If you're a business owner there's no doubt you've been told about the importance of networking.
I can only comment on my local experiences, and with regards small business networking, Barnsley is thriving; as is South Yorkshire in general.
Anyway, going along to these networking events is great fun - and more often than not you get some free food and drink - bonus!
However, maximising the impact of these network events on your business can sometimes be difficult. I've tried a few ways to go about it and, based on my experiences, come up with a bit of a list of "do's & don'ts".
How To Maximise The Impact Of Small Business Networking
- li>Dont go networking to sell - This is the biggest problem I've seen face many networking individuals. Trying the hard sell to a bunch of people in a room, one by one, just won't work. It'll make you look like a salesperson with the sole goal of making a fast buck from anyone you can.
- Build relationships - This is building upon the point above I think; spending time getting to know someone can really pay off. Building a rapport with someone with whom you get along, over a period of 3 or 4 networking events means that, even though the person with whom you become acquianted may never need your service - they will hold you in high regard and very likely recommend you to people who do.
- Stand back and listen - We all have our "elevator pitch" - that short sweet intro to your business, intended to entice people to asking questions. And that's all good, get it out there over an amiable business card swap - but then back off and take heed of what everyone else does. Ask questions and show a real interest in what they do. This I feel is so important - it shows that you're not just there for the hard sell, and it also (somewhat selfishly) allows you to get a feel for whether your services would actually ever be required by the people with whom you're conversing.
- Notate and follow up - This one is a bit geeky.... I always, when I get back to my car, make a note of any action points that may have cropped up. It's rare that you'll get direct appointments to discuss new work, but on the occasions that you do - make a giant note to call the requestor up the next day. Not only do I follow up these kind of appointments, I also make a note of anyone who was interested in just getting to know me more, or anyone from whom I could learn, buy products or services in from and generally anyone who I find interesting.
- Say thank you - Extending the polite courtesy of an email to everyone you met at the networking event saying a brief "great to meet you and thank you for the time you spared me" goes a long way....
These aren't golden rules, just practices that I've come to employ personally over the last few years. There's no real right or wrong, just treat as you wish to be treat.
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I mention it above, but for small business networking, Barnsley, Sheffield & South Yorkshire in general are really proving to be great haunts for business owners to meet and greet - why not make the most of it?
Oh and remember: take more business cards than you ever think you'll need...
Have you any more tips or advice for maximising the impact of small business networking? Let me know in the comments...
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