I am not surprised that the highest %  is "Build relationships that lead to new customers" because over 95% use networking as a sales tool or excersize ti get them more business. My motivation is to find valuable business people that I can refer to my clients as well as others I meet. May sound crazy but when I place 100% of my attention helping others I seem to get referred by those I help! HMMM! What a concept!  

Connections and ideas, and to mutually carry the members' marketing messages.

Networking is the one of the most important parts of running a small business.  It's not only important to build a referral network that sends you clients, but a solid network of people that you refer your customers to.  People feel so cared for when they ask you where to go for whatever and you know where to send them!  Networking also makes you feel connected to your community. 

My business is all about building relationships whether it's with potential clients or influencers. Networking is one effective channel to reach them and extend my brand to a new audience and then stay in touch with interested people in various ways.  Ideally, exposure to a relevant audience equals greater word of mouth and ultimately referrals.   

A. I network to Build Relationships that lead to new customers for the people I am meeting, and then 

B. to determine who they have in their network that can lead to new customers for me/us.

I don't ever go to networking event to sell my product. Yet, because I know many starving sales people are there to do that, with tried and true tested questions, I can get them sent in the direction of someone who can possibly use their product...repeatedly. Now I am the HUB of their story of how they met. I win. Every time someone asks how they met, "We met through Matt, at a networking event." The networking event itself, may also be at the HUB of their story.

Why would I ever want to convince someone in the room to use my product and get rejected, when with a little preparation, I can look for those individuals that I don't know personally but I know they need my product or a version of it?

I love connecting people. That is just one reason why I like network. I am a natural when it comes to putting people together who I think may mutually benefit one another. And that is fun for me.

Another reason I love to meet new people through networking is that I never know who I might meet. I never go into a room thinking, 'I am going to pull out a client.' 

I think long term and embrace the attitude that in the future something good will come. Never sure what, but something. 

I want to build up a network of like minded individuals to support and share ideas as they relate to best business practice. I enjoy talking through complex ideas and offering suggestions when I can. Being a resource to others is my motivation and to let them know there is someone else out here who can understand how they feel.

I agree, building relationships with all clients is very important. There is one great thing my mom thought us when we were young and growing up, becoming adults.... My daughter, always give and help others when needed, you will always get good things coming your way by doing this.. It does not cost us anything, helping one another, so why not... People will always remember you and recommend you as well...We must always help one anther...

The biggest ROI is in networking. It is the most cost effective marketing you can do as a small business. It gets you out meeting new people as well as reestablishing old relationships. The upfront cost is your time. It takes time to build relationships. However, once you have built these relationships you will start growing. Focus on the best "match" for your company. For example my business is ASAP Pest Solutions. My "natural matches" would be realtors, brokers, management companies, and any other residential service companies. This does not mean I don't build relationships with other types as well. I just focus on "natural matches".