My approach to a networking group is to go in with the purpose of "helping others succeed through support and encouragement". I have found that not going in with a "whats in it for me mentality" is far more rewarding.
Business from Tulsa, OK
Answered on Jan 19th, 2017
Interesting answers and comments. As the CEO & Founder of Gold Star Referral Clubs, a nationwide business networking and referral marketing organization with about 80 locations, I have found the 300+ comments on this subject very educational. Face to face referral marketing, like BNI or Gold Star or even open or free networking can be profitable, fun and rewarding.
I hear great stories from our members about game-changing referrals given and received, friendships and increased business all the time. Of course, it's what I'm in tune to. BUT what I have been reminded of in these comments is that there are many business people that have had bad experiences, or that don't know how to develop a referral relationship or how to network without fear.
Thank you for reminding me about why I started Gold Star Clubs and how important it is to be aware of different perspectives when it comes to face-to-face networking.
I don't think there's a better way to network then to do it face to face.
I've attended many networking events; I've started networking groups and business mixers in the past.
There's something magical that happens at a networking event when you start talking to someone and things just click. If I can come away with one or two good contacts in an evening I feel great.
Here are a few rules I go by when I network.
Number 0ne: I always ask for the persons card, I never ever give my card away unless they ask for it. My feeling is...if I get their card and they don't ask for mine they don't want to do business with me but they expect me to call them to give them business.
Number two: Take the time to ask questions and take an interest in their business before filling their head with how good you and your product or service are. Most people are networking to get business not to give it. Be a giver first.
Most people will ask you what you do to get a conversation going, a better question is "What projects are you working on that you're excited about?"
Or...What excites you the most about what you do? These are really good ice breakers and it tells the other person that you're interested in them and not just out to sell them what you're selling. Take time to develop a relationship with the person and the business will come because they like the fact that you toke the time to listen. One more thing, If someone is talking to you Stay Focused on them and don't let you eyes wonder away, unless they're really boring and you need to get away form them.
I absolutely believe in social media networking! Social media, groups such as Alignable and LI are nice, but nothing can replace a business that earn good profit or out come after few conversation about business. When you have an opportunity to meet conversations flow and you really get to know those in your area, not just B2B, but personal conversations begin as well. You find out about their families, interests and many times others you know in common. I tend to have more confidence referring others after few business . Conversely, I also find I have more referrals as well sent to me. Like I have a business proposal that has helped so many people in my area. I just have to release it out to people who have the fund doing the business without been selfish about it
I find face to face networking to be the most valuable method of developing business relationships that turn into quality referrals. Over the years, I have done all sorts of networking and face to face has, by far, been the most productive.
Face to face networking is still very important. Nothing compares to being able to work a room to meet people.
My style of networking and what I tell peers is that when I refer someone, the experience needs to be equal to how we treat our clients and preferably the principle makes contact. Other than that, I expect nothing else in return except future consideration if they know someone who needs our service.
I think networking can be a valuable tool to building your business. What most people do not understand is that you do not sell to your networking group. You build relationships through one to one meetings and yes, once they know that they can trust you, they like you, then they tend to remember what type of people and industries that you want to be referred to. You have to tell your networking partners how best to refer you. Once they know that, then you will get your referrals and calls.
Yes I do, so why do we not use out system for live broadcast so we can talk face to face. We have to get back to being more personal in business and life. We have gotten so lazy with our cell phones, facebook and twitter, "Social Media". We use to be a country of compassionate people who love to meet people halfway in everything we did to get our point across. It is time to wake up before it is too late.
It's funny that you mention that. I am in the process of creating a new kind of formal business networking group and have actually taken a survey to find out what people like and dislike about traditional business networking. You can participate in the survey by going here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/alignablenetworking
At the end of the day, it is all about who is allowed to come to the party. Too often we waste time at networking functions filled with all of the wrong people.
Also, about 6 years ago I founded an informal business networking group called Speakeasy. You can check that out here if you'd like http://www.speakeasycounterculture.com
Definitely Yes! It's the power of trust! When people see you, they can trust you much easier. Although I haven't met some of my clients since they order me online and all can be done trough emails, still I think networking is a must. We also need to get out there, meet new people and socializing. Sometimes its great for business and sometimes you find amazing friends.
Join Your Local
Business Network
Connect & get quality referrals
from Small Business Owners
Answers (11-20)
My approach to a networking group is to go in with the purpose of "helping others succeed through support and encouragement". I have found that not going in with a "whats in it for me mentality" is far more rewarding.
Interesting answers and comments. As the CEO & Founder of Gold Star Referral Clubs, a nationwide business networking and referral marketing organization with about 80 locations, I have found the 300+ comments on this subject very educational. Face to face referral marketing, like BNI or Gold Star or even open or free networking can be profitable, fun and rewarding.
I hear great stories from our members about game-changing referrals given and received, friendships and increased business all the time. Of course, it's what I'm in tune to. BUT what I have been reminded of in these comments is that there are many business people that have had bad experiences, or that don't know how to develop a referral relationship or how to network without fear.
Thank you for reminding me about why I started Gold Star Clubs and how important it is to be aware of different perspectives when it comes to face-to-face networking.
I don't think there's a better way to network then to do it face to face.
I've attended many networking events; I've started networking groups and business mixers in the past.
There's something magical that happens at a networking event when you start talking to someone and things just click. If I can come away with one or two good contacts in an evening I feel great.
Here are a few rules I go by when I network.
Number 0ne: I always ask for the persons card, I never ever give my card away unless they ask for it. My feeling is...if I get their card and they don't ask for mine they don't want to do business with me but they expect me to call them to give them business.
Number two: Take the time to ask questions and take an interest in their business before filling their head with how good you and your product or service are. Most people are networking to get business not to give it. Be a giver first.
Most people will ask you what you do to get a conversation going, a better question is "What projects are you working on that you're excited about?"
Or...What excites you the most about what you do? These are really good ice breakers and it tells the other person that you're interested in them and not just out to sell them what you're selling. Take time to develop a relationship with the person and the business will come because they like the fact that you toke the time to listen. One more thing, If someone is talking to you Stay Focused on them and don't let you eyes wonder away, unless they're really boring and you need to get away form them.
I absolutely believe in social media networking! Social media, groups such as Alignable and LI are nice, but nothing can replace a business that earn good profit or out come after few conversation about business. When you have an opportunity to meet conversations flow and you really get to know those in your area, not just B2B, but personal conversations begin as well. You find out about their families, interests and many times others you know in common. I tend to have more confidence referring others after few business . Conversely, I also find I have more referrals as well sent to me. Like I have a business proposal that has helped so many people in my area. I just have to release it out to people who have the fund doing the business without been selfish about it
I find face to face networking to be the most valuable method of developing business relationships that turn into quality referrals. Over the years, I have done all sorts of networking and face to face has, by far, been the most productive.
Face to face networking is still very important. Nothing compares to being able to work a room to meet people.
My style of networking and what I tell peers is that when I refer someone, the experience needs to be equal to how we treat our clients and preferably the principle makes contact. Other than that, I expect nothing else in return except future consideration if they know someone who needs our service.
I think networking can be a valuable tool to building your business. What most people do not understand is that you do not sell to your networking group. You build relationships through one to one meetings and yes, once they know that they can trust you, they like you, then they tend to remember what type of people and industries that you want to be referred to. You have to tell your networking partners how best to refer you. Once they know that, then you will get your referrals and calls.
Yes I do, so why do we not use out system for live broadcast so we can talk face to face. We have to get back to being more personal in business and life. We have gotten so lazy with our cell phones, facebook and twitter, "Social Media". We use to be a country of compassionate people who love to meet people halfway in everything we did to get our point across. It is time to wake up before it is too late.
It's funny that you mention that. I am in the process of creating a new kind of formal business networking group and have actually taken a survey to find out what people like and dislike about traditional business networking. You can participate in the survey by going here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/alignablenetworking
At the end of the day, it is all about who is allowed to come to the party. Too often we waste time at networking functions filled with all of the wrong people.
Also, about 6 years ago I founded an informal business networking group called Speakeasy. You can check that out here if you'd like http://www.speakeasycounterculture.com
Definitely Yes! It's the power of trust! When people see you, they can trust you much easier. Although I haven't met some of my clients since they order me online and all can be done trough emails, still I think networking is a must. We also need to get out there, meet new people and socializing. Sometimes its great for business and sometimes you find amazing friends.