by Thad James
I am a firm advocate of business networking. I attend as many networking events as possible. And I belong to as many networking groups that fit my interests. Each has its own make up of business types and chemistry. But through my own experiences and researching articles on the subject, I have learned where to look for groups that effectively build relationships which lead to increased business.
Before I got to meet and greet anybody, I had to find networking groups to attend. You might think that?s as easy as searching the Internet and showing up. But not all groups fit all situations. Many groups have specific audiences. And you need to know your purpose and targets for networking. If you?re selling auto repair equipment, you don?t want to attend a networking group for homemade candle makers.
There are a lot of resources to find networking groups.
Your local Chambers of Commerce are a great source of networking events and potential referral business. I am very fortunate to have over forty chambers within an hour?s drive. Since I don?t have an unlimited marketing budget, I have to be very selective about the chambers I join. Before joining, I attended a monthly luncheon and got to meet many of the members. I picked up a membership directory to learn about the types of businesses that were members. I need to market to the right type of potential customers. I also researched the types and frequency of their events. I want a lot of opportunities to get to know fellow members.
The biggest website for finding any type of gathering is Meetup (www.meetup.com). This site has groups of every possible interest, both social and professional. Whether you want a group that discusses early American poetry or you want to meet other Dachshund owners; Meetup will find your group. For business networking, you will find a wide variety of group types. Research the ones that interest you and visit them. Many meet monthly for lunch, happy hour or in the evening. Several will have speakers who provide valuable business information.
If you?re already on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com), then you have access to another source of networking opportunities. If you don?t have a listing on LinkedIn, then you?re missing hundreds if not thousands of potentials customers. Log on and create a profile. LinkedIn has a Groups page to allow like-minded people to discuss topics of interest. Many of these groups host networking meetings. They can be as specific as Intellectual Property Attorneys or as generic as Home Based Business Owners. A search of LinkedIn should prove to be very fruitful.
BNI, (www.bni.com), is a networking club with over 145,000 members worldwide. BNI groups are made up of local businesses but only one from any given business type. For instance; only one residential real estate agent, one corporate accountant, one commercial plumber. Members are strongly encouraged to bring direct referrals to other members and to grow the group membership with new unique businesses. The meetings are generally held every week. This allows members to build strong relationships.
Community organizations, (such as the Lions, Elks, Rotary Club and Masonic Lodges), are great groups. Traditionally, they function to provide benefit to a local community and not as a business networking group. However, members tend to get to know one another and will probably do business with other members.
Regardless of the source of the networking group or the type of group you join, the most important thing to remember is to BE INVOLVED. Go to the group meetings, get to know the other members and don?t sell your product during every conversation. Build relationships that will lead to future referrals. Networking is a long distance run not a fifty-yard dash.
It?s important to remember that people do business with people they know, like and trust. By properly networking, you can be that person.
Thad James
SAMMY J Balloon Creations
www.sammyjballoons.com
?Turning fun and creativity
into unique customer experiences?
Source: http://sammyjballoons.com/news/a-handshake-a-smile-and-a-business-card/
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