Networking
You can use networking to extend your reach and gather new leads. You can:
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raise your business profile by attending meetings and getting your face and the business known
meet new people and build mutually beneficial business relationship
expand your markets by generating new business contacts with potential customers, suppliers and partners
establish overseas partnerships, eg through international exhibitions and conferences
Networks can also be a great source of information and support. You can:
- develop and share ideas, innovation and knowledge of best practice
compare and discuss issues of common interest, eg legal and regulatory developments, staff retention, supplier networks, customer service and technological breakthroughs
Some businesses are reluctant to seek advice or get help for fear of being embarrassed or giving a competitor an opportunity to take advantage. However, for most businesses, the benefits of taking an active role in a network usually outweigh any potential concerns or reasons not to network.
