Tag Archive for: Cardiff

Five Important Things You Should Know About Networking.

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1. Networking is not just about attending events.

We often hear, “It is all about who you know”. In a professional career, networking can be an invaluable space to express your personal qualities and values to others. Even if you are not looking for a job, as a result of networking you may have more opportunities in the future. Additionally, networking provides you with a competitive edge allowing you to broaden your horizons on the latest industry trends.

2. It’s the best way to connect and build relationships with other businesses.

By attending networking events, you will have the chance to meet face-to-face with professionals across various industries, an opportunity that is not often available in general life. Also, by sharing your opinion about new business plans, you can attract other companies interested in your idea, leading to new collaborations and more possibilities.

3. Great chance to build one’s confidence.

Participating in networking events and meeting new people can bring you out of your comfort zone. It is a great opportunity for everybody to develop and practise their social and communication skills. In all, networking is a transferable skill that will help you to communicate your ideas more confidently in all aspects of life.

4. Can be applied to business and academic skills.

Most people see networking as a business activity, yet it has become an important skill for academic professionals. For example, if you meet companies or professionals in your field of study, being able to effectively communicate and share ideas, could lead to further insight and value to your own research, while gaining a meaningful connection for possible collaborations. In addition, postgraduates and PhD students independently research literature for their dissertations, so attending networking events can help them to interact with other business leaders, and professionals, and help their interpersonal skills.

5. A platform to reflect on yourself.

Often people are satisfied with the status quo and overlook opportunities for new types of collaboration, but don’t consider how professionals in similar fields have gotten to where they are. Through networking events and activities, you can reflect on your own strategies, strengths and weaknesses and how to improve.

Found this article helpful? Come join us for our next event.

By Judy Chang.

CONFIDENCE

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BECOMING A NETWORKING EXPERT

Tracey Smolinski, Founder of Introbiz

Networking is often surrounded by apprehension and begins as a daunting process for many. Standing in the corner with a colleague and a cup of coffee is an anecdote that anyone who has attended a networking event can tell you. Though for most, this is quickly overcome after a few awkward interactions and getting used to the environment. For some, the anxiety and embarrassment of it can all too easily become overwhelming, and an experience that starts to be dreaded and actively avoided. This, however, as any successful businessperson will tell you, can prevent you and your business from reaching its true potential. After all, as the saying goes, your ‘network is your net worth’.

Confidence is often perceived as a personality trait, but here at Introbiz we believe that it is more of a perspective. Changing how you look at a situation can quickly change your attitude towards it. For instance, look at a networking pitch as your duty to share knowledge which others are yet to learn. Tracey believes that “One of the best ways to advance is to give. This is doubly powerful when the giving you engage in is directly related”. Changing how you approach networking is one of a few strategies that Introbiz believes can make you a master networker.

Introbiz also believe that efforts to build rapport can drastically change your experience of networking. Once a common ground is established between you and a potential client or respective networker, the conversation will become easier and a relationship between you and them will be established. Having that relationship established first, means that pitching your business confidently is a far easier task.

Enthusiasm is also key in developing confidence pitching and networking. If you are excited by your work, it is easier to start a discussion with people and create and develop your network. Confidence will beam from a person eager about their subject and expertise and draw in those who have similar or related interests.

A passionate person is also a memorable person and, in many ways, it can elevate your aura to create and attract positive attitudes. Once you develop a passion for your business “You become the key person of influence in your field and how much more powerful is it if people come to you, rather than one of your competitors” as Tracey recently discussed on her LinkedIn page.

These changes and strategies to approach networking can U-turn your experience of networking. Confidence and enthusiasm benefit yours and any potential connections experiences networking in a multi-faceted way. It will improve personal and professional credibility, promote you to potential connections as impassioned and therefore worthy of business, but most importantly, these strategies have the benefit of empowering you and your work.

Networking is about symbiotic relationships that have a win-win outcome. Creating these relationships and becoming a networking extrovert is a process; the more you invest and actively work to improve in your networking confidence, the more opportunities you will create to make connections and therefore, the more you will win and gain good business relationships from it.

To book on to your next event and put these strategies into practice, please click here. Alternatively, scroll our events page to find targeted workshops such as the Confident Communicator Masterclass to improve your networking skills.

Written by Lucy Beetson

5 C’s to building trust

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1. Continuity

· Be present.

· Be visible.

· Maintain Top Of Mind awareness for those Top Opportunities (TOMATO).

2. Caring

· Meet their needs.

· Be a giver.

· Listen to them.

3. Communication

· Be authentic and real.

· Keep in touch regularly.

· Be truthful.

· Share information and knowledge.

· Smile.

· Inform – don’t brag.

· Be accessible by phone, email, social media – the methods you give people to contact you on your business card should be open.

4. Competence

· Show your skills.

· Use success stories and appropriate case studies to demonstrate your competence.

· Keep learning, growing and adapting.

· Get more details by asking, “Tell me more. Tell me about you, and how I can help you?”

· Let people know about your professional qualifications and experience.

5. Commonality

· Seek same beliefs, values and ethos.

· Find common ground.

Why Networking Should be a Firm Part of Your Business Plan

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Investing the time and respect networking needs will reward you in the long run. Trust us! You can visit our networking diary to see all our upcoming events here. In the meantime, here are few reasons why Networking should be a firm part of your business plan:

Plan your networking
You should plan and make networking a regular part of your business. Aim to attend an event a week and really build your network and connections. Devote your time well after an event by following up with your connections and try to arrange face-to-face meetings. Spending your hard-earned cash on networking has the capability of being more effective than investing in advertising. This is because networking is more targeted and personal. 

Prioritising your time
Everyone’s busy, trying to juggle work, family life, and doing things outside of work, such as hobbies. Really try to look at everything you do and decide how much time you can realistically dedicate to networking. This way, you’ll probably enjoy it a lot more, rather than feeling rushed and unfocussed. Decide who you want to meet and why and consider what you can offer your connections. You can then use this information to prioritise the events you’d like to attend, and this will make such a difference to your overall perception of networking. 

Talking about your business
You should always have a plan before going into a networking event. Really think about what you do and the ethos your business promotes. Not everyone is a natural-born networker, so having pre-prepared points can ease your nerves. Talk about what makes your business stand out from the rest, the benefits you can offer, and a little bit of background. Can you offer a discount or personalised treatment? It’s worth noting that you shouldn’t talk constantly about your business – try to talk a little about yourself, maybe mention your hobbies and conversation will likely follow. 

Business cards
Business cards are an affordable yet effective way to market your business and allows your connection to follow up with you. When having your business card design, you should keep it relatively simple, with information such as your name, business name, email address, and phone number. Give your business card to your connection ask for one in return. 

Following up
If you’ve ever been to an Introbiz event, you’ll know how much we encourage our members and associations to follow up. Try not to leave it more than 24 hours before following up, because it’s likely that you’ll be fresh in their mind and more willing to have a conversation. Be sure to deliver on your promises and keep in in touch with your connections to build your network and trust. 

How to stay motivated and focused when working from home

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Working from home has become the new norm for many of us. Whilst there are numerous positives when it comes to working from home – more time with family, flexibility, and a great reduction in travel costs. It can be tough to not get distracted by children, pets, or housework to stay motivated and to keep active. 

However, there are a number of ways in which you can make working from home as effective and positive as possible.

Organize your day
This may seem like an obvious point, but having a plan of action can really make that mountain of tasks seem so much more manageable. Write lists, prioritising the tasks that are time sensitive and essential to complete. You’ll feel such a sense of purpose and achievement once your tasks are complete, and you’ll likely feel refreshed and energised to keep working hard and delivering high-quality results. 

Set up a dedicated area in your home for work
This point is extremely dependent on your personal circumstances, however, if you can find a separate area within your home to work, then this is preferable. This really allows you to separate your work and life and encourages you to keep your work and life separate. It’s vital to really switch off at the end of your working day, not only for your physical wellbeing but for your mental health too. Switch that laptop off, don’t be tempted to look at your work emails, and don’t start online shopping when you’re supposed to be working! 

Get dressed for the day
It can be tempting to work in your pyjamas or your comfiest clothes whilst working from home, but research has shown that actually getting dressed in an outfit that you would wear in the office would increase your motivation for the day.

Other things you can do are:

  • Check in with your colleagues 
  • Have video calls and arrange events or quizzes
  • Take regular breaks 
  • Get out an exercise 
  • Reward yourself 

Tips on How You Can Be a Better Networker

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Being a successful business owner is not easy, especially when you want to increase your contacts number. That is why Networking is considered a skill, which helps meeting people and to create those connections that will generate revenue. Introbiz has provided few tips on how to become a master at it!

  • Meet people through other people 

The best and easiest way to meet people is through referrals. Stick with the people you already know because they’ll know, like, and trust you and are more likely to refer you. You’ll likely receive a warm welcome and introduction to the person you wanted an introduction with. You could also use LinkedIn’s online introduction tool to expand your network. 

  • Leverage social media 

Social media is an effective way to connect and without the pressure of a face-to-face meeting. Try commenting on a relevant link or post or you could even start a conversation with them and offer them value in return. When the opportunity comes to meet them in person, you’ll find it easier to start a conversation as you have a common ground. 

  • Let the other person speak

The key to being a good conversationalist is being a good listener. If you have asked another person for their advice or opinion, let them answer your question! If you do all the talking, your connection may feel that you are uninterested in what they have to say which isn’t a great impression to leave. If you’re unsure about what questions to ask, here are some examples: 

  • How long have you been with the company/field? 
  • What do you like or dislike about your job? 
  • What type of training did you need for this position? 
  • What is the culture of this company? 
  • Ask for suggestions on how to expand your network 

Each separate person you meet will know approximately another 200 people and if you can gain introductions to some of these contacts, you will quickly expand your network. Don’t be afraid to ask your contacts if they can recommend a professional organization or the names of some people of the people you should be talking to. 

  • Find a reason to follow up

We know – we’re constantly preaching about the importance of follow-up. If you want to establish rapport with another person, you can create a reason to keep the relationship going. Try to find at least two or three opportunities on a yearly basis, to reconnect with the members of your network.

  • Say thank you 

It may seem like a very obvious point, but saying thank you goes a long way. Building a network is all about creating a genuine, caring relationship. Take the time to thank your connection for the information they have provided and keep notes so you can keep in touch with them.

Taking care of your mental health whilst working from home

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Working from home has brought with it so many benefits – no more commute, more time with family, and even more flexibility. However, with these benefits come a number of considerations with regard to mental health. Anxiety, depression, loneliness, and boredom can all have a massive effect on our mental health so how can we reduce the risk and keep a happy healthy mind whilst being at home?

Set a routine
Having a set routine is absolutely imperative to keep you motivated and focused. Of course, curveballs and unexpected tasks are extremely likely to land in your inbox, so having some amount of flexibility is important. However, knowing that you have a structure and set daily, or even weekly tasks, will help to keep your mind active and on-task. Not only this but taking regular breaks and even introducing a daily walk can really make a difference to your work/life balance, allowing you to think and get your creative juices flowing!

Have solid boundaries
When working from home, it can be tempting to work hours that you wouldn’t ordinarily work whilst at the office. With your laptop and emails being so accessible, before you know it, you’re replying to a client when you should be relaxing or enjoying time with your family. It’s so easy to do this, however, it can really impact your mental health and can lead to you feeling that you’re overworked and underappreciated. Try to limit your work during working hours, do turn in your laptop and emails, and if you’re on leave, make sure you redirect any correspondence to another team member. Having these solid boundaries in place really can make the whole working from home life so much easier and clearer. 

Stay connected
Our world has been turned upside down since the pandemic hit in 2020. We’ve been thrust into the unknown, and many of us really saw the workplace as a place to socialize and to have fun with each other. It can be lonely working from home and some days may go by for some of us where we don’t speak to our fellow team members. It’s so important to stay connected with your team – this can be through video calls, emails, or even WhatsApp or Slack. Having that opportunity to chat about both work and life really can keep loneliness and frustration at bay. If you ever feel alone, please don’t hesitate to reach out to others – they’ll be more than happy to have a chat with you.

Create a dedicated workspace
Having a dedicated area to work will ensure that you’re focussed on the task ahead, rather than being distracted by all other house tasks that may need tackling, like the washing up or hoovering. Working from home can feel overwhelming at times and there’s a risk that we may f

Take plenty of breaks throughout the day
If you’re busy and there are heaps to get done, you may scoff at this point! However, taking regular, short breaks actually increases productivity and restores energy levels. This means that you should make time to have your lunch, away from your screen. You could take a walk, go outside to eat, or even go for a run or bike ride. You should also try to take a few short breaks throughout the day – just 5 or 10 minutes to make a coffee or step outside in your garden. Keeping your body moving encourages the endorphins which is the chemical created when we feel good.

You may be doing this for a while
You may be working from home for a little while longer yet – your workplace may have even adopted a hybrid model of working whereby you’re able to work from both home and the office. When working at home, do you have the space to set up a small office? Is there a particular room which lets in more light and is, therefore, more suitable for work? Is there any software or courses out there which may make your work even better? Communicate with your workplace and they’ll be sure to assist in any way they possibly can.

Be kind to yourself
This is a very unique period for us all and it has taken a great deal of compromise and adjustment. Remember, be kind to yourself, reward yourself, and if you do feel that you’re being slightly less productive than you normally would be, be realistic and reasonable in your expectations. When you make peace with this and relax, it’s highly likely that your work will flow and you’ll be even more productive than ever!

Top 4 Marketing Tips

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There are the unwritten laws of having a successful Digital Presence and it has never been an easier way to achieve those goals! We believe every business needs those tips so take your pen and book, or smartphone, and write them down. Here are our Top 4 Marketing Tips:

Be on Social Media
This may seem like a very obvious point, but the first step in becoming a successful marketer is to create your social media profiles. You can create these for free on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more. You’ll need to spend time familiarising yourself with the aims and mechanics of each platform, but once you get the basics, you’ll be fine. It’s important to remember to create compelling and fun content that encourages potential clients to buy from you, and also, that not every platform will work for you. Some are more targeted for B2B purposes, whilst others are more B2C focussed. Work out which works for you and invest the majority of your time and money here. 

Make Lots of Friends
It’s easier said than done but making valuable friends is an important part of spreading the word of your business. Attend networking events, go to local events and connect online to get yourself out there. Every single person has their own network and connections, so if you have a great relationship, share each other’s content to reach an even wider audience. Remember, you never know who your connection knows! 

Start a Blog
Starting a blog could seem like quite a daunting task, but it really doesn’t have to be. There are a number of free websites where you can start a blog – all you need to do is to start writing. You should be completely passionate about what you do and what you can offer, which will make blogging fun, rather than seeming like a chore. Don’t forget to include clear, crisp images to accompany your content to enhance the readers’ experience and share your hard work across your social media pages for even more promotion. 

Use Video
The popularity of video is on the up. YouTube is brimming with all sorts of videos – tutorials, shopping hauls, anything you can think of. Video is a great way to show your audience what you do in a very short space of time and encourages interaction quickly. You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy editing software to create the perfect video. Using your smartphone can be just as effective and using a free platform such as YouTube to promote your video is ideal. You can share the video link to your social pages, and encourage past clients to comment and like your video, making it more likely that others will follow suit. 

What are Business Seminars, and why are they so important?

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Hosting a seminar is one of the most effective ways to empower your audience – it’s an extraordinary way to showcase your knowledge, products, and services. By definition, a seminar is “a commercial program where attendees are given information or training about a specific topic”. Very often their focus is on business strategies or personal development and is usually held for groups of 10 to 50 individuals.

As you are probably familiar, Introbiz EXPO hosts Seminars every year with topics such as ‘How to generate leads and increase them’, ‘Establish your business as a market leader’, ‘Target Audience’, and much more. We also have great Keynote Speakers such as Grant Cardone, Lord Sugar, Camilita Nuttall, Peter Willcock. And the biggest question we want to answer is – Why should YOU get involved and how important seminars actually are?

Conducting a seminar, or conference, not only builds your business image but also gains you access to people with the same mindset. You see, when you are in a room with business owners who have the same goals as you, you create one of the best relationships and the outcome is outrageous. As Tony Robbins once said:

Successful people are united by one quality: hunger. They’re hungry to succeed, and they let their sense of ravenousness drive them to pursue their goals.

Tony Robbins

Seminars give you all the tips and advice you need, it teaches you how to be better, how to grow as a business and most importantly – it surrounds you with people who are willing to help you.

If you have decided you want to attend one of our seminars you should probably answer these questions first:

  • What motivates you, for your own personal growth, and for your business?
  • Are you an innovator and how can change your status quo?
  • What are your Marketing Strategies and how are they affective?

The Business Seminar will help you develop these answers, and build you a bigger audience, stronger business management, a better understanding of what you need to do to achieve your goals. Its informative nature is a great way to learn and network with different business industries and gains you access to a field full of advantages.

To find more about Introbiz EXPO and the Seminars please visit here. You can also find more about us on our social media platforms below. Let us know what you think about this article!

3 ways our voices are the most important tool to convey messages

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Our voice is the most valuable tool in our arsenal – we can make positive change, make life-changing relationships and partnerships, and share our passions and beliefs. This is also true when it comes to networking and meeting new businesses – our voice, the way we project the sound, and the words we choose to speak really do hold the secret to success. 

The power of voice – Creates a personal connection
Using your voice effectively could mean the difference between securing a massive sale or an international client. Used poorly and unclearly, and you could see frustration and complaints at your door. Communication allows you to connect with your audience, to share common interests, which should ultimately lead to greater trust. In both personal and professional relationships, smiling, speaking slowly, and clearly explaining your aims will certainly provide the best possible results for you and your connection and will allow conversations to flow naturally. 

The power of voice – The importance of tone
Did you know that the tone we use when communicating is the most important aspect of effective communication? The tone of voice we use conveys meaning and allows our connection to understand and perceive exactly what message we’re trying to convey. Your tone can also mean the difference between someone actually listening and engaging with you, or completely ignoring you which is neither productive nor useful. Tone can be quite hard to manage, especially when there are time constraints and other pressures to consider. The trick is to listen to yourself and ask yourself if you could use a more empathetic or positive tone – you could do this by recording your voice and listening to it, to really see if improvements can be made.  

The power of voice – A means of obtaining feedback
Offering honest feedback is vital to being able to improve, develop and progress. Verbal feedback allows for clarification, meaning relevant questions can be asked. Whilst providing this feedback, it’s vital to consider your tone of voice (as mentioned above), and ensure that what you have to say is constructive. Feedback should also be delivered in a timely and specific way so that it’s at the forefront of everyone’s mind.