The Guide to Networking Across Industries
Published 1 August 2023
Some of the most valuable networking happens outside your own industry because different sectors bring new perspectives, contacts and collaboration opportunities.
Some of the most valuable networking happens outside your own industry because different sectors bring new perspectives, contacts and collaboration opportunities.
Explain the outcome, not the jargon
Industry terminology can make sense to peers but create distance with people from other sectors. Describe the problem you solve, who you help and the result you create in straightforward language.
Look for shared business challenges
Different industries still face common issues: winning customers, retaining staff, controlling costs, protecting data, improving cash flow and planning growth. Those shared challenges create easy starting points for useful conversation.
Think laterally about referrals
A person does not need to buy your service personally to know somebody who might. Cross-industry networks are valuable because each attendee brings a different client and supplier ecosystem.
Use curiosity as your advantage
Ask how an unfamiliar industry works. People usually appreciate genuine curiosity, and the answer can expose opportunities or risks you would never discover by staying only inside your own sector.
Putting it into practice
Networking improves through repetition. Choose one or two ideas from this guide, use them at your next event, and review what worked afterwards.
If you want to practise these ideas with a friendly group of local business owners, take a look at the next Elevating Business networking events.
Put the advice into practice
The best way to improve your networking is to meet people regularly and build relationships over time.
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