It’s currently an amazing time here at Hold everything. I have had some amazing encounters from suppliers and customers, and also learnt a couple of good lessons along the way, especially recently.
If I asked a room full business people whether they used word of mouth to grow their business, most of them would say yes.
We all use this phrase “word of mouth” but how do we make it profitable? Business Networking is an excellent way to do this. If you Google the term “Business Networking” followed by your locality however, you will often find that there are hundreds of different groups to choose from and beware, not ALL networks are the same!
So how do you choose a networking group and how can you tell if it’s any good? Here are my top five tips!
1) Have you visited ? The number of people I speak to who won’t visit “XYZA” networking because they were told it was no good/too regimented/ not serious enough or any other reason, is ridiculous! Make your OWN choices and decide for yourself. Good groups will have many members often nationwide and worldwide and will know through experience about what makes networking work! The newer groups are not to be sniffed at either? If there is a buzz on the grapevine that they are good – GET THERE and give it a go!
2) Is there a structure? In my experience the strong, ethical, networking groups have some form of structure or agenda which they STICK to. I love meeting new people but for networking to work for me, it’s got to be about business and not just a cuppa and a gossip. My time is valuable
3) Can you MEASURE it? No matter how complicated or frightening it may be, if you are serious about making your business successful then you need to measure it. Measuring just the money is a good start, but remember the contacts and the support too. Have you met with a professional in the group who gave you advice? Would you have ordinarily paid for it? Then measure the savings and support too.
4) Will they support you when things go wrong? Will they miss you? Many new networkers assume that companies and networking groups will be sympathetic if something happens that is exceptional or unexpected. I have seen just how AMAZING companies can be. I have also seen how unhelpful and hard some can be too. It isn’t unreasonable for any networking group to ask you to commit for 3 months, a year or maybe two, however CHECK carefully and ASK what would happen if you couldn’t meet your commitments in an emergency either short OR long term. A good networking group will do everything in their power to help regardless of the circumstances. Most groups are set up to support small businesses, sadly they don’t always act in this manner so DO ask the question and satisfy yourself that the owners and leaders of the group reflect YOUR’s and YOUR COMPANY’s culture.
5) Are YOU ready to make an effort to make it happen? Networking and just “turning up” won’t make it happen for you. You have GOT to be prepared to do some work too. Great groups have a structure again to show you how from additional workshops, to 121 support. When you join your group, don’t gripe about it, GRAB IT and take the opportunities available.
Go with what works for you and where you feel right. Measure it and LEARN from some of the best in the business… but DO please watch out for the snakes …….
Until next week
Richard Cooper – Virtual Office Visionary
follow me @holdeverything1
