How to make networking groups work for you…..
I am sure you have heard the phrase “People buy from people” and for most- business owners this is most definitely true. It is the personal connections we have with people that help to generate the leads for our business; however there is a subtle art to doing it well, so that we get to know, like and trust each other. Joining a networking group is only the first step.
It is all very well committing to turning up to a networking group on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis, but if you don’t participate and engage with the people in the room how are they going to get to know you? Similarly if you walk into the room and start giving everyone the hard sell you are unlikely to make valuable business connections.
The starting point is always to prepare in advance for the meeting. If you are going to meet a prospective client for the first time you would do your homework before meeting them and the same is true for networking meetings. Contact the organiser beforehand to find out who is attending, and look for contacts where there may be mutual benefit. Make sure you prepare your elevator pitch, use it as an opportunity to explain who your target customer is and how you can help them solve any challenges they may have. As you get familiar with the group and they get to know you, this talk can change to sharing knowledge and experience.
If you meet a prospect, or a contact that you think might be useful be sure to ask for a business card and then follow up post meeting. This is not the time to put the hard sell on, but a follow up email picking up on the conversation you had with an offer to meet for coffee and a chat is a great starting point to a potential business relationship. You might also like to connect with them on Linked In or follow their business Twitter, Facebook or Instagram page.
Depending on the nature of the group there might be opportunities for members to give short presentations on what they do. These are a great way for you to showcase your knowledge and expertise and for people to get to know you, just remember that the point is to Tell not Sell. If you find this a daunting I don’t really find it daunting prospect, try to focus on how good you are going to feel once you have delivered your talk and you never know where it might lead.
So in summary, be fully prepared for any networking activity you do, step outside your comfort zone from time to time and remember always follow up with the contacts you make. Until next time.
If the blog has resonated with you and you would like to explore how working with a business coach could help your business why not book a one to one with me, simply drop me an email or give me a call on 07952 112432.
