The power of networking

EAB is about to change! Since its inception in 1992 the company has relied mainly on word of mouth and personal recommendations for getting new business. This is of course cost effective but as we're a small company the number of contacts generated in this way remains small. We have decided to embark on an ambitious growth plan, but of course, cannot afford the daily rates of consultants whose expertise is required to help us achieve the objectives.

Enters the power of networking.

Two networks have been providing the necessary skills.

swapaskill.com

Strictly speaking this is probably not associated with a "social network" as such, however all its member do have at least one thing in common: a need for a specific skill and a skill they are able to offer in exchange. I first heard of the swapaskill website on the Guardian several months ago. I immediately signed up then and asked for "business coaching" as the skill I needed. Nothing much happened till I received an email from Nicole Wehden, a consultant who was willing to offer these skills in exchange for web design. Nicole's company, Evolve International, support the development of major business change and strategic growth. Nicole also happens to be the Swapaskill.com founder.

We decided to meet face to face and explore the suitability of the exchange. The meeting was successful and we decided to go ahead with the swap.

Several months down the line now, we're both happy, the swap is going very well. Since the initial meeting, Nicole has clearly delivered value to our business by helping us to formulate a long term plan. We, on our side, have started the process of designing Nicole's new website.

Nicole can be contacted directly at nicole@evolveinternational.com. Her company's website address is www.evolveinternational.com.

Nick Heap also spotted my entry! Nick provides tools and consultancy to help people listen to each other and work together better. His involvement enables me and my team to prepare ourselves for the new EAB.

I meet with Nick every two weeks and we try to split the time equally between the two tasks: preparations for the new website for Nick and preparing me to lead my team better.

His probing into the facets of my character and personality allow him to provide me with the guidance, tools and support to become fit for the purpose of leading the new EAB! After a few meetings the following has already been implemented:

Team of two: a simple and effective way of working better with colleagues (see http://www.nickheap.co.uk/articles.asp?ART_ID=87 for further information).

Core Process: Nick's skilful counselling allows individuals to identify their “positive centre”, or their central 'reason for being'. “Creating vision” is my core process, the future sessions will teach me how to use this in my everyday life. See http://www.nickheap.co.uk/articles.asp?ART_ID=81 for further information.

Nick can be contacted at nick@nickheap.co.uk and his website address is www.nickheap.co.uk.

ecademy.com

Both Nicole and Nick are also part of another network for business people I joined a couple of years ago: ecademy. I had not been active there till Nicole convinced me to become a proactive member and enjoy the benefits of such networking. I now wished I had started this before. Through ecademy I have now met other businesses which have become EAB partners or serious prospects. One of these companies is Profit Solutions. They are Business Growth consultants. Jonathan Baynes and Hendré Moolman are working closely with us to build the new EAB. They are in the early stages of implementing the HMA (Hidden Marketing Assets) system and I look very much forward to reap the benefits of their involvements with us. As we go through the process we are developing a close partnership and we are in the early stages of re-engineering their website in compensation for their service.

Jonathan Baynes can be contacted at jonathan@profitsolutionsuk.com. Hendré's address is hendre@profitsolutionsuk.com. The company's website is www.profitsolutionsuk.com.

I have found this method of networking suits me well. The system allows you to look at profiles of individuals or companies and you are free to make contact with them if you wish. The system lets you know who visits your profile. I have never found myself pressurised in spending time networking with people with whom I feel there's no need.

As a business, we can never operate in isolation. A network like ecademy provides a time and cost effective method of meeting potential partners and clients. This complements the more traditional attendance to regular networking meetings. A more detailed comparison between the two systems will be the subject of a post in a few months time when I will be also reporting on other social networks and more traditional “breakfast meeting” local networks where I can be found on Tuesday mornings..

For further information visit www.swapaskill.com and of course visit my profile in ecademy at www.ecademy.com.