Get involved in local business networks

Introduction

Networking is the art of making and maintaining business relationships that benefit you and your business. In a network you create and maintain your own web of contacts who are connected to your career, business sector, market or region.

Successful networking has many advantages for a business. It can help you raise your profile, meet new customers and suppliers, share ideas and knowledge and source finance. This can be particularly important for start-up businesses that do not have an established network of contacts, or businesses that are entering new markets.

Networking is particularly important to NI businesses because word of mouth and personal recommendation are important to trading success in our thriving small community. 

There are many opportunities and organisations around Northern Ireland that will help you build your own successful network. This guide outlines the networking opportunities and services that are available to businesses in Northern Ireland.

© This guide is copyright of Invest Northern Ireland.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• What networks are available to Northern Ireland businesses?
• Get involved with Local Enterprise Agencies
• Find out what Invest NI can do for you
• Build your own network
• Here's how I improved my network of contacts

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