KARL SMITH: Launch Your Own Networking Group

by Karl Smith

I had the most wonderful opportunity this month to address "Avontuur Networking Group" located in the Winelands of the beautiful Western Cape - South Africa. The owner, Zunia, told me that it was their largest gathering to date. She learned about me through one of her contacts. When I left I realized that I had conducted one of the most satisfying "Leverage the Power of Business Networking" presentations to date. The attendees were hungry to learn, they drank the sincere approach to making connections and building business relationships. As I believe in authenticity I normally refer to all aspects of the business and personal life’s of my audiences. “Networking” is not something you decide to do – you live the life, you are “caring” and “giving’ in all areas of your life and that’s the secret to building business relationships and your business.

When the last person left, I asked Zunia how the group started. She told me that they started with 8 people a few years ago and that she never had to market her restaurant. Zunia oozed with energy, a spirit of giving and a desire to help others. I have observed similar qualities in chatting to other successful business network owners. Additionally, I have observed similar attributes among coordinators of professional networking groups hosted by people in the accountancy profession for over 5 years. So I asked myself the question. What does it take to start and maintain a successful networking group? A group is a like an organism, it must be nurtured, cared for and looked after.

Starting a business networking group takes time, money, and a lot of effort, but the potential rewards can be staggering. Having your own business networking group is a great way for you and your business associates to meet new people, meet new customers and share the invaluable experience you have obtained from your efforts. You may be a business just starting out, or you may be a well established company looking to share your expertise in your field.

Here are 7 things to remember when launching your own networking group:

You must have a passion to help others. Every session is an event and it must be done professionally: co-ordination, invitations, finding speakers etc. Its hard work!

Understand whether your new group conflicts with another. People are more willing to support networking groups that offer something new. Develop an interesting model that other networking groups aren't using and you'll create repeat visitors to your events.

Decide early what your mission and strategy is for the first year. Being able to succinctly tell people why you're doing what you're doing can make the difference between having 10 repeat visitors or over 100. Understand why you're creating this new networking group by crafting a winning mission statement and strategies for the upcoming year. What the basis is for this networking group, what it can offer my business as well as my associates, and how much it will cost

Ensure that you build a solid “board”. You can't do this alone, so enlist the help of volunteers who share your vision. They can help you to shape the direction of your new group, and help to broaden its purpose and goal, not to mention help out on the costs.

Draft standard guidelines joining, membership benefits, requirements, payments, if any, etc. These guidelines will help you to govern your group so that it runs more smoothly

Plan your year's events before you launch your group. Nothing will irritate new members more than to attend a launch for your new networking group with no other events planned for the rest of the year. Figure out the appropriate meeting time and meeting place and try to stick to that model throughout the year. Being consistent is vital for any business networking group, as well as being professional and being well organized. If possible, make it the same time each month eg. the third Thursday or the first Monday. That way, people can plan ahead.

Lastly, I believe in getting feedback in everything I offer to others. Your group will grow and their realities and needs will change. So be open to formal and informal feedback.


Karl Smith is the author of “Beyond The Business Handshake: Dare To Build High-Trust Business Relationship”, South Africa’s Business Networking & Referral Coach, and the owner of Business Networking South Africa.

Visit ww.businessnetworkingsouthafrica.co.za to see Karl in action, see what Karl’s clients says, book Karl to speak or to do in-company training, attend a public event, subscribe to his newsletter or to use the free networking resources. Karl acknowledge the expert advice of other commentators in drafting this article.

For more information, please visit Karl's TNNW Bio.

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KARL SMITH: Launch Your Own Networking Group