Could Business Networking Provide Low Cost Staff Development?

If you don't offer training and development opportunities for your staff, you're increasing the chance of them moving on.

Yes, budgets are tight and training is always one of the first victims of cost-cutting. So here's an employee development idea for you to consider.

Why not send some of your key staff to business networking events? We're assuming that most of our readers are involved with, and perhaps own, SMEs. There are stacks of networking meetings around the UK aimed at those who keep the small business economy going.

Here are just some of the benefits your staff could get from networking:

• Training in a wide range of subjects such as marketing, sales and social media.
• Information updates on legislation changes in areas such as employment law or pensions.
• Opportunities to share common business problems and potential solutions.
• Inspiration and encouragement from others who run or work in SMEs.
• Opening their eyes to opportunities or ideas they hadn't previously considered.

All of these can help your employees to add more value to your business, while increasing their own self-worth. For the price of an occasional breakfast and perhaps a membership fee, both you and they can benefit from hours of informal self-development every year.

There's a lot more we could say, but we want to keep this short and to the point, so we'll stop here.

What do you think? We'd like to hear your feedback, experience or questions. Please leave a comment below.