Networkers are those who are present at the networking meeting as hosts or co-hosts. The networking event has been organised for them, so that they are given the opportunity to strengthen relationships with certain stakeholders.
These networkers need certain support:
Networkers are informed about the network meetings, but ideally the involvement starts much earlier. Networkers are preferably involved in the development of the network goals and in mapping and analysing the stakeholders.
It should be made as easy as possible for networkers to share the information they have acquired during networking activities. This usually happens via a CRM database and during network team meetings.
Some people are naturally good at networking, other people will have more difficulty learning it, but most people will go a long way by following one or more networking training courses. An important part of supporting networkers is a programme that enables the development of networking skills. Such a training programme, for example, focuses on developing the right non-verbal communication skills, provides tips on giving and accepting business cards or starting or ending a conversation. However, the training needs differ per individual and should preferably be tailor-made.
Networkers are involved by the manager of the network in compiling and/or supplementing the invite list for an event, as discussed above; who is still missing from this list and should still be invited, but also who is on the list but is no longer in office?
Networkers are often asked to look at the guest list of a networking event, but experience shows that many networkers have difficulty with this. Clarity about what is asked of them and possibly a short training on how to compile an invite list is recommended.
Networkers should also be informed about the logistics of the event; how and when am I going to meet my relations?
