The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

NETWORKING / 221

Meeting people

You can meet people anywhere. Be open to chance

contacts, at airports or in elevators for example;

these unexpected opportunities to meet people

and network can prove invaluable. Business

contacts are increasingly made online, through

targeted research or in business networking

groups, but there is still no substitute for old-

fashioned, face-to-face networking.

Valuing networks

Networking is about building relationships,

not selling. Your network should include not

just customers, but others in your profession

or trade with whom you can share experience,

as well as suppliers, consultants, and others

with influence. Do not forget about internal

networks, which may be as important as

external contacts in large organizations.

TARGET YOUR

Networking

Make a “hit list” of people

you want to meet; keep

your eyes and ears open

for opportunities.

Tip

US_220-221_Networking_1.indd 221 30/05/16 3:03 pm