MKFM’s popular networking event, Meet of MK, has continued to prove a success when it comes to bringing local people, charities and businesses together under one roof. So why is networking such a vital tool in an organisation’s armoury?
Although one of the end goals of taking part in networking is to further your business and, in turn perhaps create new sales, the process of networking is much broader than that.
It’s about starting conversations, meeting new people and building long-term relationships. It is not a quick win, it’s a slower, more considered approach.
MKFM’s Meet of MK sums up the ethos and spirit of networking.
Meeting people, discussing ideas and getting potential partners on-side, ready to accept an offer of assistance and hopefully willing to help in return, is the name of the game.
For a small business owner, networking can help to grow contacts and local coverage. Larger organisations can find similar benefits from like-minded and similar sized businesses. And charities can discover opportunities to get benefactors interested in supporting them.
Individuals can benefit from networking too – it’s an opportunity to showcase themselves to a wide range of potential future employers, and to gently push their career in a new direction.
The monthly Meet of MK event, at a venue in the heart of the city, brings a variety of businesses together under one roof, allowing them to discuss the economic climate, swap ideas, exchange contact details and meet potential new customers.
Companies regularly use a Meet of MK meeting to launch a new product or idea, promote charitable works or celebrate awards and achievements. Thousands of pounds have been raised for local good causes in the last nine years of MOMK events.
“I’m delighted that Meet of MK has been so successful since 2017,” said Jo Ronan, director, MKFM. “Up to 200 attendees come together each month to meet and discuss their business, thoughts and ideas, and to enjoy a drink and some good conversation, and I know they support each other.
“We have lots of new ideas for the future and we’ll continue to find interesting venues in which to welcome the brilliant businesses throughout Milton Keynes to future Meet of MK evenings.”
Why Meet of MK is so important:
- Business connections: meeting both new people and existing customers and partners helps continue the conversations about how they can help each other. Networking is about sharing ideas, not stealing them.
- Fact finding: regular meetings help guests catch up on what’s going on in the area and business community, and stay abreast of the current ‘buzz’. Nobody wants to be out of touch in business.
- Advice and support: people love being asked for their advice and at a Meet of MK gathering there are plenty of fellow professionals only too happy to off er words of wisdom. Swapping ideas and listening to guidance is important to everyone.
- See a new perspective: in day-to-day business, it’s easy to fall into regular patterns and end up doing something the same way for too long. Looking and listening to what others do can often give a new perspective on business dealings.
- Build long-term relationships: meeting with friends and colleagues regularly helps build long-term relationships which can evolve into working partnerships, building greater trust and networking can help with that.
- Build confidence: walking into a room full of strangers and trying to start new conversation isn’t easy, but at a Meet of MK networking event, that’s exactly what people are doing.
MKFM’s Meet of MK gathers every month at a Milton Keynes venue. For more details or to book tickets, visit the MKFM website.
