Business Networking Strategy

While I was in the Outer Hebrides over Christmas, I was told about an unexpected side effect of the recent smoking ban in public places. With the ban, due to take effect in England in July this year, now in place in pubs across Scotland, smokers are forced outdoors if they want to enjoy a quick puff during the evening's festivities. Naturally, this gives them the opportunity to talk to people they might not otherwise have approached when out for a social drink with friends. As a result of this, a new phenomenon has been born.

As we enter the last week before Christmas, you're possibly in the midst of event after event, from work Christmas parties, through awards dinners to catch up lunches with a host of clients. Naturally the prime aim of these events is to have fun and let your hair down (for those of you lucky enough to remain sufficiently hirsute that is!). We can't ignore, however, the fact that you will be faced with a host of business networking opportunities, both in terms of relationship building with colleagues, clients and suppliers but also the chance to meet new contacts.