Feeling Isolated ? -Get Out and Network

Written on the 24 November 2017 by Janet Culpitt

Networking is a great way to stop feeling isolated, says Janet Culpitt of Arrow Focus on Wealth and be Seen Get Known and Make Money.

So, you made the choice to have a home office to help balance your Work and Family Life.

This is great at the time and you feel in control of when and how you get your work done. After a while, though you may begin to realise you may have isolated yourself and miss the interaction with others on a regular basis.

Creating your own business gave you the flexibility you needed to care for family.

It's really is becoming something of the "norm", especially with the increase of what can be done with technology.

Networking also gives you choices and control though.

It will grow your business if done correctly. Networking, too, is a great way to stop feeling isolated and similarly you can choose when, where and how you do this.

There are things to consider, in order making networking worthwhile for you though.

Don't be simply socialising, as you ultimately want it to be business focused, as it can raise your profile and generate new business for you.

Joining an established networking group may frighten you as you may then be "new kid on the block".

Don't worry!  Others often feel this way too.

There will be a time when you are helping the next "new kids on the block".

You can be the quiet "wallflower" and observe initially, but sooner or later you know you have to become a part of the group or it's of no use you being there.

How do you do this?

Listen eagerly to what the organisers say and do, this is your clue to what is expected of you.

NB: Bad habit - getting busy handing out business cards in the hope someone says that they need your service or product. You are not there to be a salesperson! You are there to develop a relationship with others that will ultimately stop you feeling isolated and allow you to build a profile that in time will reward you with business.

Here's a tip - don't always be the one to want to use the services of, or buy the product of someone you've met.

This does not always make them immediately reciprocate. Have a plan to communicate with others and let them get to know you while you get to know them.

Because of Networking, you will gain opportunities to promote your business and also to assist others.

You will become recognised and sought out, receive invites, meet new people and go to different places, all while having a great time.

Some networking events and groups will result in some very good new business for you, and some great friendships and strategic alliances will form.

Some events though may cost you money and time and your return on that investment may be NIL.

That needs to be addressed. You can solve this and also solve your isolation by having a networking plan.

The Networking Business Plan

You should have a networking business plan that identifies why you want to network and what result you want. There are some points to cover in your plan:

1. Your financial budget - $'s spent to attend as well as your time.
2. Personal Development - public speaking, speaker topics, even down to fashion trends.
3. Return on Investment - this covers things such as who do you want to meet, how many new people, how many of existing contacts to catch up with, how much business received will ultimately cover your costs.

Over time, the referrals will be coming to you as people have come to know, like and trust you.

They are happy to refer others to you for new business. You will start developing ambassadors who will also be out there networking and promoting you at the same time.

You may develop strategic alliances so that you can cross-refer to each other since your business may either complement or share a common target market.

You are no longer flying solo; you have built your profile and grown your business!

Contact: Janet Culpitt
Business: Arrow Focus on Wealth / Be Seen Get Known Make Money
Phone: +61 (7) 5530 3500  0418781657
www.focusonwealth.com.au   www.janetculpitt.com.au