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Step One: Business Networking

Whether you are a self-employed professional or ambitious to succeed in your company, industry or sector, the 'need to know' and 'need to be known by' is an essential business skill.

Networks matter - it's as simple as that. They are part of the corporate survival strategy and a staggering 97% of self-employed professionals rely on contacts and referrals to get work.

Networks enable you to access work, resources and opportunities. They also create a sense of community and rapport and allow you to share experiences with like-minded people.

• Preparation is essential. Proactive business relationships don't happen just by chance. First and foremost have a plan. This really matters. If you don't know why you're doing something, you won't do it well.
• Be positive and outwardly confident - it will make you stand out above others. Don't worry if you have butterflies, research shows that over 90% of people feel fear about walking into a room full of strangers.
• Rehearse entering the room. Pause on the threshold and look around. Don't head straight for the bar. Take a few deep breaths. This will calm you down and give you a moment to recall your strategy.
• Practise your introduction on someone beforehand - even if it is your dog! The stronger your greeting - the more memorable it is.
• By being polite and courteous, you will be unforgettable . Go on a charm offensive. Deal with people kindly and sympathetically. Offer to fetch someone a drink, or introduce a stranger into your group.
• Take pride in what you do and be professional. Whatever the occasion, you never know who you might meet. Keeping a conversational tone to your voice encourages people to respond to you in a friendly manner
• Speak slowly and clearly. So often in modem venues there is loud background noise because of the lack of soft-furnishings. Conversations are hard to maintain above this level of sound, so speak in a way that makes it easier for others to hear what you have to say.