Business networking

Networking allows you to keep up to date professionally, gather new ideas, talk to clients, grow your customer base or find a new job.

While many prefer to attend these events in person, the development of technology means it is easier to reach out to others online wherever they may be located.

Within Wellington there are a number of business networks who meet regularly.

All have a different focus but their main purpose is to support likeminded people across wide business interests.

Some of the networking groups in the Wellington region include:

• Chrysalis for Women
• Meetup
  Various networking groups have a presence on meetup. Search for what interests you or start your own group
• The Networkers
  Wellington chapters of national networking group
• Sustainable Business Network
• Te Awe Wellington Māori Business Network
• Venus Businesswomen
• Wellington Business Network
• Wellington Leadership Group
  (LinkedIn page)
• Wellington Pasifika Business Network
• Women in Leadership Aotearoa

But what if you aren’t a “people person”, are shy, or feel like you don't fit in a crowded room?

Online methods of networking involve social media like Linkedin or connecting via a Facebook page. Here are a few Wellington and New Zealand options:

• Wellington Small Business Group
  This is a members only, moderated Facebook group
• Business Networking NZ
  Another online site that offers a business listing in its online directory

If you're unsure about how to reach out to someone, here's a Fast Company article that lists some dos and don’ts on connecting with people online.

In WCL’s eBook collection you will also find Devora Zack’s useful Networking for people who hate networking : a field guide for introverts, the overwhelmed, and the underconnected.

A course based on Zack’s writings is the base of a LinkedIn Learning course (free to access with a WCL library card, the online learning platform offshot of the business social network, LinkedIn):

In How to network when you don't like networking on LinkedIn Learning, Devora "highlights three critical differences in how introverts and extroverts socialize, from the way they think to the way they talk. She provides tips to smoothly start, sustain, and end conversations, and some advice for presenting yourself and easing any pre-networking jitters. Plus, get practical advice on re-connecting after an event is over and following up in person or online".

Log in below and get started with LinkedIn Learning through the library:

LinkedIn is an American-based, international social networking site, utilised by professionals and entrepreneurs.  It can be used to connect and keep in touch with colleagues, peers, or companies.  It is also a form of promotion of oneself or a business.

If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet then LinkedIn's Help Pages will get you started.

Here's a useful article as well that provides insight into how to use LinkedIn to market your business.

• Instant networking : the simple way to build your business network and see results in just 6 months (2016) by Stefan Thomas
• You're invited : the art and science of cultivating influence (2021) by Jon Levy
• Business networking, the survival guide : how to make networking less about stress and more about success (2014) by Will Kintish
• LinkedIn (2021) by Joel Elad
• Linkability : 4 powerful new strategies to maximise your LinkedIn success (2020) by Lynnaire Johnston
• Taking the work out of networking : an introvert's guide to making connections that count (2018) by Karen Wickre
• Networking for people who hate networking : a field guide for introverts, the overwhelmed, and the underconnected (2019) by Devora Zack.