#networkinggroups

Networking events happen every day of the week. These events can be found at a variety of venues from the early morning to late night mixers. The purpose of these networking events is to be able to reach new potential referral partners and increase your business. The more people you are in front of, the more chances you are going to meet someone who will do business with you or may know someone they can refer you to. For networking events to work, you have to do more than just show up!!

There is a difference between networking events and networking groups. Networking events usually are open to anyone to come and introduce themselves and mingle. You casually wander and pick and choose who you approach or interact with. Networking groups are more formal and have a classroom or regimented routine each time they happen. Networking groups do have casual mixers as well, but they focus on their scheduled meetings where people introduce themselves and their business. These meetings usually have a guest speaker or two who gets time to pitch their product or service longer.

Both networking events and groups are efficient when you approach them the right way. People have to know who you are, what you do and how to find you later (you would be surprised how many people do not have business cards on them at these groups or events). This is the part where just showing up does nothing for you, you have to be proactive in meeting people and getting to know who you are around. Listening many times is a much stronger quality than pitching yourself right from the start. Find out who the person is, why they came, and what they are looking for. If what they are looking for is not what you can offer, DO NOT, I say again, DO NOT just walk away and move to next person. You may know someone who can use their services. Referring someone is a strong quality and usually leads to someone referring you.

Networking many times can feel like you are dating, which you kind of are. People like to do business or refer business to people they know, like and trust. The way to get into the circle to be one of the people they know, like and trust is to get to know them as much as you want them to get to know you. Mix business with personal conversation. Avoid talking about negative experiences you had with other companies (this causes caution flags because they feel you may do that to them). You also never know who knows who when you come to networking groups or events. Talk about family, friends or other personal stuff so the person you are with feels you are more of a person and not just pitching business. One of the big things to avoid is drinking too much at networking events. It may be a mixer at a restaurant, bar or other venue, but you want to be able to keep the image of responsibility. Have fun, but do not ruin a chance to find new business over a few drinks too many. You want that second date with the people you meet.