Archive for the ‘Networking’ Category

Today's rant comes from many of the networking group organisers that I talk to on a regular basis.  Their members tell them they want events but then they don't attend, or they attend once, say the event was fantastic and they will definitely come again, and then ....nothing.

Now we think business owners are looking for Networking events.. over 800 of you search the Networking World calendar of events every week. And it makes sense, networking is without a doubt the most important business growth strategy available to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

So I said I would ask Networking World subscribers to help by telling us what's going on.  

This is a completely open question.  Please put your comments, suggestions and ideas in the reply box at the bottom of this post.. 

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I am asked at least once a week by someone or other.. "Which networking group should I join?"  or "What networking groups do you recommend?"  So I thought it was time to dig out an old article and answer the question in my Blog.

Successful networkers suggest that if networking is a key part of your marketing strategy then you should join at least three quality networking groups which are right for your networking goals. In addition you should attend at least one new networking opportunity every month. However one of the first problems facing new or growing businesses seeking Networking opportunities is “Where do I go?” or "Which group should I join?"

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Although I love meeting new people and making new friends the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and making polite conversation fills me with dread.  

So if you're like me and networking is something that you do for business rather than pleasure here are eight ideas to help make your networking less stressful and more productive.  

1. Select the right group 

All networking events are not the same.  They vary from cocktail style functions where you are expected to be able to mingle and work the room to speed networking where you have to be ready to talk to ten to twenty people in rapid succession. 

Select a facilitated networking group where everyone gets a chance to meet other attendees in a structured format, or a round table format where it's easy to talk to the people sitting next to you. 

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Business In A Book

Business In A Book is a simple and easy networking tool which can carry your business card far beyond your own circle of business contacts, to reach businesses and networks that you may otherwise never have been able to access.

More people are embracing business networking strategies as a powerful ingredient to add to their business marketing mix, especially when they understand the dynamic effects of how it helps us form strategic business alliances. And if you’re already involved in business networking then you’d understand the vital function our business cards play as our primary physical networking tool.

The following article about Business In A Book explains how and why it came about, how it works, and how it can help you extend your marketing reach to grow business.

I hope, as you read this article, and begin to understand the enormous benefits Business In A Book can bring to your business, that it fires up your own creative engine to generate bigger and better business networking strategies that will take your own business to the next level, so please enjoy.

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Many small business owners approach networking from the mindset of sales and marketing strategy.  And it’s not surprising  - after all we are frequently told that networking works.  80% or more of business in the market place comes either directly or indirectly from networking and referrals.

Traditional networking training encourages novice networkers to prepare and practice their “elevator pitch” the attention grabber that will encourage the other person to say “Tell me some more”.

As a result these new small business owners venture forth to networking events, multiple business cards in hand and their “elevator pitch”  ready to roll of the tongue at the slightest opportunity looking for the next sale. And sadly for most of them it will be nothing more than an expensive waste of time and effort.

Unless you are a raging extrovert, seasoned sales professional, or just plain lucky the odds are that networking with a mindset of making a sale is doomed to failure from the start.

However the truth still remains networking DOES WORK. The catch is in HOW it works. 

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Networking is all about building quality relationships but how many times have you had a coffee meeting that goes absolutely nowhere? 

You know how it is … an hour wasted while the other person tells you all about themselves and their business with no mention of how they may be able to help you.. Or worse still they try to sell you something whether or not you are even in the market for their products or services.

Or perhaps you meet in the hope of creating a strategic alliance, you agree that you may be able to refer business to each other, but nothing ever happens.

And then there are the ones who are there to pick your brains and you find yourself in free consulting mode.. “Hang on a second” you find yourself thinking, “My clients pay me for this information and I am buying you coffee while I give it to you for free.  What is wrong with this picture? “

If any of this sounds familiar then you may enjoy Brenda's SMART coffee Recipe

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I was just reading a promotion for a Networking Event: "you will meet at least 50 people! Bring lots of business cards and come prepared with a 30 second introduction about you and your company. " Now I have to confess that that sound to me like one of my networking nightmares.. Second only to cocktail style party events where everyone knows everyone (except me) and I find myself hiding in a corner talking to the only other person who doesn’t know anyone and slinking off home as early as possible. Not exactly a great investment of time or money. Read the rest of this entry »

Many small business owners approach networking with a plan that typically looks something like: “Attend one networking event a week and connect with five people at each to create a quality relationship” But which people do you want to meet and why...We recommend you network with your strategic plan clearly in mind.  Networking is simply a strategy to help you achieve your business goals  - it is not an end in itself. Knowing clearly what you want to achieve in your business is a critical first step in SMART networking and one great time to get your SMART networking plan in order is at the start of the new year.. So lets get started…  Here are three simple steps to creating a SMART Networking Plan Read the rest of this entry »

1. Xmas parties Christmas parties and celebrations are a fantastic opportunity to develop your network as long as you remember “networking is NOT about making a sale”.  Nobody wants to be sold to at any networking event and even less at a Christmas party. But now is the time to show genuine interest in the people you meet.  How has business been over the past 12 months?  Are they thinking of doing anything new or different in the new year?  Is there any way you can help?  Perhaps there are ways that you can work together to develop both your businesses in 2010? Read the rest of this entry »

How many times have you left a networking event with a pocket full (or more) of business cards and very little idea of who they are or what to do with them? You know how it happens – in the flurry of meet and greet business cards are exchanged like confetti. Read the rest of this entry »