Do you ever wonder if business networking is worth your while? If done effectively, business networking can contribute positively to your bottom line. Every year, I find that over 70% of the revenue for my business is the result of business networking.

Although I’ve been skilled at such networking for many years, I continue to seek resources to help me with this important activity. The person I turn to consistently for professional guidance regarding this is Alyce Blum.

A certified networking coach and consultant, she hosts a terrific monthly Meetup in Denver. The purpose of the group is to help participants become more effective at networking through increasing their confidence, as well as improving their communication and relationships building skills.

Here’s the link to her group: http://www.meetup.com/inspired5280-Meetup-connect-build-a-strong-network

 

Some Basics about Business Networking

When and Where

Have you ever found yourself exhausted after a networking event? If the answer is yes, consider the networking experience against these criteria:

  • Does it fit with your schedule, including the time of day you prefer to network?
  • How far away is it from your home or place of work?
  • What is the nature of the venue where it takes place?

Now consider your answers. Perhaps this specific event is too far away. Or maybe it’s at a time when you are not usually at your social best. It could be in a setting that is too loud or has other frustrating aspects.

These things can contribute to your fatigue, making the expenditure of energy and time less valuable than it might be. Maybe there’s a different event you can try. Keep going until you find a few that really work for you.

 

Meeting/Event Format and Purpose

The effectiveness of any networking event will depend largely on what you want to get out of it. Maybe you primarily want to make more  business contacts. Perhaps you are looking for lively discussions and brainstorming sessions. Possibly your main purpose is professional development.

Here are some questions to ask before you sign up:

  • What is the purpose of the event? Meaning, is its primary focus learning, volunteering, making connections?
  • How is it structured? What is the nature of the group’s leadership?
  • How many people typically attend?
  • What opportunities are there to meet other attendees?
  • Do you believe that you will be able to meet potential clients and/or referral partners?

 

Who Will You Meet?

What types of folks energize and interest you? This may be the most important question to ask yourself as you determine where to do your networking. Here are some things you can figure out at your first event:

  • Personality and style of attendees, e.g. upbeat people, folks with a spirit of generosity, people who are approachable.
  • Professional or business background, e.g. entrepreneurs, representatives from nonprofits, people who work in corporate settings.
  • Demographics or psychographics, e.g. where they live, their age or sex, their hobbies or interests.

Make note of the answers to these questions while you’re circulating and use them to determine whether you want to return.

 

Commitment Required of You

Time and money are two more major considerations. Do your research and get this information in advance:

  • What are the attendance requirements and ongoing costs (if any) of a group that meets regularly?
  • Are there other rules you need to know about? Examples could include bringing guests to the meeting, giving business leads to other members.
  • Do occasional costs tend to arise?
  • For a fundraising event, is there an expectation that you will make a donation?

 

I drew many of the concepts in this post from Stephanie Speisman’ s article “10 Tips for Successful Business Networking.” Find the entire article in the newsletter Business Know-How at: https://www.businessknowhow.com/tips/networking.htm

 

How About You?

What kinds of business networking groups or events do you prefer? Have you developed criteria to use when deciding whether to attend the first time? If so, what are those criteria? How do you decide whether to go back or not?

 

About Joyce

 

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 45 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter. She works with business owners, nonprofit organizations, retired people, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com