I just attended a face to face networking event and it was scary, like holding your nose and jumping into the pool, but higly rewarding to meet new people. Some groups feel like they can only have one realtor, one banker, etc, but there's a chemistry to business, so networking events should be open to everyone. It's hard enough to get people to come out for events, why limit who can attend?
Personally network meetings are a waste of time. I've attended several over the years and there is one underlying theme to all of them: Every one is trying to sell their product or service. I'm a web designer and I never got one piece of new business. Did a lot of free stuff, but nothing ever materialized. I think that one is better to get on the phone and call or email prospects. You get better results
In my business, there is a necessary blend of face to face (physical) and digital. Phygital....how's that for a word? Physical meetings (whether at the coffeeshop or Skype or phone calls (!) allow for building relationships. Digital allows for a more efficient way of providing information and details.
I run 2 separate networking groups, one is a ladies only group. They are not a come and sell your product/service group. Its about getting to know one another so if a need comes up I can refer someone from the group. I am now looking into a mastermind group. I think face-to-face is important,especially if I am going to refer someone to a client of mine.
Yes . Meeting face to face is important. Once you click then business gets done via internet , phone .I am constantly seeking out new customers . For the simple reason you loose customers due to retirements, new ownerships etc etc. It is the nature of the beast. If I look at my customer list from 5-6 years ago and compare it to today . There are many new faces .
Business from Houston, TX
Answered on Jan 14th, 2017
We started a Meetup coffee group and have gotten really good response..60 members to network. I believe people get tired of virtual interaction to an extent and start craving person to person interaction. I have only ever dealt with my personal insurance agent online...never met him. In my business, in person interaction is not necessarily essential but preferable. I want to be able to share my enthusiasm for the service we provide and I believe it's easier face to face
I Love to enter a room of people I do not know. By the end of the event I will have made numerous contacts that will enable me to refer customers and clients new and old to resources they might need. From My Networking my intention is to create Strategic Alliances that will stand the test of time. To create these Alliances I meet One To One with The Business Owner or their #1 Networked or CEO, COO and or their Designated Networker.
Referrals are like Listings. "People need to know you care about them before the care about you."Networking is not a "OneTime/On Date Stand"). You build a New Relationship the Same as you Build a New House. A strong foundation is required and that take energy, patience, interest and a earnest desire to Give First and Not Receive First.
Jeffrey Middleman
Eastern Queens District Manager/Branch Manager
Queens and Long Island(Nassau and Suffolk Counties)
110-15 71 Road Forest Hills, NY 11375
Business from Greenville, SC
Answered on Jan 17th, 2017
Face to face is and always will be great, however you need to choose wisely where to spend your time. BNI, MeetUps, Etc, ETC are, for me, a waste of that valuable time. Life is short. My suggestion is to find a group or groups with a common interest in something you enjoy doing anyway. Hiking, Bicycling, Fishing, Coin Collecting, Quilting, Feeding the Homeless. The point is you are there because you want to be. The connections will naturally and eventually just flow as mutual trust and respect is developed. In the meantime you are doing something you enjoy instead of standing around with drink in hand trying to somehow 'stand out' in a room full of people that hate being there just as much as you do. Just my experience. - Lee
If I go to a networking event alone and I see people talking in small groups, I am immediately transported back to grade 8 where I was never one of the "cool kids". My sudden shyness is quite paralyzing. Anyone have any tips on how to break the ice? Thanks!
As an introvert, face to face networking gives me nightmares! But I still put on a face and go to them. By the time the event is over, I'm almost always surprised at how many people I have talked to and how many connections I've made. As overwhelming as it all can be, I usually take away something of value and importance. I try to put myself out there. I try to be as open and bubbly and charming as possible. It can be tough, especially after a rough day at work and then having to go to an event and act like you're the happiest person there. But because of these events and because I've been willing to put on a happy face, we've made so many connections and found new vendors for our shows. So in the end, it was worth it!
Answers (1-10)
I just attended a face to face networking event and it was scary, like holding your nose and jumping into the pool, but higly rewarding to meet new people. Some groups feel like they can only have one realtor, one banker, etc, but there's a chemistry to business, so networking events should be open to everyone. It's hard enough to get people to come out for events, why limit who can attend?
Personally network meetings are a waste of time. I've attended several over the years and there is one underlying theme to all of them: Every one is trying to sell their product or service. I'm a web designer and I never got one piece of new business. Did a lot of free stuff, but nothing ever materialized. I think that one is better to get on the phone and call or email prospects. You get better results
In my business, there is a necessary blend of face to face (physical) and digital. Phygital....how's that for a word? Physical meetings (whether at the coffeeshop or Skype or phone calls (!) allow for building relationships. Digital allows for a more efficient way of providing information and details.
I run 2 separate networking groups, one is a ladies only group. They are not a come and sell your product/service group. Its about getting to know one another so if a need comes up I can refer someone from the group. I am now looking into a mastermind group. I think face-to-face is important,especially if I am going to refer someone to a client of mine.
Yes . Meeting face to face is important. Once you click then business gets done via internet , phone .I am constantly seeking out new customers . For the simple reason you loose customers due to retirements, new ownerships etc etc. It is the nature of the beast. If I look at my customer list from 5-6 years ago and compare it to today . There are many new faces .
We started a Meetup coffee group and have gotten really good response..60 members to network. I believe people get tired of virtual interaction to an extent and start craving person to person interaction. I have only ever dealt with my personal insurance agent online...never met him. In my business, in person interaction is not necessarily essential but preferable. I want to be able to share my enthusiasm for the service we provide and I believe it's easier face to face
I Love to enter a room of people I do not know. By the end of the event I will have made numerous contacts that will enable me to refer customers and clients new and old to resources they might need. From My Networking my intention is to create Strategic Alliances that will stand the test of time. To create these Alliances I meet One To One with The Business Owner or their #1 Networked or CEO, COO and or their Designated Networker.
Referrals are like Listings. "People need to know you care about them before the care about you."Networking is not a "OneTime/On Date Stand"). You build a New Relationship the Same as you Build a New House. A strong foundation is required and that take energy, patience, interest and a earnest desire to Give First and Not Receive First.
Jeffrey Middleman
Eastern Queens District Manager/Branch Manager
Queens and Long Island(Nassau and Suffolk Counties)
110-15 71 Road Forest Hills, NY 11375
Face to face is and always will be great, however you need to choose wisely where to spend your time. BNI, MeetUps, Etc, ETC are, for me, a waste of that valuable time. Life is short. My suggestion is to find a group or groups with a common interest in something you enjoy doing anyway. Hiking, Bicycling, Fishing, Coin Collecting, Quilting, Feeding the Homeless. The point is you are there because you want to be. The connections will naturally and eventually just flow as mutual trust and respect is developed. In the meantime you are doing something you enjoy instead of standing around with drink in hand trying to somehow 'stand out' in a room full of people that hate being there just as much as you do. Just my experience. - Lee
If I go to a networking event alone and I see people talking in small groups, I am immediately transported back to grade 8 where I was never one of the "cool kids". My sudden shyness is quite paralyzing. Anyone have any tips on how to break the ice? Thanks!
As an introvert, face to face networking gives me nightmares! But I still put on a face and go to them. By the time the event is over, I'm almost always surprised at how many people I have talked to and how many connections I've made. As overwhelming as it all can be, I usually take away something of value and importance. I try to put myself out there. I try to be as open and bubbly and charming as possible. It can be tough, especially after a rough day at work and then having to go to an event and act like you're the happiest person there. But because of these events and because I've been willing to put on a happy face, we've made so many connections and found new vendors for our shows. So in the end, it was worth it!