Tag Archive for: Wales

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

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.

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. 

Working with your Competitors

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Working with your competitors may seem counterproductive – but hear us out! Working with those who offer similar products or services, have a similar target audience, or even those who are competing to secure certain tenders or projects may be completely unheard of but actually, could offer a range of tools and guidance that has the power to completely transform your business. 

Here are some ways in which working with your competition could actually prove to be a big bonus to you. 

Share wisdom
Education and learning is something we all do every day – if you’re not learning and implementing educational advice and tools into your business, then you definitely need to be! We all know different things and it’s likely that your competitor can offer advice on a variety of business aspects, including marketing, sales, and event management. Likewise, you’ll be able to recommend other ways to improve and deliver greater results, meaning happier customers and a more satisfied and motivated team. 

Combat industry hurdles
Every industry has its hurdles and difficulties and who better to share these concerns with, than someone who knows this firsthand? Exchanging information and ideas can really boost each other’s business, and could really bring forward a give-take relationship. 

Beneficial for the industry as a whole
Setting a higher standard or benchmark for your industry could be incredible for your business and reputation. Collectively, this will encourage others to improve their offerings too, ensuring everyone has a similar level of quality and delivery. If your whole industry experiences an overhaul, and your customers are happy, the sky’s the limit for you.

Working with competitors doesn’t necessarily mean that you should give up your top secrets, but sharing your experiences, valuable educational tools, and ways to improve workflows and processes really can raise your awareness, trust, and reputation.

Networking efficiently in a Pandemic

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What we learned most from the Coronavirus Pandemic is that we have to get used to the idea of change. Changing our routine, changing our dreams and plans, changing the way we communicate, changing the working environment. With that, we learned to use Online Platforms to conduct meetings, and events, to study, or even to have a drink with a friend.

It was a bit difficult for some, even now, when restrictions are lifting, to socialize and create meaningful connections by meeting people on a screen. That is why a lot of companies had to find a way to make those events more interesting, and more connecting. Introbiz has made few tips on how to be a great Networker while stuck at home, so have a look at them!

Attend Online Events

There are plenty of Online Networking Events happening at the moment and it is the most successful way to meet businesses and collaborate with them. It allows you to share ideas, suggests ways to overcome challenges and connect with industry thought-leaders and trendsetters. You can find different types of events – Breakfast, Workshops, Seminars, Power Groups, Masterclasses, and more. To visit Introbiz Networking Events please click here.

Stand out from the Crowd

We are living in the Digital Era and with that comes the Digital Presence. It is very important how your business is presented online and what tools you are using. Instagram and Facebook are very visual, so consider creating outstanding graphics and videos, which you can use for advertisement. By building your social media profile, your Networking process would be more relaxed – that way interested clients can find more information about your product or services, and the only thing left would be creating meaningful relationships. We offer a variety of ways to help with that so if you are interested please email us at [email protected].

Embrace the new changes

We have to accept that life won’t go back to the normal we remember it. There will be face-to-face events but the main focus of the new generation is ‘Everything Digital’. By that the Sales process would include a lot more of Digital Marketing and Email Campaigns, the connections would be more successful on LinkedIn and Twitter, and you will be meeting people not only from around your area – but worldwide. If you want to find more Introbiz is doing a Basic Networker Course which is a great start for anyone who is new in the field. Find more details here.

Learn the basics to improve yourself

There is nothing better than being innovative and creative, so when you become an expert at Networking, you can start thinking of other ways to expand your business. Every day we see how the world changes and with that, everything we know could change. Introbiz Founder Tracey Smolinski has provided an amazing opportunity to everyone who wants to be Master at Networking, and her book should be your first step. More details you can find here. By learning the basic you can start improving yourself and finding ways which work best for your business.

Business Networking: What does it mean?

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What is Business Networking? We think we know the answer but in fact, there are levels of depth to it that not many people understand. We know that it is a process of establishing partnerships and relationships with strangers to get clients and more leads. It is collaboration, connection, gaining knowledge, it helps you boost your sales, exposure and gives you brand awareness.

But it has hidden meanings behind the word Business…

B2B or Business-to-Business is a situation where businesses work with each there to create sales, or as we know it – collaborate. It is an important process before a company moves to B2C – Business-to-customer.

User Data or Analysis helps you track your leads for you to find their age, location, what they like, or don’t like. It is a very helpful tool to analyse who is interested in your services/products so you can offer them the best solution.

Seminars/Workshops are a great way of meeting new target audiences. Introbiz Expo provides you an amazing platform to shout out about products and services, to educate you on topics that are relevant for you, increase your lead generator, and establish you as a leader of your business industry. You can find more about EXPO here.

Interconnection literally means ‘private data exchange between businesses’. But we like to use it as in Partnership. It is connecting businesses to create meaningful partnerships. We have proven over the years that when you exchange ideas with other businesses you may find it effective to just combine them. The partnership is a very effective way of Networking and expanding your business on another level.

New Leads is THE core of Networking and without them, your progress will not be as meaningful as it should be. You should always be able to meet new businesses and create those connections, to have a healthy business environment.

Education is around us and we start learning the moment we step into the Networking Room. It is an opportunity to expand our minds, meet different aspects of our business, or simply be entertained with the power of knowledge. Do not underestimate this step, we are all learners until our last breath.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is something you will be hearing a lot about. It is scientifically proven that when we take risks to succeed, we get affected by the law of attraction, and everything we ever wanted becomes true. Of course, we have to work hard until that happens but only when we step out of our little box and explore every opportunity, we can enjoy the sweet taste of victory.

Sponsorship is our last step of successful Business Networking. We all know what that means but did you know that over 33% of people sponsoring events have their money back from more leads? That is right – getting your name out there gives you the most exposure for your business and you won’t need to pay for promotion – your sponsoring tag will do the job. So why waiting? You can also find more statistics here: https://blog.bizzabo.com/event-marketing-statistics

In Conclusion, to be successful at Networking, you need to understand all the aspects that are hiding behind the business. It will help you generate better leads, create better relationships, and be educated when it comes to teaching people what your business does. If you have more information that would like to share, please get in touch with our team and we will make sure your voice to be heard! Email us at [email protected]