By Tina Andlaw
Business networking is an increasingly popular
concept in Andalucia. It is particularly useful within English speaking
ex-pat communities, where local, mutually beneficial business relationships
can seem thin on the ground and often take years to establish.
Business networking is a process whereby all types
of business people, from local entrepreneurs to employees of large
conglomerates meet in an informal fashion to exchange ideas, make
new contacts and maintain long established relationships.
Throughout Andalucia, business network organisations
exist in various forms while lunch meetings or similar functions
can take place as often as once a month.
In short, business networking creates:
- Trusted business introductions, referrals and
trading
- Personal relationships built up over time
- Future employees, partners, suppliers and customers
- The ability to build a good reputation and valuable
connections
- Help and advice from many professional business
brains
- Contacts, knowledge, support and business transactions
Dos & Don´ts
The key to good business networking is to focus
on creating long-term relationships with people who can help each
other out. It is important to listen and focus on how you can
help the person you are listening to, rather than on how he or she
can help you. Thus you will create a win/win situation: you will
know the kind of person they are, whether you can help them, and
therefore whether they will be able to do the same for you.
Remember that networking is all about quality,
not quantity and above all, it is not about getting the most business
cards. Cards are not considered to be business networking "opportunities"
as business cards will never match the gradual development of a
new relationship with an associate with whom you will exchange assistance,
leads and business over a period of time.
List Of Business Networking Organisations In Andalucia
British Chamber of Commerce in Spain
The British Chamber of Commerce is a popular networking organisation with a strong presence in Spain. Events include round table discussions for newcomers to Spain to obtain personal advice from local professionals as well as conferences in Madrid, Barcelona and Andalucucia covering worldwide business and economy issues. The governing board are elected every other year and comprise many industry heavyweights.
Further services are market studies and commercial contacts; trade missions to fellow British or Spanish organisations; interpreting and translating; careers advice; legal and tax advice; an on-line membership directory, as well as monthly lunches and other social activities.
British Chamber of Commerce Head Office in Spain:
C/ Bruc 21 1° 4°, Barcelona 08010
Tel. (+34) 933 173 220
Email:
britchamber@britchamber.com
CIT (Centro de Iniciativas Turísticas)
CIT (Centro de Iniciativas Turísticas)
began in 1989 with a group of ten hoteliers in Marbella joining
together to represent their common interests. Today the association
has grown to more than 550 members. It is more about networking
than a non-political body that promotes tourism and industry in
the area. The CIT is governed by an elected committee and offers
a well-known annual Business Award Ceremony and Media Awards to
credit the year´s best achievers.
CIT Marbella - C/Roy Boston, (Lateral del Palacio de Congresos de Marbella)
29602 Marbella, Málaga. ESPAÑA.
Tel: 952 906 970
Women
in Business (WIB)
Women in Business (WIB) is a free networking organisation
aimed purely at women and operates in the area in and around Marbella.
WIB´s mission is to create an association of international women who can
help each other both financially and emotionally. Monthly meetings include
guest speakers and discussions from many areas of the local business world.
Not only does the club strongly encourage business relationships through its
networking events, but it also conducts regular fundraising activities and
community events in order to promote goodwill and support in the local area.
On a more global level, they raise general awareness of global women's issues and
promote international business women in all trades.
Rotary Clubs
Rotary Clubs are numerous and famous within 168
countries worldwide. Rotary is an apolitical and non-religious club,
encouraging high ethical standards and promoting worldwide peace
and understanding. In addition, Rotary Clubs unite a large circle
of local business people within every field, from executives to
political leaders and other professionals. They enjoy social contact
with like-minded, ethical professionals in all corners of the globe.
Expect to hear a lot of Spanish as well as English language spoken
in Andalusian Rotary clubs.
Click here for a List
of Rotary Clubs in Andalucia
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