It goes without saying that a strong online presence is essential to the success of most businesses, regardless of sector, but so too is the age-old art of networking and collaboration. Networking, done well and with a purpose, still plays a vital role in marketing yourself and your business effectively.
The key is to be targeted and precise. Identify key influencers in your market and research the events they attend. Do the same for your target audience and potential customers. Before each event, be clear on what you want to achieve from attending. It is wise to look at the list of attendees ahead of an event and do your research (LinkedIn is a good place to start) so that you are in the best position to approach and engage guests.
Here are some of the benefits of networking and collaboration for clients.
Opens the door to new connections
By far the most obvious benefit of networking, making new connections, isn’t as simple as it may seem. While attending business events will likely present new connections, how you nurture them is key.
It’s all well and good meeting someone at an event, having a great chat and swapping business cards, but the work does not stop there. After a meeting like this it is vital that you follow up and build the relationship to make the most of it.
Send a follow up email or message over LinkedIn with an interesting article on a topic you discussed, arrange a catch up over coffee or introduce them to another beneficial connection – whatever the next step, make sure you nurture the relationship for the benefit of both parties.
Always remember to follow up with everyone you have spoken to – you never know where it might lead!
Looking for a networking event? See Causeway Exchange’s events to meet business leaders operating across both sides of the Irish Sea.
Share ideas and best practice
Another benefit of networking and collaboration is the chance to share ideas or best practice with like-minded individuals.
Attending industry events can be a great learning opportunity. Whatever stage you’re at in your business or career, there is always something you can learn or pass on to others.
Creates new opportunities
Collaboration can open many new doors to opportunities for your business and clients.
A collaboration between two brands or businesses can have multiple benefits – from being able to add a new service to your offering to receiving the funding you need for a new product launch.
Read more about the collaboration we facilitated with Gordon Castle here.
Collaboration within the workplace can also have benefits. This can create a more engaged workforce, open new lines of communication and opportunities while also leveraging the strengths of your team.
These are just some of the ways that networking can add value to your business, as the benefits of collaboration are endless and could hold the answer to the challenges facing your company.
At Represent, we pride ourselves on the opportunities, connections and collaborations we can offer our clients. By regularly attending business, industry and sector events we keep up to date on all of the latest trends and news while also meeting with like-minded people and building mutually beneficial connections.
We truly believe in the power of collaboration within business and help our clients to do the same. Want to find out how we can help with stakeholder relations to build your network? Get in touch now to discuss this with the Represent team.