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

I network with other people who are interested in helping others achieve optimum health through education, nutrition and herbal medicine. I find terrific knowledge, sharing and inspiration knowing people who are like-minded. 

I have trained about 50 people across Canada so they can add healing power and income to their health practices. We have Herbalists, iridologists, massage, shiatsu, reiki, biofeedback, live blood analysists, kinisiologists, and acupuncturists, to name a few,  as part of our group. 

I am involved in several Networking groups and find them to be incredibly valuable. I make new connections and new relationships. One group I am involved with I have become the Global Business Connector for Victoria BC Canada for the Women Speakers Association and the connections and relationships, the support and the tools has been a wonderful addition to my business!

My network is a bit broader than a local club or organization; however, professional referrals and working with other professionals is key to getting our projects done on time and within budget. I'm so grateful to have so many people I can count on to show up and do a good job. Takes years to build a good proven network. Speaking of this I can always use a good handyman or contractor in many different areas where clients own investment properties. Referrals welcome!

The most important thing to me is building relationships. I have a networking group and that is 1 thing that’s distinctive about it.

I'm a member of VANEX, which belongs to a global executive network. We get together every week and meet other executives of different industries and brainstorm/ mastermind and share our thoughts. It allows us to offer our strengths and charge up with others' energy when we need it.

In general, being a part of a community is always beneficial, but you got to choose the right crowd to lift you up and take you and your spirit to the next level!

Best wishes to everyone, and desire the best outcome of any actions every day!

When I join a networking group they see my reputation, experience, and what we have to offer and it builds trust.
Building trust and following through is the most important part.

Yes, two.

John Limbocker's Internet Dominators is a master group using the latest tools in SEO.

The other is Craig Duswalt's Rockstar Marketing and Rock Your Life for business mindset, problem solving and test ideas.

Yes...networking groups can be hugely beneficial. I am the president of the largest BNI (Business Network International) chapter in the midwest....and rank worldwide in both membership & closed referral dollars...I can't say enough about the positive effect it's had on my business...not only has my business grown, but it's matured and there's a big difference. Along with an increase in revenue the right networking group can bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom....and that is immeasurable.

I am a member of a local chamber for 4 years and a BNI group for the past 14 years.  I have found that being part of a networking group has allowed me to expand my knowledge of other types of services, adding to my credibility with others by referring individuals to businesses that can help them outside of my own business.  In BNI they call it Givers Gain but I call if living by the golden rule of helping others.

All networking groups help you grow personally and business wise by being able to learn better public speaking techniques, polish your presentations and learn better people skills.

The most important aspect of networking groups is learning how to LISTEN before speaking and put others first.  Introduce yourself but listen to others, ask questions of them and make them know they are the important person in the conversation.  Be the person others trust and want to build relationships with and you will indirectly build your business strong.  I try to remember that Trust is what strong foundations are built on.

I once heard of this idea, and I would love to pass it on. Everyone focuses on what kind of support they would like. Then, if anyone in the group has resources for helping, they approach you. This technique is in contrast to telling about what you have to sell. 

With this approach, they and you can be very successful because you will hear firsthand what people really need. Then if you have it or know someone else who does, you do business. You can make time after short presentations for people to approach each other with their solutions.