Invest Manage & Grow

Networking

What is Networking?
Networking is the act of connecting with people to expand your circle of influence, to make new friends, or find people who can help you accomplish you goals.

Networking is important because:

• It helps you grow your business by building relationships with new customers or suppliers
• It leads you to potential mentors (people who can help you or your business grow)
• It is a pathway to meet specific people
• It builds friendships
• It allows you to expand your contacts (you might not know when you will need to connect with them)

Who should be part of your network?
There are two categories of people who should be in your network.  They are:

• Nurturers - People with whom you can build friendships or who will support you personally.
• Achievers – People who can help you accomplish specific goals. 

When meeting people for the first time, try to assess the relationship you would like to have with them.  By identifying the category of contact, you’ll know the types of questions to ask them, and the level of relationship you’d like to build.

How do you Network?
Networking is a skill people build over time.  For many people it can be intimidating to approach someone you don’t know very well.  The following tips will help you plan your approach and make it easier to break the ice.

1. Understand your objective (Why are you interested in meeting new people?)
2. Have a plan (How will you make your approach?)
3. Develop positive ways of meeting people
4. Learn how to make conversation with people
5. Learn to make the right impression
6. Learn how to gather information
7. Learn how to leave a conversation

What happens when you network effectively?

• Get lots of business
• Lead a well-balanced, happy life

Where can you network?

1. Church
2. Grocery Store
3. City Market
4. Reunions
5. Sporting Events
6. Trade Shows
7. Networking Events
8. Fundraising Dinners
9. Social Events
10. Airports
11. Golf Course
12. Gym
13. Boards/Committees
14. Playgrounds with children
15. Online
16. Coffee Shops

Steps to Effective Networking

• Joining or create a conversation
  • Look around the room
  • Look for open groups or people who are standing alone
  • Ask to join the conversation
  • Ask the host to introduce you to people
     
• Breaking into a conversation
  • Shake hands
  • Ask questions
  • Don’t start talking about yourself
  • Look for clues (i.e. name tags, where they work, where they’re from)

Possible opening questions

• How long have you been here?
• Have you been to these types of events before?
• What brought you to this event?
• What type of business are you in?
• Have I missed anything exciting?

• Having a meaningful conversation
  • Try to learn things about the person you’re speaking with. 
  • Look for common interests
  • Test the person.  Where do they fit in your life? Find out how they can help you achieve your goals.  Are they an achiever or a nurturer?
  • Always be polite and show interest in the other person
  • Exchange business cards if appropriate

Possible questions to help you make a connection with someone

• What do you do for a living?
• Where do you live?
• What do you think about…?
• What do you like to do?
• How long have you been with this organization?
• What is your position with the company?
• Have you been to these types of events before?
• What brought you to this event?

• Leaving the conversation
  • It’s important to speak to more than one person
  • Decide whether or not you want to speak with this person again
  • Sometimes it’s difficult to break away from the conversation
  • Try not to take all of someone’s time – judge when you’ve spoken long enough to someone

Things you can say to end the conversation and move on:

If you want to see the person again soon

• I’m very glad we had a chance to chat.  Let’s talk again…. (In the near future, next week, tomorrow etc.)

If it doesn’t really matter when you see the person again

• It’s been great talking with you.  I’m glad I was able to see you today.  Enjoy the event.
• Thank you for the conversation.  It was very nice to meet you.  Enjoy your afternoon.
• Oh, I see someone I have been waiting all evening to speak with.  It was great talking to you.
• Enjoy the rest of your evening.
• There are a few more people I need to speak with before I leave.  I’ll see you later. Thanks for the conversation
• I’m going to move along and talk to a few more people.  Thanks for the conversation.

Business Networking in Saint John

Within the greater Saint John area, there are a number of networking opportunities available to small business owners.  The following is a list of some of the networking groups and events where you can meet potential customers and suppliers while also contributing to the life of the community.

Saint John Board of Trade
The Saint John Board of Trade’s mission is to provide encouragement, assistance and guidance for established enterprises, or those aspiring to become established in business.  The Board of Trade has a number of business committees, hosts monthly business mixers, and organizes a range of business events for its members.

Fusion
Fusion is a networking group of active, civic-minded individuals who have a great vision of Saint John’s future as a great place to live, work and play.

Saint John Rotary Club
The mission of the Rotary Club is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Women of NOW
This is a group made up of women in business from the Greater Saint John area. The group meets the last Tuesday of every month – with a new host and guest speaker. The goals of the group are ‘growth’. All members are encouraged to speak on various topics concerning the group.
Contact: Terri-Ann Cormier
E-mail: naturallyforlife@bellaliant.com

The Saint John West Business Association
The Saint John West Business Association works on improving the appearance, safety, attractiveness, and living standards for new businesses and residents on the West-side of the City. A wide range of volunteer opportunities are available to assist the organization in operating efficiently. The association is open to business owners who operate in West Saint John.

Kennebecasis Valley Chamber of Commerce
The KVCC is a diverse group of men and women representing more than 150 businesses.  The organization hosts monthly business mixers, and a variety of events throughout the year. Its mandate also includes advancing the interests of its membership in the community. 

The Union Club
The Union Club is a member-run organization formed to provide a place where business professionals can gather and meet with their peers to discuss and share ideas. It is a club where members can dine and socialize with other members. Club membership gives business people the opportunity to meet professionals from various backgrounds can become important new clients, associates, and friends.