"Welcome to Five Senses Coffee"

Networking was one of those hot management buzzwords from a few years back. All of a sudden people were going to any event imaginable in an effort to find that key contact that was the magical ingredient to business success. Personally, I thought it was all a bit contrived, and though networking never went away it was replaced by new terms and trends. I particularly like “open kimono” – to be open and frank in communication.

Lately I’ve been thinking about the power of networks again. Often different business phases dictate the level of networking. Most new business owners would go to the opening of an envelope in an effort to kick start their business dreams. Once businesses become more mature there’s a temptation to take the foot off the pedal a bit and enjoy the good life. Nothing wrong with that.

But while you’re at home leafing through the Porsche catalogue a hungry new business owner is working your contacts and looking for new business opportunities. So maybe it’s time to go through the contact list and look up some of the old business buddies or influential clients and meet them for a coffee and a catch up. It’s always valuable to stay up to date with what’s happening in your industry and looking for strategic alliances or opportunities.

Networking doesn’t have to be a mercenary exercise. Taking some time to catch up with an old friend or associate and “open the kimono” is time well spent and maybe as good for the soul as it is for the bottom-line. Here’s a couple of tips:

1. Make sure you have some business cards on you. Nothing worse than receiving a business card and not having yours handy whilst you have 5000 tucked in the top drawer at work!

2. If you get an opportunity to take some notes as soon as possible after an initial meeting it will help you extract maximum value from your meeting. Obviously you want a name but a footy team or partners name can help you get a new conversation started if you meet again.

3. It’s always most comfortable to gravitate towards the people you know at events or parties. Make a point of meeting some totally new people at every event you go to. You never know who you might meet.

4. Remember that networks are exponential. Establishing a solid relationship with a new acquaintance can also provide you access to their network.

5. To be a great networker you need to give as good as you get. The more help you give to others the more you will get in return.