Introduction

Most businesses recognise the benefits of developing their employees’ knowledge and understanding of the industry and markets they work in.

Networking with others allows smaller businesses to share experiences and ideas and to improve in-house knowledge. Businesses can network with educational establishments, trade organisations and other businesses. Businesses that actively participate in networks generally find the partnerships more effective than passive participants.

This guide explains the workings and benefits of networking, the forms networking can take and how to make the most of active participation.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• How networking works
• Benefits of networking
• Different kinds of network
• Finding network partners
• Be an active participant in networks
• International networks
• Here’s how networking locally improved my business