Networks have always been important for business - from family-run businesses, to the old-school tie, jobs-for-the-boys and the whole ugly world of nepotism. But now, perhaps more than ever, we have the idea of networking as an activity, an activity that has become a keystone for small and medium-sized businesses, especially those who work with other businesses. 

But face-to-face networking can be frightening - the idea of walking into a room full of strangers, of pitching your business to a crowd of people you don't know - and it can also be a tremendous drain on time and money. It really helps if you understand the general landscape of networking and how the different organisations function so that you can make more informed decisions about where to focus your resources.

In this course, we'll take a look at the types of group, the obligations that membership can involve, and the activities you can expect at different meetings. 

We'll look at the whole before, during and after progression, with guidance on how you can prepare beforehand, advice on how to act during the event - including a section on how to prepare your pitch - and recommendations on what to do afterwards, to make your networking more effective.

We'll ask you to consider your own reasons for networking and explain some of the other motivations you may come across - it's important to realise that not everyone approaches things in the same spirit.

If you're new to networking this course will give you a clear overview of what is involved and get you on the right track from day one.

If you're a seasoned networker it will offer the opportunity to take stock and review what you are doing and why, to be sure you are getting the most out of your efforts.