A year in 4Networking

The first in a series of posts dedicated to my experiences in various Business networking groups.  To kick off I will start with the very first organisation I attended – 4Networking

Its was March 2008, the Bridge Inn, Yatton in North Somerset.  Sat in my car fearful of what was ahead of me, this being my very first ever experience of business networking.  So off I went, feeling all nervous and filled with anticipation.  Here I was,  the guy who had spent too long in corporate life sat behind a computer doing what I did best, now running a business and needing to do things that I had never needed to do before.

I signed in and was instantly made to feel very welcome, not that did an awful lot to stem the nervous feeling that I had.  We sat down we ate breakfast and then the bit that I really dreaded.   The bit that should be easy, stand up and talk about yourself and your business for 40 Secs.  It was frankly awful and I probably did little to get my message across, however I had done it and more importantly it did not hurt!!!  Then the easy bit, arrange 121’s, listen to another member presenting the 4sight and then have the 121 10 minute appointments.  I had survived my very first business networking event and even had a good prospect to boot (beginners luck maybe but still a huge boost).

I took the plunge and joined and here were the main reasons for me parting with money, something that does not come easy to me!

• No commitment – I could turn up when and where I wanted
• No lock out policy,  I have happily sat in the room with 4 other companies who are in the same trade as me
• Its friendly, with no pressure for referrals etc etc

So that started my journey as a 4Networker and its a journey that I am pleased to have undertaken.

The first question most people ask is “But how much business have you got from it”  This I feel completely misses the point of networking.  For sure it is a primary reason that we network, but it should never in my opinion be the only reason.  Yes I have had some very good business prospects from 4Networking but also have taken away a whole lot more.

1. I have a trusted network of suppliers
2. I have made some great friends
3. I have met experienced business people, who have provided advice or in some cases just listened
4. It has given me the confidence to promote myself and organisation
5. 5 mins with Brad Burton is enough to give anyone a boost, no matter how low you feel!!!
6. It has made networking enjoyable!

It has not all been plain sailing, I attempted a Group leader position which I found really tough and on reflection was probably a little ambitious for such a newbie networker, however all good experience.You meet some people that you just don’t get on with, but that is true of anything.

So in summary 4networking has been a revelation for me and was a great introduction for me to the business networking scene.   I have just renewed my membership and am looking forward to another 2 years of friendly, unfussy business networking.

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