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Networking for Business, is it worth it?
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Posted in Employers on Oct 11, 2010 by Richard Hayden
We've all been there the 5am start before driving to a Networking Event that we’re not entirely sure is worthwhile.
So how, with so many events and groups out there do you choose the right one for your business?
Well the first thing to identify is, are there any industry competitors who are already attending / members of the group?
If the answer is yes then you seriously need to consider; a) How beneficial being a member of that group will be to you? b) How beneficial you would be to the group?
Secondly can you commit to the group?
In order to get the best out of your networking group you must commit to attending regularly and actively referring members. Building a quality network takes time, you will usually begin to see the benefits between 6 – 12 months after joining.
Networking is no quick way to generate business but is far more long lasting and beneficial than just touting for business.
Last but not least, in order for networking to be effective you must understand one key principle ‘you have to give to receive’. No one is willingly going to refer you to their clients or colleagues if you are not willing to do the same.
That’s not to say you should refer just anyone. It is important to find a networking group that you feel comfortable with, get to know the members. Ask for one to one meetings to qualify exactly what their business does. Ask other members if they’ve referred anyone and what their feedback was? In short make sure you build quality contacts that you are happy to refer.
All in all networking can be a very successful aspect of lead generation for businesses, if you can commit to actively working at it. It allows you to build long lasting relationships that can supply you with leads when they are most needed and it can provide you with an invaluable support network that will allow you to develop and grow your business in the long term.
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So how, with so many events and groups out there do you choose the right one for your business?
Well the first thing to identify is, are there any industry competitors who are already attending / members of the group?
If the answer is yes then you seriously need to consider; a) How beneficial being a member of that group will be to you? b) How beneficial you would be to the group?
Secondly can you commit to the group?
In order to get the best out of your networking group you must commit to attending regularly and actively referring members. Building a quality network takes time, you will usually begin to see the benefits between 6 – 12 months after joining.
Networking is no quick way to generate business but is far more long lasting and beneficial than just touting for business.
Last but not least, in order for networking to be effective you must understand one key principle ‘you have to give to receive’. No one is willingly going to refer you to their clients or colleagues if you are not willing to do the same.
That’s not to say you should refer just anyone. It is important to find a networking group that you feel comfortable with, get to know the members. Ask for one to one meetings to qualify exactly what their business does. Ask other members if they’ve referred anyone and what their feedback was? In short make sure you build quality contacts that you are happy to refer.
All in all networking can be a very successful aspect of lead generation for businesses, if you can commit to actively working at it. It allows you to build long lasting relationships that can supply you with leads when they are most needed and it can provide you with an invaluable support network that will allow you to develop and grow your business in the long term.
Related Articles
Netreps: Making your Netrep work for you
References; Who to Ask and How
At Key Appointments we want to supply you with relevant and useful information, if there are topics you would like more information on then please email us at info@key-appointments.co.uk
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