Are you in the market to become active in a networking group? What a great intention to have for the New Year!
The best networking groups tend to be organizations that require a fairly sizeable fee, have a vetting process, and provide a structure that connects the right people to the right people.
That said, if you don’t participate, follow up, follow through, schedule individual meetings with attendees, bring guests, make introductions, and generate referral business for others, the best networking group in the world won’t work for you.
Fact!
For networking to take, you have to give. As in give your time, energy, resources, and intention.
If you’re serious about business networking as a strategy for growing your business, here are 4 reasons to join a networking group!
You’ll Have a Process to Meet New People
Committing to a regular networking meeting forces you to block your calendar to meet new people. By meeting new people, you have a tremendous opportunity to learn about each other’s businesses while figuring out how you might help one another. Cool, right?
You’ll Have a System to Develop Relationships
One of the best ways to learn about others and develop relationships is to ask great questions. Even if you already know them. Here are some of my favorite questions to ask. What other networking groups or associations do you belong to? What are 3 things nobody knows about you? What is your favorite book? How did you get started in your business? What is your favorite movie? Show on Netflix? Questions like these are fun and telling so do tell!
You’ll Always Have a Place to Invite People
Especially those that are referral partners or “centers of influence”. If you invite your COIs to your networking group, they will appreciate you thinking of them. Also, if they happen to join the group, you’ll have even more opportunities to connect with them. Getting into the habit of inviting guests to your business groups and associations will earn you the respect of the board members and leaders of the group while helping you further grow your network.
You’ll Generate Introductions and Referrals
This may seem as obvious as a ham sandwich. (Ironically, I’m eating a ham sandwich while writing this.) The part that isn’t so obvious is that generating introductions and referrals requires work. It’s important to put the time and effort into setting up individual meetings, making introductions, bringing guests, and participating often.
Other benefits of joining a networking group include mastering your elevator speech, establishing a target market, improving speaking skills, learning how to ask great questions, growing your social media, making friends, and maybe most importantly, having fun!
Hey, that’s way more than 4 benefits!
Find groups that align with your values, have an energy and vibe that makes you feel good, and attracts people that you know, like, trust, and respect.
Attend a networking group meeting today – live or remote!