Directors and managers at small businesses are missing out on networking opportunities this Christmas because they feel guilty about being out of the office, a survey has found.
The research, carried out by Vanson Bourne on behalf of T-Mobile and supported by Dragons’ Den star James Caan, spoke to over 500 decision-makers at enterprises with fewer than 250 employees across the UK. It wanted to examine the challenges faced by SMBs as the economy slows.
The survey found that 81% of senior decision makers at small businesses said they spend less time at networking events due to lack of time and a feeling they cannot be out of the office for too long. However, this is despite 76% believing that networking becomes more important during an economic slowdown.
Caan, CEO of private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw, urged business leaders to continue networking as much as they can: “Relationships are quite simply critical to business success. The companies with the strongest working relationships will be the ones that come out on top through these tough times. The Christmas period is rife with networking opportunities and represents an important time for business leaders and employees to get out, meet people in the flesh and bring in the business.”
The improvement in mobile technologies over the last few years means workers are no longer tied to an office. Caan says that being away from the office does not stop him from networking.
“From direct experience and from the point of view of the businesses I run, the concept of mobile technology by default makes you more productive and more available. I actively encourage my team to get out and meet business partners and prospects as much as possible, as I know this will not impact productivity or mean we are any less available to make important business decisions,” he said.
“Whether I or my staff are out travelling to business meetings or attending a networking event, not only can we call and text, we also have continual access to email and the internet, ensuring that it’s business as usual. In a downturn when markets are volatile, when you’ve got to be available and decisive, I think communications can make a huge difference.”
