Business Networking - The Survival Guide

Chapter 17

Why networking matters

Are you an all-round modern-day professional or technical expert? You are when:

• you know your subject matter intimately;
• you understand what others and your clients are trying to achieve;
• you want to provide your clients with advice or products to ensure they are ahead of their opposition;
• you show genuine interest by asking effective questions and listening empathetically;
• you want to build a long-term relationship and don’t just sell services to meet your own goals;
• you realise that all the IT and web technology will never replace the important face-to-face contact;
• you understand that your relationship is about creating value for your client, not just paying lip service to it;
• you do what you say you’re ...