Women In Consulting (WIC)’s Post

We've all got our 'go-to' people. Or maybe not. Being new to business it takes a while (often many years) to build a great network of individuals and businesses that you know, like and trust and know will do a good job if you refer to them (after all you own reputation can be on the line too). But it works in reverse too. Building a network takes a lot of time and energy and not one that offers many quick wins (but be honest who needs a quick win over sustainable business). One off meetings do not result in referrals sadly, but nurturing relationships will. None of it is rocket science, but those willing to put in the time now will reap rewards in the future. I know a thing or two about networking from running a business network for women for many years, so have seen so many different approaches, many which did not work and were a waste of time and energy. My advice, network with intention, be willing to play the long-game and nurture your connections. #networking #businessdevelopment #intention #buildanetwork #referrals #businessgrowth

Business leaders traditionally seek referrals to new advisors from their networked connections. They also seek advisors who are deeply networked and current. The 2023 State of the Market Report, released earlier this year, found that between 2020-22 professional and personal networks shrank by 16%. Network shrinkage has serious repercussions. Professionals in every sphere need to be intentional about the currency and depth of their networks. While the advisory market is maturing, the way in which organisations connect with advisory professionals is still largely dependent on network contacts, with most advisory roles not openly promoted to the wider market. Strong networks provide a source of trusted relationships and powerful connections, but this must be balanced with the potential for conflicts of interest. There is the potential for a missed opportunity for an organisation to connect with those not part of their current network. A more formal approach to the recruitment of independent and qualified advisory professionals is emerging in the market. The executive and board recruitment sector will be increasingly used in this process. What will you be doing in 2024 to ensure you remain current and actively invest in your network? #AdvisoryBoards #Networking #StateOfTheMarket

🤩 Introductions… 🎁 Connections… 🚀Conversations… 😍 Relationships… Since we introduced our FREE PASS+ benefit to members of The Athena Network, this is the number of business-focused, effective, supportive networking women from across the entire 120+ group network who have visited the Athena groups I’ve been running. 524 These women have visited to deliver talks/share their expertise and/or to network, connect & grow relationships. What is the SECRET SAUCE INSIDE this number? Networking is NOT a numbers game… Networking is NOT an “appear everywhere” strategy… 524 Networking IS about reinforcing & reappearing & reconnecting. The SECRET SAUCE inside the number 524 is that many/many of these individuals have returned again & again to my group. Ie Their “away” group. These women have developed an effective relationship-building long-term networking strategy. The secret sauce in networking is about digging your ditches, making long-term relationships with likeminded people leading to referrals & business. This approach brings know/like/trust which run deep & long-term. 524 If you are looking to grow your business, attract clients & create connections, the Athena Network attracts women who truly understand the nature & power of effective networking. Email [email protected] to find out about opportunities for you and your business. #athenanetwork #strategy #networkingconsistency #onlinenetworking

Building strong professional relationships and a robust network not only opens doors to the best candidates but also fosters collaboration and innovation. By tapping into your network, you can gain insights, referrals, and access to a diverse pool of skilled professionals who can propel your business forward. #BusinessGrowth #bni #businessnetworking

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀, 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 ✅ Dive in to find out how our experience translates into tangible outcomes, and how we can support your business 👇🏼 #IndustryExpertise #TechRecruitment #EngineeringTalent #Immerge #RecruitmentSolutions Iain MacHattie, Daniel Illingworth, Neil Groome, Dominic Sheppard

Me Before Networking (Myths) - It’s wasting our time - I won’t get business - People never support new people - Discrimination Me after Networking (Facts) * It’s increasing productivity * Getting Quality Referral & Business * 100% Strong support * Treating Equal Networking was stressful for me. I would get nervous. I would bail at the last minute. I had to push myself into it. Now I have done it 10X, I am in control when I do it, and it’s much more pleasurable. Small change; Big Impact - What Now? + Follow me + Hit the bell icon👍 + See every post  + Comment - be seen - be heard #bniglobal #networking #business2business

You should never be required to restrict your networking. When you refer to people it should be because they have earned your know, like and trust factor – not because you are in a referral group together. Many groups will take anyone in who can pay the dues. We know how important staking our reputation on someone is, so we do have a vetting process. Even so, giving your clients a choice when asked for a referral is a smart thing. You should have a variety of referral partners with different personalities, expertise, pricing, and industry experience. Have other questions, read more here https://zurl.co/eycr - #womenleadership #businessdevelopment #womeninbusiness #womenentrepreneurs #womensupportingwomen #womenempoweringwomen #networkingevents #womenbusinessowners #sheleadsgroup

What's your plan to get what you want in 2024? What do you want? A promotion? A career change? A board seat? Whatever your goal is for 2024, you need a plan. And cultivating business relationships should be part of that plan. In an email to subscribers, Jim McCann, the founder of 1-800-Flowers.com and the chair of Worth Media Group, talked about going into 2024 with a "relationship plan". He asked "Are there current relationships you would like to invest in, relationships from the past you want to reignite, or are you looking to create new ones in the new year?"  He was talking about personal relationships but his questions apply to business relationships too. This year, I hope you leverage our Schmooze newsletter, special speakers, panels, and events to help you get what you want in 2024. Relationships matter. Relationships close gaps. Relationships. Are. Everything. #businessrelationships #womeninbusiness #careerchange #womenonboards #networking