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Collaborative Networking For Shared Success
What’s In It For Me (WIIFM) is a Perth-based group that fits the latter description. While many networking events take on the form of speed networking or uncomfortable forced mingling in an endless pursuit of business cards, WIIFM takes a different approach. The group welcomes people from diverse businesses and professions in a relaxed and open setting with the aim of fostering collaboration and free exchange of knowledge. WIIFM encourages cooperative consideration and business integrity, with connections formed on the question ‘How can I help you?’ rather than ‘How can you help me?’ “Networking should be about building relationships and helping people out first,” says Gerry Doney, founder of WIIFM. “Over time you will build a reputation which will lead to referrals and recommendations.” Doney, who is a financial and estate planner, has witnessed and experienced this many times himself, both on the giving and receiving end of advice, opportunities, referrals and connections. His philosophy is that “givers gain,” though establishing links between your contacts should be an act of generosity, not an attempt for personal gain. He notes, however, that with this type of networking good deeds and connections always come back around. Patrick McMurray, a designer of men’s fashion accessories, is an involved and proactive honorary member of WIIFM. “Friendships can come from business and business can come from friendships,” McMurray says. WIIFM is dedicated to helping people grow just as much as businesses, serving as a platform for mentoring as well as networking. Indeed, McMurray notes that sharing and positivist are key to good networking, just as important as the formation of mutual trust and respect. As seasoned net workers, the two WIIFM members offered ten tips on networking: Think about the other person. Listen first to understand what the other person wants before you try to make yourself understood. Ask questions. Contribute. Approach each person you meet with the intention of contribution. Create a base of knowledge and pass it on. Knowledge is power. Think about the other person’s database and connections as well as your own, and focus on how you can help each other connect. Focus on the big picture. Think about the macro, not the micro. Promote your connections and lift their credibility among others. Use your contacts to link credible people together. Go outside the nine dots and give that value-add. Be patient. The results of this kind of networking don’t all happen overnight. Networking can be a huge catalyst toward success, but it’s not the only ingredient. One must also be determined and prepared to take risks, adds McMurray. “The further you are from your comfort zone, the closer you are to achieving a goal. That’s when most people give up. You have to visualise your success in your mind and you will be successful.” This never-give-up attitude is surely part of what makes WIIFM such a success. In just 12 months the group has grown and progressed, meeting every Thursday morning and consistently bringing in new people to share ideas and build relationships. WIIFM is not a membership-based group. New participants can join the meetings as invited guests, with the option of attending additional meetings as long as they bring along another guest. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Patrick McMurray is an Australian designer based in Perth and famous for his luxury silk ties Patrick collaborates with textile designers in England, China and Australia. He is an avid blogger and creator of designer silk ties and recognised for Wiifm Business Networking in Perth |
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