Networking tips for busy parents

When you're running a hectic household, networking is probably the last thing on your mind. But the rewards are there for those prepared to apply focus to the task. Read on for some great networking tips for busy parents.

What if effective networking could help you uncover new opportunities, assist in your family’s growth and save you time? Would you look at it differently?

Networking is really just a fancy term for making friends and putting yourself in places where you can meet like-minded people.

How can this help you?

Well, by surrounding yourself with like-minded people and nurturing those connections you create a forum for exchange of ideas, support when you need it and a consistent flow of information and opportunities – very useful where your children and/or your working life are concerned.

If your concern is finding time to network for business then ignoring your social and parental networks can be a fatal mistake. Many referrals come from very obscure sources!

So dig out that address book and try these networking tips for your own “personal network audit”

Organise your contacts

Maybe use different colours in your address book for your different networks – for example your inner circle (those who you would comfortably have over to your house for dinner) and extended network (those you know but not so well such as school, activity or business contacts).

"Collect" people who you like and who inspire you

Enjoy your network. If a person is hard work, move on discreetly. Networking should never feel contrived or forced.

Use a family diary

Paper, wall calendar, PC – whatever works for you and your family. Keep it current, visible and neat.

Join one or two networks

Schedule time to go as regularly as you can – join only those you can manage and that interest you.

Respect your children’s friendship networks

These networks are important to your children and important to you to hear valuable information about them. Form a small but trusted school parents network and help each other with pick ups and drop offs, etc.

Communicate with your network in a time-efficient way

Plan a regular catch up time with various groups. Invite contacts to networking functions. Send a quick email. Make a quick phone call while cooking dinner. Post articles of interest. Allow yourself an adult get together once in a while!

Listen completely to the person you are speaking to

...even if you have a million other things in your head at the time. Not only will you remember the conversation and give the other person the respect they deserve, you won’t miss an opportunity.

In the networking world, quality is certainly better than quantity. Although your busy life is already stretched to the limit, following these networking tips and doing an honest audit of who you know and connect with can be invaluable. Organise your networks, nurture those contacts and help each other. You never know where the next referral, job or family opportunity will come from. What have you got to lose?

Kim McGuinness is founder of Network Central and the Businesswomen’s Breakfast Series. She is also co-author of Network or Perish. Network Central provides networking and support for businesspeople in most areas of their busy lives.

4 comments | Add your own

Hi Kim. I couldn't agree with you more. I believe that everyone you establish a connection with is important, whether personally or for business. My first, best and most loyal client came indirectly through the parent's network at my sons' school and I have just discovered a very keen potential new client through their rugby club by getting involved and, through a natural love for the game (it also turns out that my husband met him in a previous life!). You are absolutely right that opportunities exist everywhere and, in this day and age of more isolated families rather than the extended family, the family networking is just as important. Great article. Karen Morris from Sydney | Read my articles
People will ask what you do . Your answer must arouse their curiosity , so think carefuly before you go to any gathering.
Rule 1 Listen more than you talk.
By listening chances are your prospect will reveal a need. Dont bore them with the solution , just hand them a card and say "call me tomorrow I know I can help you ! "
When you get home make note who you spoke to, if necessary then call them if they havent called in 2 days.
I dont sell insurance ,but people buy peace of mind from me !
A DELLER from Melbourne
I read a good quote about this recently. Forgive me for not recalling the owner of the words, but it went along these lines: "A man cannot live off his community, He must live in it !" Dan Smith from Rockhampton
Perfect wisdom from everyone here! Making time to talk to people is the best networking of all, it is not about collecting the name cards of hundreds of people, it is about making sure you find and nuture those with similar philosophies and passions. As Kim said, it is just about making friends, those who you connect with are the best people to have in your network. Andrea McKenna from Melbourne

4 comments | Add your own

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