Why Networking Is Great for Your Business
Who best to learn ideas from and share knowledge with than people walking the same path as you? Networking is an invaluable tool for independent business owners who do not have the corporate structure to support them. Sometimes it can be hard to take the time out of practice to enjoy the benefits of networking in person so we have developed a number of “virtual” networking opportunities affording you the opportunity to still gain the benefits of chatting to peers, without having to leave your practice.
Why Networking?
- Gain Ideas
Whether you need ideas or just want to test the viability of your own idea, one of our networking platforms is the perfect place to go. Our forums allow you to tap into the pulse of all things happening in the independent optician sector. The more members there are talking in the forum, the more potential there is for you to gain ideas.
- Increase your knowledge
When members join our forums they often find that other ECPS are asking the same questions they have. Better still, other ECPs are answering those questions! You’ve just hit jackpot and suddenly what was bound to take you months to learn become something easy to learn with few mistakes; you’re learning fast and avoiding common pitfalls at the same time!
- Networking opportunities
Our platforms provide a networking opportunity 24/7. If you’re active in your chosen forum and interact with other ECPs then we provide you with an instant networking platform without leaving your practice. Just showing up and talking to people will help you get your name out there. ECPSs whose thread you reply to will remember you and will be more receptive to your message when you approach them for something. Most importantly, your thread will remain there and other members might try to contact you if they found your ideas or solutions helpful.
- Build relationships
Netoworking on one of our forums is proven to be an excellent source for relationship building because it connects you with independent ECPs and their teams. The good thing is that relationship building doesn’t take any extra effort. If you’re active in a forum, are networking and engaging with other members, are going out of your way to lend a helping hand, then you’re automatically building relationships.
- Establish expertise
It provides an excellent way to establish your professional expertise. Look for threads that deal with your particular specialism or interest, or start one yourself. For example, let’s say your ideal specialism is paediatric eyecare. You can start a thread related to common issues you see in eye care and eye health for children and state ways to make it better. This way, you are not only making your fellow ECPs aware of the problems in their sector, but also providing them solutions.
- Making the most of the SightCare Members’ Forums
The only way to make the most from our networking platforms is to be a sponge. Soak in everything. Don’t disregard something just because it wasn’t meant for you. If it’s related to you in any way, pay attention. Even if it’s not and it’s related to a potential patient, pay even more attention.
