Charlotte Windebank is Co-Founder and Managing Director of FIRST, a learning and development agency which equips people with enterprise skills. Here, she shares her own experience of how networking helped her build a business and why it’s an essential skill for entrepreneurs.

Why do you think networking is such an important skill for entrepreneurs?

I believe that enterprise skills hold the keys to some of society’s biggest problems and that’s why FIRST helps people – especially people who are under-represented in business - access the knowledge and the opportunities they need to go on and start a successful business. And at every level, networking is an important part of this.

When we talk about networking (or building social capital, as it’s sometimes called now), we’re really talking about building relationships, and this can happen anywhere. For example, I have met business partners, secured a scholarship for an MBA and recruited non exec directors all through chance meetings and right time, right place moments.

Since then, every positive thing that’s happened in my business has been as a result of meeting someone and networking.

What are some of the ways in which networking can help people start a business?

One of the most important things that networking can do is help you make changes and progress.

At one stage, I was having a hard time in the business and was on the verge of giving up. A colleague dragged me along to an event, even though it was the last thing I felt like doing. I went and that night I bumped into someone who gave me the encouragement I needed to continue.

Sometimes it just takes that one conversation, that fresh perspective, to change everything.

At FIRST, we have a framework for enterprise skills called EntreComp which includes three main areas, and I believe networking is essential to every one of these.

Firstly, ideas and opportunities. This is about identifying and seizing opportunities and networking is vital here, as it gives you local, real-time information from people in your community - the kind of information you can’t get from books, the internet or anywhere else.

The next theme is about gathering the resources you need. Again, I believe that networking can be the key here. From my own experience, I know that, if you’re looking for a solution to a problem, you can go to a networking event and, every time, you’ll leave knowing how to tackle it thanks to a conversation you’ve had, or someone you’ve met.

The third theme is about turning plans into action, and this starts when you go networking and talk to people.

For people who are just starting out with networking, where should they look to find networking opportunities?

When you’re starting out, the best places to find networking events in the North East include the North East Growth Hub and NetKno. Also look on Eventbrite, where you can search based on the sector or theme you’re interested in.

Start with free events. Don’t think you need to pay hundreds of pounds to attend big industry conferences – instead, take the time to experiment and figure out what kind of events you enjoy.

What if you’re an introvert? How can you set yourself up for a positive experience?

Some people thrive on meeting new people but even so, all of us experience that pang of fear when you walk into a room and don’t know anyone. But once you start networking, you start to know more of the people in the room, and that fear goes away.

It’s important is to remember that networking is for everyone and that no one should be made to feel uncomfortable at an event. If you feel uncomfortable at an event that’s not on you.

Go with a curious mind set and appreciate that every person in the room is worthy of a conversation.

Listen and ask questions. I know it sounds simple but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this. Be a sponge and soak up information from others.

And don’t put pressure on yourself. Don’t set yourself a target of how many new contacts you have to make. Remember that, just by showing up, you’ve already achieved something.

You can also find more information and resources on starting a business in the North East Growth Hub Startups Tookit.