If you have never been to a really good networking group, we would like to give you a few “tips” to help you enjoy it even more!
These are in no particular order, so don’t overthink them. We just want you to have a good networking experience.
- Take a pen for taking notes, ideas, and reminders.
- Lots of business cards (The “Tip” is to GET more cards than you give!)
- 60 Second Story – Who you are; what you do; who’s a good referral for you.
- What you want to achieve at the networking event (Meet a particular person)
- Approachable personality. (Smile. Don’t wait on others to come to you.)
- Pay it forward. (You will get what you give)
- Listen closely (There is a reason you have two ears & one mouth)
- Value – What could you offer these members that they do not have?
For more information about Rutherford Business Networking, email us today!
6 Questions To Ask Yourself When Visiting A Business Networking Group
Exposure: Could this networking group give your service more visibility?
I know, I know. There were five (5) business on our main street that closed their doors in the last 12 months….They were on Main Street but they still did not have enough visibility! “Does my service need more visibility and exposure?
Referrals: Even the B-E-S-T small business owner will fail without a steady stream of new customers. Referrals are 70% better than “leads or prospects” How many referrals did I get last month? Do I need more quality referrals?
Reputation: People do business with people they know, like and trust.
a good networking group can help you improve your reputation making you more trust worthy in the eyes of a potential customer by seeing your reviews and testimonials. Do I need more reviews?
Exclusivity: Which group of small business owners had you rather be in:
Group “A’ has 5 other competitors that offer the same service as you (some of your competitors are cheaper; some have been members of the group longer).
Either way, if there is a referral for what you do, do you want a 1 in 6 chance of getting that business?
Or, Group “B” you are the only Real Estate Agent, Insurance Agent, Financial Advisor, Chiropractor, Plumber, Landscaper, (whatever your service is) and you get that referral?
Would you rather “compete” or have your competition is “LOCKED OUT”?
Support: Being in business for yourself is hard. It’s lonely. There is no one to turn to when you have a problem or challenge and need advice. Finding a group of small business professionals that understands and supports by sharing referrals, resources, mastermind sessions, and accountability is rare.
Value: We know time and money is important. Some of us have more of one that we have of the other. The bottom line in almost every relationship and critical business decision is “Am I getting VALUE”?
Is it worth my time and money?
Only you know what is valuable to you.
The Law of Reciprocity says, “When someone does something for you, you feel obligated to do something in return for them”!
Finally, the most important thing you should bring to a business Networking meeting is the ability to manage your expectations. If your small business is struggling, it probably didn’t get that way in a week. Don’t expect going to one networking meeting is the answer to all your problems! It takes more but luckily there are other small business owners that can in the networking group that can help you turn it around.
Personally, I have found new ideas, more referrals, customers that have been with me for years, more profits, more resources, a couple of pretty good mentors and more peace and less worry about where my next client is going to come from.
If you would like to R.S.V.P. for our next event, just email us at:
rutherfordbusinessnetworking@gmail.com
Look forward to seeing you,
Bobby Wallace