If you're part of a networking group, what value have you found from it?

I am a member of Business Network International, (BNI), and the greatest value I have found is that closely working with other business professionals has caused me to expand the reach of my business.  For example, I was introduced to someone substantially outside of my usual market area.  Because it was a BNI referral I engaged the other party and ended up opening both a geographical area AND a business segment I hadn't really thought of.

You do business with who you know, like and trust.  Networking is a way to meet new connections that you can then build a relationship with to get to know, like and trust and possibly do business with or get referred to another person who could be someone you would do business with.  

Networking should be one of your key marketing strategies.  You should have an assortment of different networking groups that you belong to.  I happen to belong to several for different reasons.  Most let you try them out before joining.  

In addition to my business, I am Managing Director of eWomenNetwork - Madison.  A local chapter of a global community - this group offers a complete success system to entrepreneurs to help grow their business.  

It never occurred to me before the pandemic that distance no longer separated - I can have a video conference with someone in Dubai as easily as with someone in Baltimore. So my network has grown wonderfully. Since I write and post articles about leadership, and also read the same from others, I've grown a fabulous network from all over.

Networking is team working and teams make the dreams work!

An individual needs to be able to focus on their own talent/specialty and look to their network for help with everything else.  For instance, a real estate sales person should spend their time doing that, not all the peripheral duties. 

I'm a member of several networking groups, which are presently meeting virtually. It helps if you have time to actually get to know the members of the group, beyond the typical 30-second elevator pitch. Groups that use the breakout room function on Zoom can achieve this goal. Otherwise, reaching out and doing virtual one-on-ones can help. The benefit is that it builds community and referrals. The more you know about them and vice versa, the easier it is to refer potential clients. Since what I do is so unusual, networking helps me get in front of people and explain it better. 

Networking is about making a personal connection with people. People refer business to people they know, like and trust. It takes time and pays off in many ways. Be open to meeting and learning about the members of your networking group. These people will become part of your valued resources to help your clients, friends and family.

I have been with a networking group, my second one, for over a year.

I learned many great lessons on how to market, how to prospect and everything in between.

It is very important to know that you can't do it on your own and being with a group of like-minded people is amazing. In groups, you learn from each other and gain tremendous insight. The groups include everyone even if we are at different levels in our business. 

I don't think I would still be around if it wasn't for joining the group I am in now.

It depends on what kind of group you have chosen to join - for instance, there are groups like BNI where you trade referrals, but meeting the same people each week has little benefit IMHO. What has worked better for us is to hold network events with a large client where you can offer a lunch and learn or similar event whereby, you can educate a group of people anxious to learn about your services at the same time, and that way the response numbers work better for you.

Networking groups have great value for my business. I have found others who provide services I need and they in turn have found me. As a small business without the resources to mount serious marketing and sales campaigns and for whom advertising has never worked, it is an excellent economical alternative. Before Covid19, almost every networking meeting I attended resulted in business. My investment of time paid off during the shutdown(s). Those groups continue to meet via Zoom and it's well worth it. In this geographic area, we have Networking Group USA (https://networkinggroupusa.com) and Power Hour (http://www.powerhourgroup.com/). Each has multiple chapters. Those websites have information about how to join.

I partake in a number of networking groups and they are all wonderful for meeting new people and potential clients. They are more fun in person but virtual is also great as sometimes you see more people than you would in person so it is fun meeting them virtually as you can chat with them privately in the chat room to obtain their contact information.