In sport, as so often in many fields including business, Australia is outperforming for its mere 23 million population. 

A lesson being touted is the so called “winner’s mindset”. Run your own race and focus on things you can control. No point setting a goal of being the best because you can’t control your competition. Set your own goals relative to improving your own performance. Of course, this applies as much in business as in sport.

So recently, I decided to apply the “winner’s mindset” or at least goal setting to my phobia of networking. Sure there are those among you who love, love, love it - those high EQ, social extroverts who can’t wait to share a photo of the latest foray on social. Then there’s the rest of us, we’ve heard how important it is but no matter how many events we attend our pre-meet bodily response ranges from mild anxious palpitations to outright gritted teeth, grin and bear it loathing. It’s usually not as bad as feared but we are often left wondering, was there a point?

First, the review. Failed strategy one, visualising myself as a charismatic people person. Failed strategy two, trying to meet and get as many business cards as possible. Other hurdles, tend to talk too much when nervous. Approaches with some success, connecting with a few people in close proximity but follow up has been limited.

Second, the plan. Make one connection that will benefit my business, identify how they will help, get contact details and follow up by offering something to further the relationship.

Third, the outcome. Listened and restrained my free flow guff, made my connection, now to wait and see if the relationship develops. Next step, start again with a plan, action and review. If it all falls in a heap, shed a tear for the near miss and regroup. We can’t all be brilliant at everything, so embrace your inner legend, work for your personal best and remember success at each step.

Last week’s networking success was a great meeting with our member Erica Townsend at Quest Apartments. We love to catch up with members and find out what’s important to them. It’s a great reward when we get to deliver a better service that we can tailor just for you.

It was interesting to hear Erica speak about how important updates on local projects are for business. The Olympics certainly bring plenty of business but smaller scale ventures closer to home have the same effect. Our August meeting looks at some local infrastructure developments.

From the Road to Rio to Roads closer to home, we invite you to join us for lunch this Thursday at Best Western Hunter Gateway with Anna Zycki from Roads and Maritime Services bringing us a Maitland Roads Infrastructure Update. All the details are on our website: www.maitlandbusiness.com.au or you drop us a line T: 4934 3343.