What kind of networker are you? The ONLE Networking Show ep24 with Tracey and Nick Shrimpton.

Kelly and James discussed the different types of networkers they have identified through their years of experience. From connection hunter to relationship farmer, they uncover what it really means to be a good networker. Plus we hear comments from our members about which pieces of technology do they find most helpful in the day to day running of their businesses.

Finally, we hear an interesting interview with Nick and Tracey Shrimpton of Sixth Sense Marketing where they reveal the spark which ignited their business, what it’s like working as a husband and wife duo and their take on reaching a lifelong goal of living abroad.

Listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-kind-of-networker-are-you-the-onle-networking/id1500905335?i=1000628599271

Listen/subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BfStBObtMERAlOKyfx2OZ?si=1b2edb2c8000432b

Our sponsor

The ONLE Networking Show is proud to be sponsored by The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. The Mayflower is a live entertainment venue which attracts more than half a million visitors every year, contributing more than £70 million to the local economy each year. The Theatre is deeply involved with the local business community, you can find out about corporate events, room hire and business membership using the following links:

Corporate events and room hire-  https://www.mayflower.org.uk/functions/
Business membership- https://www.mayflower.org.uk/support-us/business-membership/

Show notes
What kind of networker are you?

Do you expect something for nothing? Are you seeking help but won’t give your time to others? Do you attend networking to speak rather than listen? Often those who haven’t mastered their approach to building connections view networking as more of a tick box exercise rather than a long term strategy of giving and receiving.

We want the quick fix when it comes to marketing in any format. But simply showing up to an online networking, doing your introduction and mentally switching off is the equivalent of showing up to an in person event, distributing your business card and leaving. Having meaningful connections with like minded business owners within your network not only provides you with a force of individuals who have the potential to buy from you or refer you onto their network who can for years to come. Networking is a long game, but if you’re doing all the right things and stay consistent with it, the returns are well worth your while - both in terms of business sales and personal connection.

Some attributes discussed common to successful networkers include being social and friendly in all meetings, prioritising the relationship over a sales pitch and finally being a champion of those who you meet along the way. A referral, some advice or even just support on social media goes further than you think for people remembering you.

In the same way it is easy to spot the people who want to help you, it is equally as obvious when someone you meets has an agenda other than building a connection. The most skilled networkers have mastered their approach towards their fellow networkers and go “beyond the room” when expanding their business network. While networking events can be the catalyst for you to meet new people and get to them and their businesses, it is up to you to continue to put effort into that relationship in the long term.

It is always best to be a farmer of genuine networking relationships rather than a hunter of the next sale. Pay attention to your behaviours both inside and outside of the networking room to figure out what kind of networker you are presenting yourself as - is that how you want to come across?

Based on Steph Bonnie and Debbie Crompton’s ONLE Talks about technology in business, conversation amongst members revealed that it is perhaps the simplest pieces of technology we take for granted the most, with organisation and task management tools being particularly noted. It appeared that technology in business was undervalued across the board - despite the fact a lot of business owners sit behind computers all day. Do we take the time to really make tech work and deliver value for our business? With improved time efficiency, less stress, better customer experience and improved conversion rates, if you are not taking advantage of the tools available, you have to ask yourself why not?

ONLE members notes about technology:
Isis Fabian: “Google Calendar”

Brian Hilliard: “Pipeline”

Sara Bryson: “Notion is my business brain because I can’t remember everything.”

Larry Leighton: “YouTube. If I need to fix anything, there’ a video for that.”

Tracey Shrimpton: “Airtable for collaboration and project management.”

Jim Culverwell: “Calendaly - best money I’ve spent, saves so much time.”

Patrick Melville: “Zoom”

Geoff Day: “Trello for team/task management).”

Steph Lucas: “ClickUp for project management.”

Janet Hudson: “SendOutCards - tech to tactile - connect digital to physical.”

Ainslie Chivers: “It’s all Hobbitty Magic, ink and paper all the way.”

Conclusion: Take the time to reflect on how you come across to others at networking. What kind of networker are you? And is that the networker you want to be?

Give Nick and Tracey a follow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-shrimpton-6thsensemkting/, https://www.facebook.com/sixthsensemkting/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-shrimpton/, https://www.facebook.com/sixthsensemkting/