Networking on the Costa del Sol
Networking is very popular and important on the Costa del Sol, especially in the foreign community where making new business contacts and friends is essential. We estimate that there are between 15-20 networking groups on the Costa del Sol, with more in Malaga and Gibraltar.
Last month more than 20 business people of 7 different nationalities came together in Estepona for the 1st International Bilingual Networking Meeting which was organised by Shaw Marketing Services and CITE (The Centre for Tourist and Business Initiatives in Estepona). This was a great start and we plan to make this a regular event for the western Costa del Sol.
Networking is a brilliant way for businesses to connect, exchange cards, find new clients and meet collaborators and also share ideas. I believe it’s the most direct and cost-effective form of marketing, great PR for your company and the best way to build trust and establish your reputation.
All businesses can benefit from networking, but the ones who find it the easiest to get direct clients would be services such as plumbers, electricians, insurance, security, dentists etc. as people always need these services and are looking for people they can trust. No matter what your business, you can find collaborators and strengthen your business network so it’s definitely worth doing.
The majority of networking is segregated by language or nationality. Our bi-lingual networking group in Manilva is the first one I know of which has tried to network in two languages. It has been working well and so I am delighted to be collaborating with CITE to have a second group in Estepona which actively encourages the business communities to come together even if they don’t speak the same language.
Please be patient with networking, it is all about developing trust and a strong relationship with people and that doesn’t happen in one meeting. Keep going and keep promoting yourself consistently and it will give you results over the long term and give you a great reputation. Check out our tips for networking here.
Hope you can come and join us to network, here are the next two meetings –
18th May, 18.30-20.00, CIVIMA (Manilva Wine Museum), Calle Dr. Álvarez Leiva, 4, 29691 Manilva More information
8th June, 09.00-10.30, El Invernadero restaurant, Agrojardin Estepona
How much? – 5€ to include networking and refreshments
RSVP – Email info@shawmarketingservices.com
Facebook – ShawMarketingServices