Networking is the key to future fortune

Feb 2 2009 by Suzanne McCreedy, The Journal

IN a challenging economic climate, it is more important than ever that businesses actively seek out opportunities to attract new clients.

Networking with new business prospects is crucial, and events that help facilitate this are a great way of raising your business’s profile and ensuring that it is on the radar of key decision makers who may be interested in your products or services.

Networking can provide a lifeline of support and business generation, allowing you to boost your reputation and gather new leads.

The key to getting the most out of networking events is to be proactive and mingle as much as possible – there is little point attending if you become a passive observer.

You need to appreciate that, although you may not seal a business deal on the day, you could start mutually beneficial business relationships that might pay significant dividends in the future.

Good networking and general business events will give you the chance to meet potential customers, suppliers and partners.

As well as generating sales and building partnerships, networking can also be a key source of information, support and even inspiration.

You can compare and discuss issues of common interest, and develop and share ideas, innovation and knowledge of best practice. Business Link’s website www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast has lots of helpful information on how you can use networking to benefit your business.

There are a number of events across the region, which provide excellent networking opportunities, as well as giving you the chance to get your business in front of potential customers.

Just one of these events is the North East Regional Business Fair being held on February 25 and 26 at Newcastle Racecourse & Conference Centre. The event will offer the region’s companies the opportunity to develop business leads, find new contacts and drive value through their supply chains.

The fair’s main feature will be Meet the Buyers, which will offer companies from across the region the opportunity to meet and sell to over 100 key UK buyers from a wide range of sectors.

These include automotive, chemicals and processing, commercial creative, defence and marine, energy, food and drink, healthcare, and knowledge intensive business services.

For more information, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast  or call (0845) 600-9 006.

Suzanne McCreedy is with Business Link