January is a month for self-improvement like no other, with many people “networking” to get a new job. One business school has gone as far as appointing a “professor of networking”, but do you still need to schmooze to get ahead?
Many people will have observed a good networker in action. Pausing between mouthfuls of prawn vol-au-vents to gaze Peregrine Falcon-like around a busy room, they pick their prey with aplomb. Swerving in between those who lack the power to enhance their career, the networker closes on the target and makes conversation that feels warm and genuine despite – in reality – being dominated by coming opportunities in “business process outsourcing”.
But for less ruthless folk, networking can all be a bit harrowing. Some don’t feel comfortable “working a room” with guests that they have nothing in common with.
Others struggle with the notion of contrived conversation where both parties know that the other person is after something – be it insider knowledge, a contact or work.
For these people LinkedIn and Twitter may have come as a bit of a blessing, allowing an altogether less socially taxing form of networking, at a time when a difficult jobs market makes pursuing every opportunity more important than ever.

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 Tim Campbell has come a long way since winning the first series of The Apprentice
But in the era of digital buttonholing, is traditional schmoozing still important? And can it be taught?
The appointment of the “world’s first visiting professor in networking” at London’s Cass Business School might suggest so. Julia Hobsbawm believes networking should be a core skill, like driving or computer literacy.
“In a time of recession, people need their soft skills honed every bit as sharp as their hard skills. Networking is poised to become the most valuable soft skill on a CV,” Hobsbawm says.
So do the hours we spend on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn on a daily basis count towards our networking quota?
“Face-to-face contact is much more important in the ‘Facebook age’ because technology can create isolation despite its many benefits,” argues Hobsbawm.
“Trust is the biggest single asset a person can have and face-to-face contact provides this better than any other form of engagement. But everyone needs to be connected on social media too. The more blended your information sources, the better.”
Networking, as “the action or process of making use of people for the exchange of information or for professional or other advantage”, first came into common parlance in the 1970s, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.
 

Julia Hobsbawm thinks networking should be considered a core skill
Before social media was born, networking was something you only did face-to-face at the local pub, a chief executive’s mahogany office or in between stuffing your face with smoked salmon blinis in a soulless conference room.
Young people might now be totally au fait with social networking sites, but are not aware of all the techniques of more traditional networking.
Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, who was recently awarded an MBE for his services to enterprise culture, believes this is because networking is not presented in a positive light let alone as a skill that should be learnt.
“Networking is definitely a skill that can be learnt but it is seen as a bit of a dirty word. Americans see it as an essential part of business thanks to sororities and fraternities at universities where life-long links are made. That’s an alien concept for most people that come out of our education system.”
Campbell admits networking is hard work if done the right way because it involves keeping connections “warm”.
“It’s a delicate balance between endeavour and connections. I’m all for networking for getting a job whether that’s mentioning a name or through a friend of a friend.”
Many might be dismissive of the idea that you occasionally need to network to get work, believing it is disingenuous and unnecessary in a meritocratic job market. But the defenders of networking argue that in societies where some people are able to take advantage of family contacts or other social advantages, networking is a conscious way to level the playing field.
Campbell argues not everyone has the same “social capital” when it comes to knowing the right people. 

Tim Campbell’s networking tips
• Remember connecting is a mutual exchange
• Ask and you shall receive
• Know what you want when you choose to connect
• Keep connections warm
• Offer to be a problem solver to keep networks active

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“This imbalance doesn’t mean networking is a bad thing,” adds Campbell. “We just have to make sure people have more access to networks. Social mobility relies on good networks.”
Not all networking is good. You need to do it well, says Cliff Oswick, professor in organisation theory at Cass Business School.
Oswick believes networking often doesn’t get positive results because it is carried out in an insincere, superficial and meaningless way with people who share no similarities whatsoever.
Of course, to the critics of networking that is exactly what it is. So what should we be doing instead?
“Authenticity is vital,” says Oswick. “Ensure you are connecting with people you want to connect with rather than accumulating a long list of contacts that you have nothing in common with.”
It’s rather in the same vein that some people hoover up as many acquaintances as they possibly can on social networking sites in order to appear popular.

So what networking skills can be taught?
Oswick thinks networking skills can be enhanced by theorising and adopting practices in a similar way that people are taught how to develop leadership qualities.
Davide Nicolini, professor of organisation studies at Warwick Business School, opts for a slightly different method.
“We look at networks as a way of making your business work at its best rather than techniques to make lots of friends. Although both approaches go together.
“Networking is the name of the game in surviving in most companies. It is an old practice that has been rejuvenated by the introduction of electronic media and has always been important in England hence the notion of an old boys’ club in the first place.”
But comedian Arthur Smith doesn’t rate the power of networking, arguing that using your talent is the most important factor for success.
“Networking is for people who like having their picture taken, [and] going to parties. I can’t really be bothered. Talent always prevails in the long run.”

We can feature your products, services or facilities in the design.

Do you want to start marketing your business on Twitter but don’t know how to start?

Then take a look at our Create Design Studio’s Twitter Marketing Starter packs.

For more information visit www.createdesignstudio.co.uk or call David woodroofe on 01420 549637

Arranged with Rotary Club of Fleet, in collaboration with Sainsbury’s Fleet, Pudsey will be handing out leaflets inviting people to come along to the Rotary & Tastes of Thailand street kitchen outside Sainsbury’s on Friday 18th November between 12 noon and 4pm, to have a delicious Hot Thai lunch and make a donation to Children in Need.

Thai Green Curry & Rice or Thai Massuman Curry & Rice for a minimum donation of £5, Chicken Satay Skewers, Spring Rolls and Prawn Toasts will all be on offer with proceeds raised from the day given to Children in Need.

Tastes of Thailand, Fleet’s own Thai food manufacturer is based in the Hart Shopping Centre, and is hoping to raise as much cash as possible for Pudsey’s good causes.

Sirilak, the Tastes of Thailand chef, and their team will cooking some delicious food outside the Sainsbury’s supermarket in Fleet Road, so please go along to enjoy Thai Food at it’s best, while supporting this worthy cause.

Tastes of Thailand manufactures Thai prepared meals for independent retailers, pubs, clubs and for home delivery. They also cater for Home Dinner Parties, Weddings, Business Lunches and indeed any function that needs wonderful food with extra wow!

Tastes of Thailand – call 01252 668719

Members of the Basingstoke Business Club joined members of the Farnham Business Club and  Basingstoke4Business for a breakfast networking meeting hosted by Alton4Business at the Grange Hotel in Alton.

Outgoing Chairman Matthew Stringer (Bloomhill Insurance) commented “Our group always creates a great atmosphere on Friday mornings, partly because of the banter between our male and female members and visitors. We’re delighted to see Catherine takes the reins as our first Chairwoman.”

Catherine aims to continue the good work of the group “We’ve got a wonderful and welcoming group of people here: some of whom have been in business for over 40 years – that wealth of experience has immense value to people just starting out on their business journey. We also assist many established businesses who visit the group, as they often find the services of Members can help their business to improve and grow.”

Basingstoke Business Club emerged as an independent networking group 2 years ago, after the Members decided to break away from one of the national networking bodies; where the group had been together for over 6 years.

Since then the group has gone from strength-to-strength, doubling its membership, generating good quality business for its Members and Visitors, and helping over 60 visiting businesses (a number of whom have become full-time Members).

They have also formed relationships with other independent networking groups in the region; organising joint meetings on a regular basis with Alton 4 Business, Basingstoke 4 Business, Farnham Business Club and Fleet Rotary Business Breakfast.

All of the groups aim to assist new and established businesses in the region between the M3 / A3 corridor by providing support, advice, connections and access to trusted suppliers – to help businesses improve, thrive and grow.

The Basingstoke Business Club meets every Friday at The Hogget (a Michelin recognised pub/restaurant, just off Junction 5 of the M3).

“I’ve been a volunteer with NeighbourCare since 2010 and saw the potential for members in the business club to make a donation and contribute their services to help the charity. We also had connections with St Michael’s Hospice and wanted to support the essential work they do too.

Our members were more than happy to oblige and have offered their services to support Pauline and Elaine. I’m delighted that both organisations have been adopted as our charities for ongoing support.”

Matthew presents Pauline Budworth (NeighbourCare) and Elaine Ward (St Michael’s Hospice) with donations from
Basingstoke Business Club

Basingstoke NeighbourCare was formed in 1995 with one simple aim…to be a good neighbour. Their volunteers complete simple tasks for both old and young people in Basingstoke who are in need: from offering transportation to the shops or hospital appointments, to simply providing company for the lonely.

If you would like to volunteer to help please contact Pauline Budworth on 01256 423855 or visit the website at: www.neighbourcare.com.

St Michael’s Hospice offer palliative care through their In-Patient Service, longer term palliative care, Day Therapy and support within patients’ homes via their Hospice at Home team; providing a flexible and seamless provision that meets the individual needs of patients and their families.

To learn more about St Michael’s Hospice please visit their website at: www.stmichaelshospice.org or contact Nikki Acton on 01256 848854.

The Basingstoke Business Club meets at The Hogget pub/restaurant (just off Junction 5 of the M3) every Friday.

The Anvil Theatre, Basingstoke will play host to the North Hants Business Expo ’11 on Tuesday 8th February.

With 70 stands featuring the best of local and regional businesses, Activate Marketing are delighted to be working with our colleagues from Something Abstract “Media in Motion”, to demonstrate how effective communications can combine with marketing to raise your business profile during 2011.

Come and visit us on Stand 24 to see one of the latest innovations to be developed for presentations: the U-Pointer Portable Interactive Whiteboard System, how Digital Screen Information Systems can market your business by incorporating a wide range of media (from PowerPoint presentations to RSS Text feeds) and discover the right way to use multimedia productions on your website; to create highly effective messages that can boost your marketing efforts and put your website ahead of the competition.

We’ll also be available to answer your questions on marketing matters across the board, so you emerge from the North Hants Expo fired up to make dramatic improvements to your marketing in 2011.

For further information on North Hants Expo ’11 visit www.northhantsexpo.biz

For details on U-Pointer, Digital Screen Info Systems and multimedia options for your website visit www.somethingabstract.co.uk

For all things marketing contact us at info@activatemarketing.co.uk

They are the number 1 reason claims in the UK are rejected!

Definition – A fact or facts that would influence the insurer when deciding whether to insure you or not and the terms and conditions they want to apply. If you are unsure whether it is a material fact you should disclose it anyway. We will quickly tell you if it is a material fact.

Some examples of Material Facts for the main classes of insurance are set out below. If your policy type is not listed, specific examples can be provided upon request, The list below is not exhaustive. If you are still unsure, call the office now on 01256 463090. We’re here to help!

In all instances it is very important to inform your broker or insurer of all incidents of loss or damage whether a claim was made or not.

Motor Insurance:  Vehicle Modifications, Motoring Convictions, previously written off vehicles, Named drivers having accidents on other policies, disabilities.

Household Insurance: Alarm stops working, changes in security, lodgers, refurbishments & planned building works, criminal convictions of anyone living in the property, abnormal purchases and of course all changes in sums insured.
Commercial Insurance:  Employee disputes / tribunals, changes in business activity, change in trading countries and patterns, staff numbers, vacant premises, your premises is now shared, product faults / recalls and contract disputes

Liability Insurance:  Damage or financial loss complaints, sub contractor use, change in business activity, change in client sector (especially if you now deal with financial institutions or overseas clients).

Don’t forget, if in doubt, give Bloomhills a shout!
T: 01256463090
F: 01256409014
E: info@bloomhills.co.uk

www.bloomhills.co.uk

I expect that you have found lost of books on website coding and programming bit have you found many explaining what it is like in the real web design world?

We have written a 50 page book that explains:

• How to find clients
• How to take a brief
• How to cost projects and prepare quotations
• What to do when clients make changes

Visit www.iwanttobeawebdesigner.com to download a FREE chapter, find out more or buy a copy.

Commonly Insurers are happy to provide full cover subject to devices being under 5 years old with fitted safety cut offs or tip switches and fire guards however given the numerous insurers and the variance in wordings at Bloomhill Insurance Solutions we always remind our customers at the start of every winter period to update us on any new heating appliances.

Faulty or old heating units represent a large hazard to insurers and if cover is invalidated the financial burden should you suffer a loss would rest with the company.

Don’t get caught out this winter, check your policies and speak to your insurers!

If you are worried you are not covered or would like a FREE review of your insurance contact Bloomhill Insurance Solutions on 01256 463090 or visit our website at www.bloomhills.co.uk