The host of The Business Network South Manchester and Chester as well as meetings of Colony Networking. He has networked successfully for over 35 years which led him gaining work from most of the major banks and built relationships which are still flourishing three decades on.

What makes a good networker?

A good networker will arrange 1-2-1s with fellow attendees. The fortune really is in the follow-up. They will tend to stick to only a few groups to ensure they can create relationships, as networking takes time.

Cards or QR Codes?

Sorry, I am old school and love to come away with cards, so I know who I need to contact for a conversation afterwards. 

What if I am not comfortable?

This is a common question; the quick answer is to get there early so you are not walking into a packed room. The longer answer is that you need to find your tribe, which is where you are most comfortable; that does mean visiting a number of groups.

Will I find business straight away?

Highly unlikely, networking takes at least 6 months as you have to gain people’s trust, and remember, you are not always selling to the room; it is introductions you are after.

Free or paid for events?

We run paid for membership events and would always be my preference but attend free ones though always remember it is difficult to build those relationships as you and the attendees are not fully invested in the event/group.

In person or virtual meetings?

There is a place for both and virtual allows you to network with businesses across the UK and even the globe but they do need a lot of follow up, far more than face to face which are preferable to build up those important collaborations which will lead to referrals.