With Christmas upon us, we’re all getting into the festive spirit and spending our hard earned cash. But what happens when the tills fall silent and the shadow of January passes overhead?

Making sales in the quieter months, particularly following the Christmas period, is hard for every business. But this can also be a good time to plan for the year ahead, get an effective marketing strategy into place and look at how you can grow your company.

A good way to increase sales and make potentially lucrative connections is to engage in ‘business networking’.

Networking is about making contacts and building lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships.

Developing good personal relationships will ensure you and your business stand out, and networking throughout the year will enable you to attract clients all year round, reducing the stress of the ‘quiet months’.

It is not an instant solution to making sales however, and many big contracts are awarded due to relationships built over time. To be successful, you must continuously connect with new people and nurture new relationships.

Why Network?

  • Establish fruitful business contacts
  • Facilitate win-win relationships
  • Develop your own knowledge, resources and personal/career development
  • Help others succeed

Jo Spencer is head of the Lake District branch of GAP PR and Marketing Ltd and works with colleague Polly Winder. Together, they help local businesses decide on the right marketing strategy for them – www.gapgb.com