"Networking for Success" Article by Tina Zawila

Did you know that of all the professions, Pilots must undertake the most professional development every year, followed by those in Medicine and in third place are Accountants/Financial Advisors?  I guess it's pretty important that the people in these professions know what they are doing!

So I am writing this article as I travel to an annual Professional Investment Services conference. 

Continuing professional development forms part of what we do and who we are, but these conferences are not just an opportunity to increase our knowledge, they offer a unique opportunity to network with other professionals. 

I read a quote recently, "Networking is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organisation."  Businesses and careers are built on relationships and relationships form when people meet and interact with each other.  Quite simply, it's been proven time and time again that people prefer to do business with people that they know, like, and trust.

So how are your networks?  Do you have strong relationships with advisors, colleagues and clients?  Remember networking is much more than just meeting people.  It is following up and following through, continuing to connect and reconnect.  It is building relationships.

Networking can create referrals and increased business, expand your opportunities, and create connections.  The old saying "It's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know" still rings true.  You never know who you might meet, who they might know and where it might lead.  Networking is also a great way to tap into the experiences of others and to get advice and expertise that you otherwise might not have access to.

So next time you have an opportunity to attend an event and meet new people, remember that "Your network will determine your net worth", so take the opportunity to build new relationships and nurture existing ones.

At Sothertons we are always keen to meet people, to hear about your expertise and experience, and to share ours.  Call us today on 4972 1300 to make a time to meet.