I’ve been thinking about business networking a lot lately – the various groups, different ways of networking, the prices, locations and most importantly the results.  I think when some people new to networking hear the word they feel daunted, picturing being thrown to a lions’ den of suited lions, growling scary business speak..

I’ve covered in a previous blog my opinion that networking includes all the human interactions we have, not just attending groups.  Regarding groups though – indeed they can be quite formal, and often they’re really relaxed, then there’s everything in between – from speed networking to intel sharing to lunches or golfing competitions to name but a few.

In this blog I want to share some additional benefits I’ve gained from networking groups, unexpected benefits even, that have made a whole world of difference to my business, and my life.

WISDOM
I’ve secured wisdom – some paid for, some at a reduced rate and some at no cost at all, in the realms of accounting, legal matters, web design, email setup, search engine optimisation, utilities, tree maintenance, office locations, charitable deeds, wireless signals and saving the planet – an interesting range I know! This has come in the form of either a casual chat, a specific pitch or presentation, or suppliers I’ve gone on to secure.  Very rarely at the outset have I thought “I’m going to this networking group to find out about trees” – it’s just happened, some things are meant to be..

INSPIRATION
It really helps to hear from others who have been through your current challenges and got out the other side! We all have times of uncertainty in business and when I face such times I think of the motivational people I have met – it really spurs me on.

FRIENDS
Since I started my company I have met so many awesome people, some of whom I’m now proud to call my friends, we have a laugh, share banter, even go dancing – and that’s on top of all our “normal” networking benefits.

IDEAS
Sharing and discussing things with others has lead me to ideas and developments in my business which I’d never have thought of in isolation, I usually go away from networking meetings buzzing and turning things over in my head, then ideas start to form and take shape, you never know where things can lead.

KINDNESS
Last but by no means least – the kindness of many of the business people I’ve met is really humbling. Not least those who have joined and sponsored my skydive for Alzheimer Scotland this Saturday – I can’t say how scared I am but this kindness has really helped make this worth doing and (a little) less scary.  Read on to The List of Kindness and I thank them one and all from the bottom of my heart.

If you’re reading this and fancy some networking get in touch, I love lions and I know the best lions dens!  Karen

#networking #marketing #wisdom #inspiration #ideas #alzheimer #charity #skydiving #aberdeen

THIS LITTLE PIGGY’S LIST OF KINDNESS

Jacqueline Fellow Skydiver and Legend Christie – Thorpe Molloy Recruitment
Catherine Rideout – Foreverhome Animal Rescue Hub & CJ and Darren Creations
Maria Robertson – The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen
Nicola MacPherson – Bonnington Mill Business Centre
John Thorne – Glasgow School of Art
Gillian Macdonald – Love Life Limited (3L)
Fiona Thomson – Fiona Thomson Scottish Artist
Patricia Watson – Accountants for Business UK Ltd
Will Shek – IDed
Douglas Lawie – DISCo Ltd
Elaine Lindsay – Something Corny
Natalie Hardie – Natalie Hardie Temple Spa & Office @ Dee Valley
Karen Moore – Diabetes Scotland
Richard MacMillan – Forbes Lawson
Mubasher Choudry – Mubasher Choudry Family Law Solutions
Jeff Stewart – Stand Free Ltd
Sheryl Newman – Appetite for Business
George Strachan – Strachan’s of Royal Deeside
Bob Walker – Alzheimer Campaigner & Towergate Insurance
Mike Buckley – Freshfrontiers Consulting
Rob Watson – Gilbert Watson & Associates
Phionna McInnes-Pirie – Me Too Magazine & Declan’s Dogs
Jill Webster – Jill Webster Life Enhancement Specialist
Andrew Alleway – Ecocleen Aberdeen
Paula Mulvaney – Logie Durno Village Hall and Community
Margaret Waldron – The Law Practice
Jeannie Carlson – Simeon Care for the Elderly
David Tawse – Nimbus Blue
Catherine Blackwood – Blackwood EA
Ian Gourlay – ACVO
Gillian Thomson – GT Conflict Resolution
Fiona Innes – Beebombee
Malcolm Davidson – International House Aberdeen
Fraser McRobb – Claremont Office Interiors
Ken and Vicky Campbell – Casepoint
Carol Wright – Copthorne Aberdeen
Carole Ferguson – Ferguson Legal
Jen Montgomerie – Ruby Irons
Sam Stanton – Langstane Press
Alan Forbes – Lime Blue Accountancy
Sorcha McClinton – Acumen Accountants and Advisers
Graeme Morrison – Whelan Pest Prevention
Willie McColl – Glenbrex Ltd
Helen Warburton – Let’s Network & Creation Social Media
Alan Morrison – ASM Media and PR and Mr Droogle
Douglas Glen – Freshfrontiers Consulting
Noeleen Coutts – Noeleen’s Hair Salon
Sarah Downs – Bryant Recruitment
Julie McNeil – Merchant Bistro
Heather Lynch – The Cat in the Window Cafe
Gary Black – Inspired Design and Development
Mark Le Huray – Simblox Technologies
Liz Robinson – Deeside Cats Protection
Kevin Milne – KRM Joinery and Building Contractors
Gareth Findlater – GJ Findlater Painter and Decorators
Edward Obi – Deux Consulting & Deux Networking Circle
Hamish Milne – HAM Enterprises and Copresence
Andrew Reid – Inspire PTL
Derek Emslie – Lamont Design
Paul Douglas – Carlton Resource Solutions
Tom Alexander – Mckenzie Print
Maria Oleksiak – Tea Zone
Colin Humphreys – Claremont Office Interiors