Mediterranean Homes' CEO Kelly Summerell together with Mark Pinder from BnB Finca Los Chozones arrange a special event for businessmen and women to attend every other week - The Inland Networking and Support Group - Costa Del Sol (the link will take you to our Facebook group - you're more than welcome to join!)
The networking group welcomes any business men and women who own or manage businesses in these areas around the Costa del Sol in Spain: Alhaurin el Grande | Coín | Monda | Guaro | Pizarra | Alora | Tolox | Casarabonela | Alozaina | Mijas | Alhaurín de la Torre.
So, If you are in business or thinking of starting your own business in any of the areas mentioned below, then this group is for you. The group holds regular meetings usually every other Friday at various local venues.
The Inland Networking Group Costa del Sol is a networking group that focuses on the people and not the businesses themselves. We believe in getting to know each other to build strong business relationships within a relaxed atmosphere.
What will you be able to take away from our meetings?
Being in the presence of other like-minded, motivated people boosts your morale, confidence and inspiration and gives you that extra OOMPH that is sometimes required to carry on running your business to the best of your ability!
- You will get to meet awesome people (obviously!)
- We have a diverse group of business people who attend. From start-ups to those with over 30 years of experience in a variety of industries. Everyone who comes is friendly and all-around nice.
- Build relationships.
- We adhere to the 'people buy people' philosophy. We make certain that you meet new people and get to know them. You will not be left alone in the corner!
This said we need help... We need people to invite others ensuring the group grows throughout the region.
There are the Three Essentials for Effective Networking
These are the only things we ask from all attendees to our business networking events...
- Be genuine, reciprocate, and consider the long-term relationship.
- Plan, practice, and perfect your strategy.
- Take your time, take action, and remember the experience.
We hope to see you at the next meeting!
Kelly & Mark
What is Professional Networking?
Professional networking is the practice of cultivating relationships to advance your career. It includes connecting with industry professionals and building mutually beneficial relationships which can help provide career advice, mentorship, and potential job opportunities. A successful networking strategy should include approaching people and reciprocating networking opportunities to create a larger network of job prospects, mentors, and industry contacts.
The importance of professional networking cannot be understated as it can provide invaluable connections and advice for your career journey. It also provides you with an opportunity to expand your knowledge base and build relationships that could last for years. The power of reciprocation is key in networking as providing value to others will bring reciprocity, whether through job leads, knowledge exchanges, or other forms of reciprocation. Professional networking is a valuable asset that should not be overlooked and should be actively included in any career strategy.
Professional networking is important because it helps you stay informed about career opportunities, gain a better understanding of the industry, keep up with changing trends, and build a professional reputation. It offers the chance to learn from more experienced professionals and gain insight into the career paths available to you. Networking also provides the opportunity to connect with people who share your interests and build long-term relationships that can lead to referral opportunities.
Furthermore, networking allows you to maintain contacts in various industries, which can be extremely beneficial when looking for a job or seeking advice on career-related decisions. Therefore, networking is essential for anyone looking to build their career and make lasting connections in the business world.
Networking also allows you to meet new people, develop meaningful connections, seek advice from successful professionals, and create collaborative opportunities that can lead to new job prospects or even an entire career change However, networking is not only important for career advancement. It is also a great way to meet new people and develop connections. With the help of networking, you can receive invaluable advice from successful professionals and create collaborative opportunities that could potentially lead to new job prospects or a switch to an entirely different career.
The Benefits of Professional Networking
Professional networking is an invaluable tool for building relationships and establishing credibility within your industry; it can open up opportunities to meet potential clients, employers, mentors, or partners who may be able to help you take your career or business to the next level.
Being in the presence of other like-minded, motivated people boosts your morale, confidence and inspiration and gives you that extra OOMPH that is sometimes required to carry on running your business to the best of your ability!
In today's competitive job market, networking can provide a range of benefits to help increase your visibility and open doors to potential job and business opportunities. Networking gives you the opportunity to build relationships with professionals in your industry that can offer you advice and guidance on how to take the next steps in your career. Additionally, networking allows you to gain insights into the industry and stay informed on trends and opportunities, protecting you from being left behind. Ultimately, networking is essential for any professional looking for career growth or expansion.
By building a strong network of industry contacts, you can have the benefit of having access to key insights and information that could potentially be beneficial to your career or business growth. Networking is an essential part of professional development and success. It helps you develop relationships with people in your field, build trust, and stay up to date on industry trends. Through networking, you can build a portfolio of contacts, which can open doors to job opportunities or connections with potential clients. For entrepreneurs, networking also helps you find business partners, suppliers, and resources to help you grow your business. By networking effectively, you can quickly exchange ideas and insights that can help take your career or business to the next level.
Additionally, professional networking can give you the opportunity to practice your communication skills with others in your field, which can help you develop essential soft skills that could prove invaluable in any situation Thus, networking can be an invaluable tool for career success. It provides connections with individuals and organizations that can give you insight into potential career opportunities, as well as useful information to help you grow in your profession. Additionally, professional networking can give you the opportunity to practice your communication skills with others in your field, which can help you develop essential soft skills that could prove invaluable in any situation.
Strategies to Make the Most of Networking Opportunities
Leveraging networking opportunities is key to making career progress. Before you go to one, have a plan of what you want to contribute and what you want to take away. To maximize these experiences, having effective strategies in place is key. This can include sharing resources, contacts, and advice to create mutually beneficial relationships. Networking can be a great way to gain insight into new opportunities and make connections with prospective employers. Additionally, sharing news of accomplishments or successes within your industry can help open doors and gain recognition.
First, take initiative and make an effort to meet new people; reach out to those you may have never interacted with before and actively seek out potential contacts. Networking is an important part of professional and personal success in life, as it helps to build knowledge and knowledge is a powerful tool. Having a network of people that can provide knowledge and advice can be invaluable for decision-making and problem-solving. Networking also allows you to remain up-to-date on industry knowledge, trends, and career opportunities. Working on building your network now will provide you with the resources you need to succeed in the future.
Second, have engaging conversations that are meaningful and memorable; be sure to be clear when expressing your thoughts and goals as well as make a point to listen attentively. Networking is an important tool for raising your profile and ultimately advancing your career. Having meaningful conversations allows you to connect with the people who should get to know you and your work more intimately. Being able to articulate yourself effectively and listen to others’ perspectives, concerns and experiences can help you gain valuable insights into the industry in which you’re working. This can then be fed back into your own work in order to improve it, as well as give you a better understanding of the current trends, practices and strategies that could benefit you.
Lastly, establish follow-up activities that will help you solidify the connection; set up coffee meetings or exchange contact information so that you may continue the conversation at a later date. Besides the act of networking itself, establishing follow-up activities is vital to truly capitalize on the efforts you have invested in networking. This ensures that you continue the conversation and relationship even after you have parted from the initial meeting. If you follow this important step, you will be able to ensure that all your hard work does not go to waste!
Wrapping up
As you can see, professional networking is an invaluable tool for anybody looking to improve their career prospects, grow their business and improve your self-development. It allows you to build a strong network of connections, establish yourself as an industry leader, and make sure that your name is remembered by important people.
Keep the following tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to networking like a pro.
1. Develop a Plan
Think about the goals you have.
• Boost the profile of your business.
• Make new connections and pick up new abilities.
• Prompt recommendations
Before committing to a regular attendance schedule, novice networkers should attend as many events as they can, speak to the regulars, and determine whether the group will complement their approach.
2. Be Pitch Perfect
- Make a brief, 60-second "elevator speech" that succinctly and clearly explains your company and your goals. You should mention your area of specialisation and selling proposition.
- Be distinctive. What distinguishes your company from others in a crowded room?
Bring tools to demonstrate your knowledge and experience and help others understand what you do, such as business cards and marketing materials. - Cite endorsements from happy clients and provide anecdotes of how your product or service has benefited others.
3. Be Prepared to Leave Your Comfort Zone
It's only natural to be drawn to those you already know, but networking is all about making new acquaintances.
If you find yourself in this circumstance, look around the room for people you haven't yet spoken to and create an opening for them to do so. Keep an eye out for new people and recall your initial impressions when you arrived somewhere new. A warm welcome can go a long way.
They should be announced publicly at the next meeting, as this not only shows others that the network is functioning, but it can also help to build both your and the referrer's credibility within the group.
4. Continue Going
Building trust within a group takes time, and networking is a slow process. Attend frequently, lend a hand, and follow up well. Building your network and relationships is the goal of networking. Even though you might not immediately generate business from an event, one person you speak to could lead to multiple opportunities.
5. Pay Attention
Take an interest in others and learn what they hope to gain from the meeting. Check to see if their goals or values are like yours and try to find some common ground.
Can you assist them through your network connections or make introductions that may be of interest from a supplier need, a client perspective, or a strategic partnership?
Pose open-ended questions like how who, and why. This will help to start conversations and demonstrate your interest. You'll be surprised at how much you can learn from others.
6. Continue
What happens after the event matters more than what happens during it. Be prompt with your follow-ups.
Be proactive and reach out to new acquaintances on social media. The most widely used platform for this is LinkedIn, which can serve as your virtual business card.
Avoid engaging in lengthy conversations at the event that might prevent you from meeting new people by having separate catch-ups with important people outside of the networking sessions.
7. Make Introductions or Recommendations
Whenever possible, give the person you are referring to a way to contact your contact directly, such as your phone number, email address, or LinkedIn profile.
Keep the person who introduced you or recommended you informed of your progress and results if they did so. If it worked, a constructive step would be to express your gratitude for the recommendation.
8. Take Measurements
Are you on track to meet your goals? How much business is generated by this activity, either directly or indirectly through introductions or referrals? Compare your findings to the cost of investments, considering your own hourly rate.
9. How to Network Properly
Never force your flyers or business cards into people's hands. Establishing relationships, trust, and credibility should be the goals of networking.
Even if you have a product or service that the attendees might find useful, making a hard sell in this setting is typically ineffective and creates a negative first impression. The main goal of networking is to assist others.
10. Be Presentable
Your confidence in networking greatly depends on how you feel and how you look. You need only dress in appropriate, professional attire for your line of work; you are not required to wear a suit.
A professionally made name badge will make it easier for people to approach you and eliminate any awkwardness associated with having to remember your name, which will also help with introductions. It should be worn just below your right shoulder.
- Make eye contact and shake hands with everyone.
- Make sure you have a friendly disposition and smile.
- Be remembered for the proper reasons.
By Networking, there should be no reason to feel alone in your business!
We look forward to meeting you at our networking events on the Costa del Sol.
