consider a job change. In addition, the exchange with new individuals expands your creative intellect and brings you new ideas and inspiration. Last but not least, networking is about human relationships, allowing long-term relationships and friendships to develop.
Monthly Networking Challenge!
How about setting yourself a new challenge to meet one new person outside of your regular business area this month. There are platforms like learn2speak where you can network whilst improving your language skills. Alternatively platforms like meetup can help you to practice your networking skills with like-minded individuals, before you have to reach out and network with real financial investors to gain investment for your business proposal.
There are some great books and articles on how to improve your networking skills. Our top recommendations for you as Intrapreneurs to get you started on networking skill drill are:
In the words of Michelle Jenae, author of the book: 'The connectworker': "Networking is not about just connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities."