Transform your career through networking

Can you tell us about your career path and why networking has become such an essential part of your life?

I started my first business at a very young age (22) and therefore did not have a large professional network. And inevitably, once I had exhausted the few contacts I had, all I could do was hand out flyers, go door to door and try other methods that were not very successful. Thanks to my father, I discovered my first business club, joined it, and managed to get contracts much more quickly and easily. Since then, I have started several businesses and business clubs, and founded the annual La Rentrée des Réseauteurs event, which now takes place in several cities and two countries.

How do you view the importance of networking in today's professional environment?

Crucial. Mailings, telephone calls, door-to-door sales and other commercial methods are becoming less and less effective. It is not always possible to remain competitive on digital networks, sometimes simply due to a lack of budget. And above all, networking is about human contact, which is becoming increasingly important as interactions become more and more digital.  

What do you think are the main benefits of networking for business leaders and professionals?

Help combat the «entrepreneurial loneliness» syndrome. Have more direct, more authentic, more human contact. But above all, expand your network and grow your business, which is what all business owners and salespeople want.

What are the main strategies you use to build and maintain a strong professional network?

As with any professional sector, it is essential to understand how to communicate with your target market. Beyond this fundamental principle, my approach has always been to prioritise people above all else, enabling the development of strong, lasting relationships.

How has networking contributed to the success of your business and your own professional development?

In total, 60 to 80% of my turnover comes from networking and the contacts I make through it. So it's a very important part of my various activities.

Can you share an experience where networking played a decisive role in achieving your professional goals?

For example, the biggest deal ever signed by my first company came from a contact who became a friend, Hervé Roch, whom I met through networking, of course, and who enabled us to obtain a well-placed contact in order to offer our services.

How do you manage your schedule to effectively participate in networking events while handling your professional responsibilities?

Everyone will have their own answer to that. There are many ways to network, but the most important thing is to find the ones that suit your needs and availability. For my part, I founded La Rentrée des Réseauteurs and co-founded several business clubs such as Réseau les Vagabonds, AGRP, Private Networking Club, etc. It's difficult for me not to be very active in this sector, as I organise numerous events every month myself.

What advice would you give to professionals who want to expand their network but don't know where to start?

Study what already exists and seek guidance if necessary. My partners and I are launching a platform to address every need related to networking, no matter how remote. You will surely enjoy discovering it very soon!

Can you tell us about an interesting collaboration or professional opportunity that you found through your network?

Before co-founding my first company with Stanislas Jacques, I had been invited to a company anniversary celebration and was looking for work. I found myself debating politics with one of the attendees, and at the end of our conversation, I was asked, «What do you do for a living?».
I told him I was looking for a job and he said he had one to offer me. Three days later, I had an interview with the director and his partner. The interview lasted 15 minutes and I left with a job.
Networking can take place in many places and in many ways.

How do you incorporate continuing education into your approach to networking and managing your business?

I train myself every year on a wide variety of subjects. I believe that we can learn something new every day and that it is important to constantly develop new strengths.

What is your vision for the future of professional networking and its impact on the business world?

It's booming and developing rapidly. In 12 years, I've already seen a definite increase. But the more we develop our digital tools, the more important face-to-face meetings will become. And that's why, even though there are already a significant number of clubs/circles/associations, we are still only at the beginning and many more will emerge year after year.

What challenges do you face in maintaining an active professional network, and how do you overcome them?

It is important to know how to renew yourself first in order to maintain momentum. Next, the choice of club leader is important. But overall, it's like a business: you have «customers/members» and you have to ensure they are satisfied when they use your services. A business club must have a specific goal, its own identity, and must not hesitate to remain constantly active in renewing its membership. Changing the venue, for example, can serve as a renewal for members.