Kerry Madgwick, Hypno-Nutritionist, Kerry's Natural Health Solutions

Kerry Madgwick is a Hypno-Nutritionist of Kerry's Natural Health Solutions
Can you share a little about what makes you an authority on building a great network?
I would not be where I am today without a great network - I have had a fantastic network of support throughout my career being a entrepreneur / business owner can be lonely and you can only have so many conversations with yourself. I have surrounded myself with a positive, supportive network that gets me through the challenging times, losing both parents in just over a year and celebrating the wins and achievements and business awards I have won. It has also been rewarding to offer support to others and I believe that is the essence of building a great network.
How important is networking for professional success, and why?
Having a great network to me is one of the top priorities for professional success as you have a community that can hold you accountable, celebrate your wins and pick you up and support you through challenging times and kick you out of your comfort zone when you need the push!
What's your usual ice-breaker question when meeting someone for the first time?
Would you do me a favour and read the information on these cards and sort them in order of the card that is most important to you .... sounds odd I know but the cards are the basis of understanding what vales are important to someone this then helps to lead the conversation in a way that speaks to that person depending on their values, for example are they a nurturer, an action taker, do they like rules, do the like to break the rules... this can be very helpful in speaking their language.
How do you approach networking differently when you're meeting someone in person versus virtually?
Online is a bit more direct as time is much shorter if its during a structured network meeting, unless it is in a break out room but my focus is always on getting to know the other person as much as I can in the time we have. If it is a 1:1 meeting then I would send them the link to the online version of the cards as part of a preparation for our meeting.
What are some common mistakes people make when trying to build their professional network, and how can they avoid them?
The most common mistake I see is people making it all about them and trying to sell before building a relationship, you know the one who shove their business cards at you, or reach out with a message online to sell you something immediately, my favorite was lady who reached out to sell me nutrition coaching, she clearly had not even read my profile! When you connect with someone build a relationship first, finding out more about them and how you can help them and they will usually reciprocate and ask how they can help you.
Have you noticed any differences in the types of relationships you build through in-person versus virtual networking? If so, can you describe those differences?
I haven't found any difference for me personally but it is always lovely when you do get to meet people who you met online, in person.
What are some strategies you've found effective for building rapport and establishing trust with someone you've only just met?
The best strategy I have found is asking about them, why they started their business and finding out who would be a good referral for them
How can someone use social media and online networking to expand their professional network?
Connecting on facebook or linkedin groups is a great way to expand your professional network, as always make sure you read the person's profile and use relevant information when you reach out to them so they know you are not just "stalking them"
What advice would you give to someone who is new to networking and trying to make connections in their industry?
Find people in your industry on social media and reach out and ask them what online and in person networking groups they would recommend
Build relationships, always find out how you can help them or support them, they will always appreciate and reciprocate
Ask specifially what would be a great referral for them - most of the time they will ask the same question of you and that helps you build your network
Connect people within your network who you think wil be a good fit for each other which conitnues to build your nework and help others build their networks
Where should people follow you to find out more about your work?
@kerrym212