Real Business Networking Doesnt Happen at Networking Events
Real networking isn't about handing out business cards at a networking event, or seeing how many you can collect before the event is over. Real networking is about relationships that, when cultivated properly, will breed referrals and positive word of mouth about you and your company. Too often I hear the famous networking complaint: "networking doesn't work for me." There are a variety of reasons why someone might feel this way. 90% of the time it has nothing to do with them or their business; it has to do with what they think networking really is. Networking IS NOT simply going to networking events and hoping that you'll get some new clients or referrals. Let's say you join your local Chamber of Commerce and go to every lunch meeting that they offer. You do this for a solid year. Are you likely to get any business? If all you did was go to the lunch meetings then the answer is either probably not, or very little. Networking events are just the beginning of the most important part of networking; Building Relationships. You're not going to be able to build strong relationships simply by saying hello to a few people once a month at lunch. The relationships that are likely to generate those precious referrals you're looking for are built outside of the networking event. These business events are really just a great place to meet people with whom you'd like to build a relationship. Certainly there's a little more to it than that, but identifying these prospects is the primary benefit of these meetings. The key to building real, profitable business relationships is what happens outside these networking events. It's the one on one personal interaction with the gentleman or lady that you met at that last event where you'll find the gold. It's difficult to get to know someone, and learn what they're truly passionate about in a noisy room with dozens or even hundreds of other people. If you sit down with that same person for coffee, or lunch you'll have a much better chance to get to know who they really are. Solid networking relationships are built on trust. The best time to do this is while sipping latte's, slurping spaghetti, or slugging Shiner (a local Texas beer). Of course a meal doesn't have to be involved. You might call and ask if you can take a tour of their business operation. Invite them to another coming event that they might be interested in, and schedule time afterwards to sit down and share what you though of the event with each other. Even a phone conversation will get the ball rolling. The point is you've got to take the time outside of these networking events to get to know these folks The next time you go back to your office from a networking event take out the stack of business cards you collected. Find a couple of people that you'd like to really network with. Now pick up the phone and give them a call. Take a few minutes to get to know them a little bit better and schedule a time to get together. Coffee, lunch, beers, it doesn't matter. Just make sure you'll have enough time in a suitable environment that you can learn more about each other and your respective businesses. This is the beginning of real networking. Once you've really gotten to know someone the possibilities are unlimited. Just remember that networking with someone is not a one time event. It's an ongoing process. You've got to communicate regularly and follow-up on the things you say you're going to do. Scott Ingram is the founder of NetworkInAustin.com, a networking resource for networkers in Austin, Texas who use networking as a business development and marketing strategy. He also posts regularly to his blogs: Business Networking in Austin Blog and Austin Networking Events. When he's not out building relationships at Chambers of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Austin, and numerous other business associations and networking groups Scott is busy spending time with his beautiful wife Emily. They are currently expecting their first child, a baby girl.
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Real Business Networking Doesnt Happen at Networking Events
Real networking isn't about handing out business cards at a networking event, or seeing how many you can collect before the event is over. Real networking is about relationships that, when cultivated properly, will breed referrals and positive word of mouth about you and your company.
Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)
Although, this is about giving the gift of your name to others, it certainly runs a close second in importance to "Whats' in a name?"
Lessons from the Wedding Mafia
One of my clients shared a story with me from his networking group, a chapter of BNI. Ivan Misner, the creator of BNI talks about what he calls "contact spheres".
Unforgettable First Impressions Part 1: Discover the CPI
People like others whom they are like. So if you want to make a flawless first impression, it is your duty to discover what you have in common with every person you talk to.
Mother Said - Wash Your Hands
Think health articles are boring? This one isn't, so read on -
it may save your life...
The Five Step Formula For Getting Prospects to Call You
Are you tired of prospecting for new business?
Ask for What YOU Want and Gain More Business
Why ask others for help and what do you gain from it?
Plan for the Event or Flounder
Rather than being there to eat the food and drink the drinks, planning before attending an event will change your view.
Growing Your Network of People Can be Easy and Fun!
A few years back when I moved to Charlotte, NC for the first time, I came with high hopes of starting my business for the first time. We picked Charlotte because it was a growing city with a lot of potential. There was a booming down town and cultural events were starting to make their way to the area.
How Well Do Your Customers Know You?
Know your customer, know your customer, know your customer. Three very important rules of business. But let me ask you this: How well do your customers know YOU?
A New LinkedIn Discussion Forum for High Power Dealmakers
For those of you interested in international business transactions or the business networking organization, LinkedIn, a new Yahoo groups discussion forum has been created. Several Yahoo discussion groups already exist on the uses and preferences concerning LinkedIn, such as the Yahoo Group forum called MyLinkedin Power Forum (MLPF), but the messages on that forum were biased. The moderator of MLPF censored opposing points of view. He is the type of person who would criticize a group member's message, but not let that member respond to his criticism. In many respects, the MLPF and forums like it were just plain boring: a large cacophony of disjointed and disconnected messages on everything from trolling for people with the same last name to using LinkedIn to advertise products or services.
Networking in the Change Room: 5 Ways to Network Effectively While Getting Undressed
There's a time and place to network with people in order to generate leads, build rapport and form meaningful relationships. The change room at your gym, spa or country club isn't one of them. It's a lousy place to do any networking. Things dangle, imperfections are visible and being naked means that you're vulnerable.
What a Leads Exchange Group can do for You
What is the definition of a leads exchange and how does it differ from other groups?
Measuring Value for a Networking Group
How do you measure a group's worth to your organization?
Mobile Car Wash Companies; Trading Tips
If you run a mobile car washing firm we recommend trading for as many products and services as possible. You should trade for both personal and business items. You need to keep in mind that your gross sales will go down as you do this because money will not be taken in for these services you perform. You will however, notice a significant increase in your standard of living. This is because you will generally end up trading: Wholesale To Wholesale; Retail To Retail; Retail To Wholesale; Wholesale To Retail
How to Organize a Successful Bad Sweater Party
"Hey Scott, would you like to go to a Bad Sweater Party this weekend?"
Should You Offer Commissions For Customer Referrals?
As a small business owner you may find yourself in a situation where you want to partner with another business but they are asking for a commission on your services. You will want to be prepared to handle such a request BEFORE you find yourself in this situation.
How to Make the Most of Those First 30 Seconds
Did you just meet the most important person in your career/business? Tongue tied and not sure what to do about it? With advance planning and creative thinking you can be confident you will know how to handle this situation should the opportunity present itself.
The 4 Actions of Awesome Hospitality
These Actions of Awesome Hospitality? will help you manifest the power of approachability through your organizational front porches.
How To Make Your Next Networking Event A Success
There are people who are natural born networkers - those people that can make conversation in any situation and have no problem walking up to complete strangers. This article is for the rest of us - networking tips that help reduce the stress of attending a networking event and will have you walking away from the event with prospects.
|
