When you network with your business in mind, you’re raising your profile, meeting people who could help you, opening up new opportunities and engaging with potential clients. This means networking is a crucial part of your business development and it’s a good idea to include it in your PR and marketing strategy.

Where to network

There are lots of different places you can network both informally and more formally as part of a group. Some offer membership subscription options, some are ‘pay-as-you-go’ and others are free. Most professional associations and trade bodies offer networking events for members too.

Whatever your preferred style or preferred time of day, you’ll be able to find something that suits you. I find it helpful to try new groups to see which ones I like best. Here are just some examples of groups you could try:

• 1230 The Women’s Company
• 4Networking
• ABC Networks
• Athena
• Beckenham Business Association
• Federation of Small Businesses
• Ladies who Latte
• Your local Chamber of Commerce

Where have you been networking? Do you have any others to recommend?

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My assistant for the evening was first year Career Academy student, Nadia, who I’m mentoring. We spoke to many young people about their career options and gave them advice on how to get into PR or other creative industries.

Although the event was primarily about apprenticeships, we also told a few people about the Career Academy programme and Nadia was able to give first-hand advice on her experiences so far.

Nadia says: “The event was a great opportunity for me to represent my course and give other people an insight into what it’s like. I think it’s important to give the student perspective, not just the teacher’s or employer’s view.”

Interested in a career in marketing and sales within the property sector, Nadia was also able to see what it’s like to be involved in exhibiting at an event and she helped me set up our table.

“I also saw that a lot of preparation goes into putting on an event like this, including the planning and the set up,” Nadia continues. “I discovered that Jane couldn’t simply turn up; she had to make sure she had plenty of leaflets and business cards, contact the industry bodies for information on careers in PR and create some handouts to bring with her.”

Nadia also learned about the importance of networking: “As well as finding out more about working in PR myself, I saw how networking can help your career. Jane made a useful contact and I also spoke to someone who used to be an estate agent, who gave me some useful tips and advice.”

I sit on the College’s advisory board for their Career Academy, which helps students bridge the gap between education and work. The two-year programme gives those aged 16-19 valuable access to employers, work experience placements, masterclasses and workshops and helps them build their professional network, alongside Level 3 BTEC study (equivalent to 3 A Levels).

For more information on the Career Academy programme, visit the Career Academies UK website and to find out more about PR apprenticeships, see the PRCA’s Apprenticeship programme.

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