Business networking curbed 'by guilt'

Date: 8th December 2008

Business start-ups are not making the most of networking opportunities due to guilt, new research shown.

A study by T-Mobile found that more than four-fifths major decision-makers at business start-ups feel they cannot get out of the office for long enough to take part in important networking occasions.

Despite this, three-quarters of firms recognise that meeting potential new clients and partners is more important than ever during periods of economic strife.

James Caan, chief executive of private equity group Hamilton Bradshaw, commented: "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."

He added that the festive season was an especially good time for networking and bringing in new business.

Last week, the group 4Networking claimed that business start-ups which meet with clients on a personal basis are more likely to survive the recession.