Networking groups are important for entrepreneurs as well as small business owners and for all professionals who are looking to expand their circle of influence. Belonging to the right networking group can provide the opportunity to gain access to educational opportunities, introductions individuals who are resources to other people and information that you may need, as well as having an unpaid sales force to give you referrals. In addition, many networking groups are created for the sole purpose of passing qualified referrals from other members and a byproduct is the opportunity to fine tune your 30 second introduction and even develop or improve your public speaking skills.
With the multitude of networking groups that are available, (and this is not even touching on the online networking groups that flood the internet), the possibilities are endless. The challenge is finding the right networking group for you. How do you know which networking group to join? First and foremost, you need to know your purpose in joining a networking group and second, it is important to know the type of people you want to meet and what you can contribute to the group. Remember that networking is a two way street that starts with giving. Getting referrals is a byproduct of giving.
Here are few of the most important things to consider when looking for a networking group for the business professional who is looking for more prospects, clients, customers and power partners:
- How long has the group been in existence?
- Is the group a franchise or is it one that stands alone with no others like it?
- Does it limit each business professional to one in a category or can anyone join?
- What time does the group meet and is this convenient for you?
- Does the group welcome new members and have an orientation program?
- What is the purpose of the networking group?
- What types of results do others get from the group?
- What is the cost of joining the group and what are the requirements?
- What are the attendance requirements and requirements for giving referrals?
- Are most of the referrals from members giving them to members or they from outside individuals that the members meet?
- Is there a renewal fee?
- Does the networking group have an affiliation to other groups that you can attend?
- What opportunities exist for leadership and visibility?
- What type of visibility does the group have in the community?
- Does the group encourage or have a system for getting to know others in the group outside of meetings?
- How are referrals given?
- Who is this group would be a great partner that is already meeting with your ideal client but not competing with you?
- If the group is the type that limits one person per category, can you belong to other networking groups?
- What groups is this networking group affiliated with such as chambers of commerce?
- What value do you see yourself bringing to this group?
- What is the most compelling reason that you want to join this group?
A great real life example of an individual who had never done any networking before is a friend of mine who is a small business owner and based on my recommendation and research, joined his first networking group. His business model is that of a franchise owner of a house cleaning business. He was skeptical to say the least but decided that relying on yellow pages, search engine optimization and referrals was not enough. He joined a group that was part of a national organization where members are restricted to one per category. Attendance requirements and referral requirements are part of this organization. Here are the results that this small business owner received in just a few short months:
He got five new clients, he referred over seven of the members easily since his clients were asking for the services of many members of the group so referrals were not a problem (house cleaners are often asked for window washers, carpet cleaners, insurance professionals and more). He then was asked to take a leadership role on the Board of the group and the rest is history. This business owner now has a business card caddy filled with all the resources he can highly recommend to anyone and often does. He knows that each of these members has been screened, qualified and voted on by the other members of the group.
The moral to this story is that networking works if you work it. Do your do diligence and find a networking group that works for you and watch the growth you will experience personally and professionally. It is amazing.
If you have not yet tried this form of networking, I encourage you to do so. If you would like to learn more about how to select a networking group, simply send me an email to Rhonda@twominutenetworker.com and I will send you my free report, The inside scoop on networking groups. Until next week, remember, you are only two minutes and two people away from your next referral.
Rhonda L Sher: The Sloganator Rhonda L Sher was born talking. She fell in love with words as a child and has never stopped communicating since. Her father once commented that she was vaccinated with a phonograph needle. Not only has Rhonda inherited her father's humor, but it's that quick wit that has become the signature that has helped propel her clients to stardom.Acclaimed Keynote and workshop leader, Rhonda has authored two books, "The 2 Minute Networker" and "The ABC's of LinkedIn," "Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out" as well as numerous action guides, articles, workbooks, jingles and corporate slogans.
In addition to writing, Rhonda uses her gift of gab as a featured keynote speaker, consultant and corporate trainer throughout North America. She has successfully taught hundreds of business men and women on the art of business networking and written hundreds of elevator pitches and slogans.Rhonda's greatest talent lies in her ability to create fabulously catchy slogans that are memorable, upbeat, easy to repeat and create instant brand identification. In addition to the books, audio and video, Rhonda creates slogans and taglines for her clients which are memorable, bring them business and make them, money. She works with you to create a corporate slogan for your business that sets you apart from your competition. Her creativity and energy will tap into your customer's mind and have your phone ringing off the hook with new business.
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