If you run your own business I’m sure you are always been told that you need to attend networking events because this is the one of the fastest ways to gain visibility and let people know what you do.
I agree that visibility is vitality important for any business owner because if you are the best kept secret on the planet no-one knows to buy from you. In fact I’ve known many great businesses fail simply because no-one knew about them. Today, however, it is easier than ever to get visibility and let people know what you do.
So then, why doesn’t networking work for most people? The simple reason is that most people spend their time networking telling people WHAT they do. For example, they are a social media consultant, a coach, a trainer or a landscape gardener. You get the idea.
However, people don’t really care WHAT you do they care WHY you do it.
The why is the reason that you went into business and it is what motivates you to get out of bed in the morning and continue on with business even on the toughest days. The why is your driver.
So for example Virgin’s WHY is to change the game and challenge the status quo by providing a product or service of great use. Us shoe retailer Zappos WHY is to make customers happy whilst Disney use imagination to bring happiness to millions.
When people share Why they do something this stirs feelings in the limbic part of the brain – the part of the brain responsible for decision making and behavior. It helps people connect together through shared feelings and emotions. Contrast this with the neocortex part of the brain which is rationale and analytical and is concerned with what we do. The problem is that the neocortex does not drive behavior which is why when you tell people what you do at a networking event they often don’t take any action and help refer business to you.
Networking Neighs is networking group with a difference as the entire focus of the event is on sharing with people WHY you do WHAT you do. Based on the proven formula developed by Emma Taylor of The Bay Horse Speaks the levels of connection that have been built up between the members in other Networking Neighs Groups has been astounding as has the level of business passed between each other.
Forming relationships and connections is vital for business success and really helping others understand more about your own drivers really helps accelerate this process. Plus the event being held at Gallabar Farm, where the mere presence of horses somehow unlocks something hidden within each of us to connect and be seen as who we really are.
You can find out more about the Networking Neighs meeting in Yorkshire here. You’ll also find Networking Neighs in Warwickshire and Sussex
Next time you are at a networking event I challenge you to start sharing with people why you do what you do. You’ll be amazed at the results.
Julia Felton (aka The Business Wrangler) is the founder of Business HorsePower. Business leaders, entrepreneurs and executives hire her to accelerate their business performance by harnessing the energy of their people to work more collaboratively together. By aligning purpose with actions the team achieves exponential results as everyone starts pulling in the same direction.
Julia believes that business is a force for good and through designing purpose-driven businesses that leverage the laws of nature, and the herd, you can create businesses founded on the principles of connection, collaboration and community that make a significant impact in the world.
