Making A Business Out Of Networking

13/08/09

By Andy Coote

The idea of turning your need to network into a business is one that tempts many people but it is harder to do than it may appear. Many try and a few succeed. If you are considering networking as a business, here are a few things to consider before you jump in.

'Build it and they will come'. I caught the final act of 'Field of Dreams' on one of the Digital channels last week and was reminded of the blind faith that the lead character, played by Kevin Costner, exhibits in building a 'ghost' team of...

...baseball immortals. There is no question that it is a great thing to have faith and devotion to a goal but first it is worth understanding if it is the right goal and if it is worth pursuing.

As people leave corporate careers or start to look at new business directions, one of the first things they'll need and one of the first things the advisors will suggest is to build a network. They often start by suggesting you make a list of everyone you know but sooner or later you'll need to get out and seek out people that you don't already know and where there may be a synergy. Some will take that literally and think that they will make a business from networking. I know this because new networking groups are appearing constantly - it is a boom time for [b]networks. But is it a good business idea to start a new one?

As with all business ideas, whether it is or is not will depend on your objectives, on your needs, on your resources and on the attractiveness of the proposition. One thing is for certain; it is NOT a... continued on page two >

 

 

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