Many people (maybe you?) dont consider they have enough time for Networking. Is this really the case?

You had been scheduled to attend a Networking event at the local business club this Wednesday evening, but by the time Wednesday came around you found they had urgent work back at the office to catch up on.

Two things to note here. Networking needs to be given a higher priority: it probably would have been possible to have made the meeting IF you really wanted.

Secondly, Networking should not be considered something you only do on an occasionally basis. You need to give attention to Networking at every opportunity you have.

To be honest, you are probably networking more often than you give yourself credit for. Earlier that day you had spoken to the plumber about work that needed doing in the office kitchen. Because youll need some plasterwork done afterwards you asked the plumber if he could recommend anyone to handle the plastering. That is networking.

A few hours later you received an email from a guy you had met at a conference four months ago. He remembered you mentioned the business that you are involved in, and as it happens, he needs an urgent printing job to be given special priority. Can you help? It will mean that you have to delay another less urgent job, but youll make a point of giving his request special attention. Again, that is Networking.

So you see, your business is probably networking more often than you might immediately be aware. You simply consider this networking to be part of your everyday business activities. Now that you can see this is networking, then it is worth thinking how you can maximize the benefits.

For instance, when the plasterer comes to give a quote, mention that the plumber had given a special recommendation, and had hinted that the quote would be reasonable. It is quite possible that the quote will be just a bit lower than it would otherwise been, and the plasterer will make sure she does a really good job.

Similarly it will be worth staying in touch with the guy for whom you handled the urgent printing job. Hell be grateful to you for helping him out in his hour of need, and if you have a particular requirement from his business at any time then it is likely youll be given special attention.

How can you network more effectively on a daily basis? What information do you have readily accessible that others would appreciate learning? Who do you know who you would happily recommend? Are there local businesses which you can contact to arrange special deals?

Similarly, it is likely that other businesses can help you. Dont hesitate to make a special request, providing that you are prepared to reciprocate the benefit. Youll find that people often derive particular satisfaction from helping others, and hopefully this applies to yourself as well. And, apart from anything else, its good for business!

So, even if you genuinely cant make it along to that Wednesday evening event, dont let this stop you networking whenever and wherever you can.