Have Fun Networking

The type of networking I am talking about is face to face, in person, business and social networking.

It is very important to get the word out when you start a new business. One way is advertising. A second way, that can be more fun, is social networking. Networking is about making good connections and building new relationships with other business people.

It is a group of business individuals, like you, that usually agree to meet once a week to talk about business and socialize.

Some groups meet for breakfast or lunch, others meet for dinner and an evening out. In these groups you will meet fascinating people from many different types of businesses. Businesses that you may never even have thought of. You will learn about their business and introduce your own.

Try to make contact and get to know people that may share the same clientele as you. You might be able to form an alliance with them and refer clients back and forth.

You may also find that you know people who need the services of one of the people in your group and you can pass on referrals.

Visit as many different groups in your area as you can before committing to one particular group. It is important that you do initial visits to see where you will fit in and be most comfortable.

As everyone knows, good word–of–mouth is the quickest way to grow your business. Joining a good group will inspire word-of-mouth advertising for you.

Each networking group usually has a membership fee. Check out and compare those costs when deciding which group to join.

One of the largest networking organizations is BNI.

BNI is an International Networking Organization with Chapters (groups) meeting all over the world.

Depending on where you live you may also find other local organizations. You can do an online search as well as check your local newspapers.

Meeting Tips

Dress to Impress

Appropriate dress for most groups is business casual. You want to make a great impression every time you meet with other people. Remember that they are deciding whether they will tell others about you.

Be On Your Game

Greet everyone you speak to with a positive and friendly attitude. If there is an opportunity to walk around and mingle take advantage of it. Ask people questions about their business before you introduce your own.

Focus

Networking meetings usually include some sort of presentations. The Leader of the group may do a presentation and then the members may have an opportunity to stand up and give a quick 30 second infomercial about their business. Do your best to focus on the person speaking. They may be nervous in front of a crowd and if they see that people are not paying attention they may loss their motivation and train of thought.

Exchange Business Cards

Some groups have a set process for exchanging business cards. Others don’t. If the group you attend does not have a process then a good rule of thumb is to try to meet at least 5 other people and exchange cards. With 5 people you have a better chance of remembering who they were and what they said. If you try to meet everyone in the meeting in one session you may not remember too many.

Follow–up

If you have a genuine interest in the people you met then make sure to follow-up with them the next day. Send each person a personalized email or phone them. Perhaps you can setup a lunch date to get to know each other better and share business ideas.

Go out, have fun, and make great connections.

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