One of the most important aspects of marketing a product or service is networking. My definition of networking is getting together to get ahead. The best networkers, like the best communicators, are not those who focus on themselves, but instead concentrate their efforts on filling the needs of others. In essence, this means linking someone with a need with someone who can fulfill that need.
Why should you bother with networking at all? Networking creates opportunities for sales, growth, future alliances and projects, and keeps your company in the forefront of the latest ideas and technologies. By interacting with other companies in a more relaxed environment, you are not only creating an image for your company, but you are also learning about other products and services that can be useful to you at a later date.
Where do I find networking opportunities? Trade journals, newspapers and magazines are excellent sources to discover when and where networking opportunities will be available. BIC Magazine, for instance, reaches approximately 100,000 key decision makers and is read online in its entirety. I also recommend joining as many professional organizations and associations as you can that are related to your type of business. Make sure you take an active role in these professional organizations or associations.
Many trade shows and conferences provide hospitality events, which are great places to practice networking skills. While many people view hospitality suites as a place to party, it is important to follow the rules of etiquette when visiting the parties:
- For business after hours, regular clothes are appropriate, although a little dressier look may be in order.
- Keep body language on the conservative side.
- Limit yourself to two drinks, and do not substitute cocktail foods for your dinner.
- Avoid messy foods.
- When being introduced or introducing someone, always shake hands.
- Be sure to wear your name tag on the upper right hand side of your shirt.
- Bring seven business cards for every hour of an event.
- Smile immediately whenever eye contact is made with anyone.
- Always be professional, and remember the image you project becomes the image of your company.
Every year, BIC Alliance hosts several networking and hospitality events of its own, which bring together a who’s who of professionals in the oil and gas industries. BIC Alliance recently held its annual hospitality and networking function that was put on during the AFPM Reliability & Maintenance Conference and Exhibition in Austin, Texas. This event is considered to be one of the largest hospitality and networking functions in industry. Earlier this year, BIC Alliance collaborated with the Houston Area Safety Council; Bowen, Miclette & Britt; the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association; and the LSU Center for Energy Studies to host film screenings of “FrackNation” in Texas and Louisiana. BIC Alliance also hosted an Industrial Procurement Networking Breakfast in Houston with the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region and its annual Industry Appreciation Crawfish Boil & Jambalaya Dinner in La Porte, Texas.
There are dozens of BIC Alliance member companies that have used its networking events to connect with customers and partners. It is safe to say, with every networking event BIC Alliance provides, we collaborate with others. We have been providing successful networking events and collaborating with others for more than 30 years, and we will continue to do this for many more.
For more information about BIC Alliance’s networking events and opportunities, visit BICMagazine.com or call (800) 460-4242.
