Networking - your experiences

[Coding Monkey]

Howdy,

I'm going along to a small business networking conference on Wednesday, where over 100 small business owners attended last year. So, I was wondering what other people have experienced from such events and whether they gained much business as a result.

[creospace]

Networking is key and fun! I use openBC and we held our first Baltic event last week. Was great just to meet others and talk about business and life. Of course International mixes always make for more levels of conversation.

Gary

[Coding Monkey]

Much luck with the outcome of that business wise?

As much as I love talking about how great my company is, I should probably be working if it doesn't result in much ;)

[creospace]

Nah if you go along thinking you will get stacks of business just stay at home.

Go for the conversation and the experince and build contacts, share stories and be patient. It does pay off in the end but it takes time.

If you then do get somethign it's a bonus

Gary

[Coding Monkey]

Noted. Cheers.

I'll definitely go along, even if only to find out the vastness of businesses locally.

[creospace]

Yeah and just dish out shed loads of business cards, and of course collect lots.

Thats a great way to make further connections.

Gary

[Coding Monkey]

Well, actually, I wouldn't mind meeting someone there who owns a printing business. I spent a fortune on my business cards to get the colours right and the printing company buggered it up. They look better coming from my laser printer.

[creospace]

Plenty on here that can help you out , speak to Matt @ MK Printing.

Gary

[DarrenC]

I've been on a number of networking breakfast meetings here in Leeds, and its good fun, and a great way to communicate and take advice from other business owners.

I spend some of my time networking online at sites like www.ecademy.com - I've not visited any other networking sites, but I am on the search, so if anyone has any suggestions please say.

Ecademy.com is okay, but I'm finding lately that the discussion, is turning stale, and since the redesign it's more difficult to navigate, but its a good starting point for anyone looking to network.

Darren

[WelshPixels]

The best way of networking I have found is to get involved with a local high profile charity.

For instance I do some work with the local children’s hospice (Nothing major I just raise funds to take the kids to the cinema) as a result I get invited to loads of their fund raising events (Balls, Golfing Days etc) and I get to meet loads of people that I would class as successful and influential in the business world.

But as Creospace said you are not going to get stacks of business. Its a slow process of raising your profile in the community. There are two other major advantages (1) Its fun and it adds to your social life (2) You get to help some less fortunate people.

P.S. I was doing the charity stuff way before I started up in business so I am not taking advantage of sick kids (I can see how it reads)

[fastfences]

Well, actually, I wouldn't mind meeting someone there who owns a printing business. I spent a fortune on my business cards to get the colours right and the printing company buggered it up.

Hi Tom, read this:
http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5611

Great product, price and service!
Cheers, Nigel

[Coding Monkey]

Wow, that is fantastic. Many thanks.

[daveashton]

Networking works best if the other people match your target market user profile.

Many of our clients network for networking sake i.e. they feel they need to do it but then tell us that they sell to councils only and go along to events that do not have anyone from the councils there or anyone else selling into them.

Target your networking group just like you target your sales & marketing and remember your time is money so make sure you get an ROI

[Altoros]

Networking is a good source of leads but in order to find a customer you should create your networks and spend at least 2 hours a day for comunicating with people. Please note, if you find anyone who needs an advice or any just your help, he will also help you and refer your services to anyone else.

You can try Linkedin, spoke, ryze. Linkedin my favourite.

Let me know if there is anything I could help you with.

Dmitry

[Coding Monkey]

Well, I just got back. My old boss was there and I've got a meeting at the beginning of next month to design 2 websites for his companies.

Can't really complain

[Admiral Collections]

Networking is the only form of advertising I use. People buy people before the product. Plus someone you chat too might not be interested but if they have bought you as a person, when someone mentions to them that they need your kind of service they think of you.

I get loads of referrals, people don't like to talk about outstanding debt at a social function but tend to ring me up after the event to discuss their problems.(Debt problems that is!)

BNI reckon you are only 7 handshakes from the Queen! I think that's the number but correct me if I'm wrong!

Nic :wink:

[bci]

<<<<
People buy people before the product.
<<<<

But I guess in your line of work, you'll have to charm two different sets of people - your clients and the debtors. Or is it - charm the clients and threathen the others!


David