1 of 10 - Understanding the Difference
Networking Groups offer the opportunity of building and maintaining informal relationships, especially with people whose friendship could bring advantages such as job or business opportunities. Business Development Groups offer the small group opportunity of individuals meeting together over a short period of time to create solutions for a defined area of business concern.
2 of 10 - Understanding the Concept
Networking is a great way to meet people in a "non-selling" setting. You are there to foster relationships - not to sell. Just meet and greet. Ask people about their businesses and about themselves. Be friendly and relaxed. Enjoy yourself. Get to know people. IF and WHEN someone appears to meet your target criteria, ask for their business card. Then follow up with them later to see IF there may be a fit.
3 of 10 - Get the Most from Your Attendance
Pick events that could put you face to face with a few people who most likely WANT what you have to offer or who could connect you with people who WANT what you offer. Both are terrific prospects.
4 of 10 - Get the Most from Your Investment
Set a time and money budget for your networking. Remember that joining a lot of groups does not necessarily bring you a great return on your investment. Go for quality instead of quantity. One or two groups that offer a perfect fit for you far outweighs the dozen who don’t really offer what you are looking for.
5 of 10 - The Long Dance
Networking is the first step in a long dance of getting to know people. You are there to build solid business relationships. This takes time and you can’t rush the process. Manage your time and conversations so you will connect with a few different people each time that you attend.
6 of 10 - Be Attractive
I don’t mean slap on globs of make up and wear your best suit. Attraction is your vibe! Have fun, relax and enjoy yourself. People love being around other people who are relaxed and genuinely happy. People are more attracted to people who are interested in what they have to say. Ask questions, listen and engage. This is the fastest way to develop rapport and qualify them as a prospect.
7 of 10 - Be Reliable
It’s important to attend regularly so the group will begin to view you as a trustworthy and reliable business owner. Showing up to meetings every blue moon will make it difficult for you get to know the group and more importantly it will make it impossible for them to get to know you.
8 of 10 - Send the Right Message
It's okay to tell people what you do. Give your "30 second commercial" but stop after that. You're there to gather information and to meet people, not to sell. Turn your cell phone off and give the group your undivided attention. Arrive on time and do not leave early. Not being able to give your full attention to the group sends the message that you are not a serious business owner. Remember, though always being busy and distracted may make you feel like you are productive-- it rarely is perceived that way by others.
9 of 10 - Give First
The best way to begin a relationship is by giving someone something - like a referral. Think of someone who could really enjoy your networking buddy’s service. It doesn't cost you anything to connect the two people together. If your networking bud is the kind of person you want to do business with, they'll reciprocate-- and then a valuable, long-term business relationship may develop.
10 of 10 - The Grand Paradox
When you give purely out of the joy of giving, you cannot help but receive. Yet when you give in order to receive, it doesn’t work out nearly as well! It’s a paradox! When someone knows you care about them enough to refer business their way, they feel great about you. It produces to a natural desire to give back to you. Of course, it doesn’t have to be actual business that you give. It could be information or your time; maybe a tip on a job for their son, or a coupon for their favorite restaurant. Become a successful networker you must become a genuine networker who gives without expectations.
