The art of networking

I had the pleasure of attending a Diversity UK Changemakers event recently and we were graced with the presence of the inimitable Farzana Baduel, the respected Ramesh Vala CBEand the legendary Pinky Lilani CBE DL.

Pinky, who runs the Asian Women of Achievement Awards since 1999, has been a trailblazer for so many women, including me when I was only a teenager living on the other side of the world in Hong Kong.

The event was all about the art of networking and the biggest takeaway was that when we meet new people we must first think about what we can give to others rather than think about how others can benefit us.

Since starting Caine Strategies, networking has been central to everything I do. And I can’t begin to describe how much my networks have expanded since I decided to put myself out there.

If there are other entrepreneurs out there considering what networks to join, let me start by listing out a few networks I’ve explored so far:

Communications related: Asian Communications Network, CIPR, PRCA, IABC, The Media Society, The Slice network, Taylor Bennett Foundation.

Women related: Women in PR, AllBright Ascende, Asian Women in Business and Finance, Laura Brunton’s SuperConnectors, Ladies Who Latte Bromley, Women in Business Network, Athena Network, WIN, Lonely Female Founders Club.

Business and finance related: Women in Business and Finance, Federation of Small Businesses, British Asian Entrepreneurs, Barclays Eagles, Business Junction, PURE B2B Mastermind, BNI, Expert Circles, BIPC, The Dots, Club Fractionals.

Founders related: Female Founders Rise, Digital Boost, Enterprise Nation, NatWest Accelerator, Small Business Britain, Grow London Local.

Networking is an always-on activity, and sometimes it feels like there are too many events and not enough hours in the day. But if one goes into it with the feeling that perhaps there is someone out there who needs what you have to offer, it takes the stress out and it’s a win-win.