Apparently this week is National Networking week. So I thought I would share some thoughts about networking. I?ve been doing it for many years and I?ve used it to great effect to grow my business. I?ve also watched a lot of networking and seen what works and what doesn?t. And in all this, I?ve noticed one main thing. Networking is not about finding new clients! That?s right. If you thought that networking was about turning up at events, dishing out your business cards, giving your one minute presentation, shaking hands with complete strangers and them telling what you do, in order to find new clients, I?m afraid that you?ve been badly led astray.

So if networking isn?t about finding new clients, what?s the point of all those meetings you go to?

Networking is about gaining inspiration. It?s about listening to speakers who have been there and done it and who can inspire you to do more with your business.

Networking is about learning. It?s about hearing tips and advice from successful business owners who are happy to share them with you so you can avoid the mistakes they made.

Networking is about getting support. It?s about meeting people in the same boat (or business area) as you, who can provide peer support for those days when you?re stuck for ideas or just need someone else to talk to.

Networking is about collaboration. It?s about meeting your competitors and seeing how you can work with them, rather than against, for the benefit of both of you.

So the next time you walk into a networking event, expecting to find new clients, try a different approach. Look for the inspiration, the ideas, the support and the collaboration. You?ll be surprised what you find ? even if it?s not new clients.