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

I was in a group of wedding and events vendors, but covid came along and group meetings now are not the healthy thing to do. I am surely heeding the warnings as I do NOT want to be a victim nor do I want to propagate this most deadly contagion contagion. Obviously, this is not the popular belief or all the hospitals wouldn't be 100% full. Just sit tight. A vaccine is in the works.

Business networking done religiously with the right message is all the advertising a business needs. Like other advertising, it requires long term commitment to achieve results.  I am going to start a weekly group patterned after coffee-n-contacts in California for the white mountains.  It can fill an empty restaurant or lounge with weekly paying customers.  If you are interested in participating let me know!

My networking groups are like family.  We help promote their business to our friends, family and acquaintances. I've received over 50 recommendations from the group and have given out as many recommendations and worked with the individuals/companies that joined our networking group. Once you meet the individuals and get to know/like/trust them then it makes it easy to offer their services to people you meet who want a good recommendation. 

Networking has always been a part of my growth in creating opportunities to meet new people and grow my business. That is why I love alignable because during COVID-19 where I am under shelter in place in Alameda county in California I have the opportunity to network with people online which helps me to create business and make new friends!

For anyone out there that would like some beautiful relaxing music I have CDs available of instrumental harp and flute music as well as one hour sessions for relaxation whereby you can contact me through my email:

[email address]

 Or you can text or call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx anytime!

Please visit my webpage if you would like to download music from the order page:

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I look forward to meeting you and have a great day!

Thank you to all the staff that make this opportunity possible at Alignable!

I have been part of networking groups. Power Core in Greater Atlanta is the best one I've experienced. REO, in Greater Knoxville, Tenn., is also very good. BNI, with chapters all over the country, also is good. All of these groups have trained pros that teach you the proper way to network, from where to wear your name badge, to how to shake hands to how to gracefully exit a conversation. That training has helped me immensely.  Also, the contacts I have made have put money in my pocket, and I in theirs. In other words, not only to people who need you find you, via referrals, but if you need a certain professional, being part of such a group gives you an advantage. The value of a networking group is not only helping you make money, but it also helps you make forever friends.

It's important to make sure that it's the right group for you. Once you determine that, the connections you make can lead to new business and opportunities. Just remember that you need to give as good as you get, so provide value in your area of expertise to the other members and they will do the same for you. It's not about making a short term sale but developing long-term business relationships that serve everyone's interests.

I set up a BCWINETRENDS group on Facebook to allow BC wine enthusiasts to chat about the wines they like.  The group has grown significantly over the past year and has fostered both brand recognition and traffic to my website.   It is important to make sure you administer the group to only allow people with a real interest to join, encourage positive discussions and to make sure you share interesting information and not just beat your Marketing drum.

I have been a member of BNI for almost 7 years. It has been the best investment in my business I have ever made, in terms of marketing dollars. This year's ROI has been 145x. That's not 145% 145 times the monetary investment. There are educational opportunities, leadership opportunities and the relationships that I have built will last a lifetime.  

They have helped me get started in growing my business but the main thing that has helped me grow is CEO Warrior. they help business owners grow their service businesses to the size you are capable of and are with you every step of the way, will answer questions if you are in a situation where you need help. If you are interested in learning more go to CEO warrior.com, contact them for more information. Let them know Bill sent you from Bills Earth Services! Have an awesome day!!

I've met lots of wonderful colleagues and connected with more than one new client through networking groups. I find virtual networking connects me better than local face to face.