Simon Edmondson, owner of Colony Networking, spends a great deal of time talking to business owners, members, hosts and potential new connections. Some of the most valuable conversations happen during 1-2-1 meetings, where there is an opportunity to properly understand somebody’s business, what they are trying to achieve and, importantly, how Colony Networking may be able to help them.
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Recently, Simon has started using the PLAUD AI notetaker during some of his 1-2-1 meetings and has found it an extremely useful addition to the networking process.
One of the challenges with any good business conversation is trying to listen properly while also making notes. Someone may mention an important contact, an opportunity or something that needs following up, and the natural reaction is to start writing it down.
The problem is that while taking notes, it can be easy to lose focus on the person speaking or miss an important part of the conversation.
Using PLAUD helps to overcome that.
With the agreement of the person he is meeting, Simon can use the notetaker to capture the conversation, allowing him to concentrate on listening, asking questions and getting to know the person and their business properly.
Afterwards, PLAUD can produce a transcript and summary of the meeting, helping to highlight the key points discussed, possible introductions, opportunities and agreed actions.
This is particularly valuable in a networking environment.
During a 1-2-1, somebody might explain that they would like introductions to three particular types of businesses. Simon may immediately think of several people within the Colony Networking community who could be useful connections.
However, after a busy day of meetings, telephone calls and emails, even the best intentions can sometimes get forgotten.
Having a clear record of the conversation means those opportunities can be revisited and acted upon.
It also makes follow-up far more meaningful. Instead of sending the usual “Great to meet you, we must catch up again” message, Simon can follow up on the specific points discussed.
That could mean making an introduction, sending useful information, arranging another meeting or simply checking back on something that came up during the conversation.
This fits perfectly with the philosophy behind Colony Networking.
Colony has never been about simply collecting business cards or having superficial conversations. The aim is to help people build genuine business relationships, understand each other’s businesses and actively look for ways they can support one another.
Some of the main benefits Simon has found from using PLAUD include:
- Being able to give the person he is meeting his full attention.
- Having a useful record of the main points discussed.
- Reducing the chance of forgetting promised introductions.
- Making follow-up more personal and relevant.
- Identifying actions and opportunities more easily.
- Getting greater value from every 1-2-1 conversation.
Of course, it is important that everyone involved knows the conversation is being recorded and is comfortable with that.
For Simon Edmondson and Colony Networking, AI is not about replacing the personal side of networking. In fact, when used properly, technology such as PLAUD can help make networking more personal and more effective.
The technology may be artificial intelligence, but the end result is very human:
better conversations, better follow-up and stronger business relationships.
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