Welcome to Rob Brown Council!

A recent article in Management Today came up with an interesting piece: Entrepreneurs Shy Away From Christmas Networking. Great magazine that took research by T-Mobile and concluded that SME owners are so busy fretting about their business, they're neglecting the key area of networking. It's easy to stay in the comfort of your office around these times, and heaven knows, I've done it myself. Following on from Part 1 and Part 2, here are a few more tips and incentives to get out there in the next few weeks...

In tough times such as these, it's natural to want to stay in the business and keep things steady. You may even feel guilty about leaving the office. As the above article said:

"81% of SME top brass said they were spending less time at seasonal shin-digs than they did last year - with the world economy going to hell in a handcart, they clearly feel they ought to have their hand firmly on the tiller, rather that spend time pressing the flesh with a nice glass of mulled wine."

Here are five reasons why you should be going to at least three social/business functions over the next two weeks:

 

1. The Strategy for Survival Is Visibility. If you want to hit next year with a bang, you can't afford to be a secret this year. Recency is a vital part of creating opportunities and building yoru business. Don't be a stranger. 
   
2. Business Is Personal. The commercial is in the social. When the wine is flowing, the tongues are loosed, possibilities are discussed and secrets are spilled. Doors are opened but you've got to be in the game, and that means being in the conversation. People buy people, and even the biggest deals come down to two people shaking hands.
3. What's Your Alternative? With trade down for many people, late payments more common and headcount falling, your needs are not served by sitting in your office complaining. Network for your own career, for the future of your staff and for the future of your business.
4. Desperation Feeds Opportunity. Goodwill toward men (and women) means you can extend favour and also call it in. In tough times, people are looking for creative ways to make progress. Negotiations are often more yielding and a lot of joint ventures, alliances and partnerships can be forged that might otherwise take time.
5. Drop and Dip. This is my phrase for what you do at the end of the year in droppng some relationships that are not working, and dipping into new ones that will sustain you in the future. You may have heard the phrase 'what got you here won't get you there.' Wel' the network you have now is not enough to take you where you want to be. Some folks are holding you back, while others are ready to take you forward.

 

For your special Networking Christmas Professional Development Package, click here!