Carrying on from Networking Groups #1
Find out what other opportunities are on offer:
• Does the Group have a website?
• Can you promote your business on the website?
• Can you give a more in-depth presentation?
• Are you encouraged to look outside the group?
• If there are other groups, can you network with them?
Look to see if the group you are thinking of joining holds more than one type of meeting or do they run other events i.e. are they just a breakfast networking group.
Try and go with your clients to the events they attend. A personal introduction from one of your clients is a powerful endorsement.
You must always make time for the group. Groups are always looking for volunteers, offer to help on the committee or help organise an event.
Try and arrive early. Guests nearly always arrive early – help make them welcome, they will remember you.
Look to develop a relationship with the group’s leaders.
Get to be known as a giver, not a taker. If you do your share of the work, you will be recognised and opportunities will come your way.
After the meeting is over, don’t rush off for another appointment.
If possible stay after the meeting and help clear up, talk with the guests, see if they will be returning, see if they are going to join!
Use the time at the meeting as business time.
If your objectives are not being met, then leave the group. Always be honest with the group leaders and tell them why you need to refocus your networking time.
Move on if you feel its time to do so.
You are a member of a group to gain new business for yourself and to help other people, you are not there for the entertainment value, or because you fancy a large cooked breakfast one morning a week.
Treat networking meetings as part of your business day and block time for your regular networking meetings in your diary.
If possible, don’t book any appointments until after your meeting.
If you can’t attend a meeting see if you can send a substitute – someone who will be able to attend on your behalf.
They can be from your company or a close colleague (or even a friend or relation.)
Type out your Personal Presentation and they can read it out and they may also get the opportunity to give their own Personal Presentation.
It is important that you become a buyer as well as a seller.
You must look for new suppliers for your business.
If you are buying a product or service from another member of the group, you can speak from experience on the quality and the service level you are receiving and hopefully you will be able to recommend that person.
Conversely, they will be more inclined to buy from you.
The Golden Rule for Networking Groups is always:
Give Before You Receive
Don’t just turn up and expect large numbers of referrals, leads or orders – it’s just not going to happen!