Face To Face Business Networking – Do Not Discount It
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Don’t get me wrong. I love social networking and believe that it is one of the most efficient ways to get your message across, no matter what business you are in. However, I also believe in the value of face to face networking. When done correctly, it is powerful.
There are many types of networking groups out there. Some, obviously, are better and more effective than others.
Chambers of Commerce give you access to a variety of business owners. It is important to note how many events take place per month, how many business owners attend, and if there are opportunities for interaction. Some offer cluster groups or satellite lunches, which allow members to get to know each other better.
Leads groups, in which there is one business owner per category, can be limiting, depending on your business. I have also found it almost impossible to be loyal to every single member, if you do any other networking. Once, I belonged to a lead’s group and used their handyman. He turned out to be an absolute disaster. It was awkward afterwords and I wouldn’t dream of referring him to anyone else. However, many business owners swear by these groups. It all depends on your target market, and if you offer products that would be used frequently by most members. A large ticket item will not get as many referrals as say a skin care consultant or massage therapist, but could pay off in 1 or 2 referrals.
Groups that meet monthly add variety to your networking activities. There is a women only group that I attend, that does not charge dues. You only pay for the meal. It has become quite well attended in a short amount of time, and has a wonderful energy. They allow members, who arrive early, to set up tables (no charge) with product displays.
A nice combination is to offer offline as well as online events. Local events, webinars and radio shows highlighting members.
Most networking events are not transactional in nature. They are solely for the purposes of creating relationships. CEO Space, for example, offers both. Members work in cooperation and are on a mission to help each other succeed. At week long forums, that take place 5 times per year, transactions are encouraged. Members hold private meetings, do room presentations, trade show, and more without the uncomfortable atmosphere of a pitch fest. Members ask each other, "What project are you working on? What are you looking for next?" They are not attacking each other or vomiting their pitch. When asked what you do and what you are looking for, you answer. It’s all about seeing how many people you can help and getting helped in return.
What project are you working on, and what are you looking for next? I’d love to know and help connect you to the people, resources and support you need to succeed. Contact Rebecca Olkowski at 818-515-7880 or EMAIL
For more information about CEO Space, please visit http://ceospacelavalley.com
Rebecca Olkowski is a Club President for CEO Space, a private entrepreneurial organization. For more information about CEO Space, please visit http://ceospacelavalley.com
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Comments
Rebecca,
Thanks for pointing this out! Social Media is awesome, but you do not want to forget the people right in your own backyard!
I have joined a Women’s Networking Group and absolutely love it! I have developed so many new and valuable relationships. And, that’s what it is all about.
I would highly recommend all your readers go to http://www.meetup.com and find a local meeting!
Thanks for sharing!
~Andie Petoskey
Hi Andie, Thanks for your comment. I completely agree, Meetup is an awesome resource to find networking for just about anything.
Rebecca
All I know is that you are 100% right. My great friend Trisha Dixon became a Usana Director using these methods…
Thanks for the great read!
Ange;-)
Twitter Diva
Angela Giles´s last blog ..The 2 Little known Factors to Achieving Wealth in this Shifting Internet Climate
Rebecca,
I totally agree that meeting people face to face is really important. I like to get to know someone by going to Networking groups.
That way you will be building a relationship instead of trying to sell something first.
Thanks for sharing this great post.
Karen
Karen Smith´s last blog ..Molly’s Birthday
Rebecca,
Thanks for pointing this out! Social Media is awesome, but you do not want to forget the people right in your own backyard!
I have joined a Women’s Networking Group and absolutely love it! I have developed so many new and valuable relationships. And, that’s what it is all about.
I would highly recommend all your readers go to http://www.meetup.com and find a local meeting!
Thanks for sharing!
~Andie Petoskey
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