Month: May 2019

What is a robust networking strategy?

When meeting new members, I always talk to them about my definition of having a robust networking strategy. The first part of this is to actually have a strategy, otherwise how can you know whether what you are doing is worth doing?

For me this kind of strategy includes three types of networking:

  • Type 1: Cheap or free

These are held at various times of the day and may involve you buying a drink, or paying a fee on the door, or may be free because of sponsorship of the event

  • Type 2: Relatively expensive, to very expensive

The type that, if you were to do it every day, or every week, would be an expensive marketing tool. This type is almost always a sit-down meal, perhaps once a month or less frequently, and again may have an element of sponsorship.

  • Type 3: Membership

When I meet someone networking and they say “Oh, I don’t join anything” what I hear is ‘hunter’, and by this, I mean someone who is there only for themselves. Whereas true networking is about building relationships and being part of a give and take environment. Obviously, I would like it to always be that people are members of ebn, but if someone tells me they are a member of another networking company I know that they have made a commitment to a company rather than just going to see what’s in it for them.

Why should there be this mix?

There needs to be a mix of networking types because if you want to meet a wide range of people and companies, and they only go to one type, then you are never going to meet some of them if you only stick to one type.

Whatever you do, review your networking as you would any marketing. I think the review should be based on the question “Is it worth it?” Some people talk about ROI and mean money. For me ROI can also mean learning something that assists my business, meeting someone who becomes a supplier and enables me to get on with my core business and building relationships who support me and my business.

If you want more networking tips sign up at: https://ebn.uk.com

Have fun.

Business Networking

Manners cost nothing

Recently I have been a little irritated when having referred a supplier to a potential customer, I’ve heard nothing about how it all went. So I decided that there are some things I think should always be done when someone introduces you to one of their contacts.

  1. If someone gives you a referral or introduces you to someone follow up the referral or introduction. Otherwise you undermine the reputation of the person who refers you, and, of course, your own.
  2. Say thank you to the person who gave you the referral or made the introduction right away, don’t wait to find out whether work will come from the referral or introduction. A referral does not guarantee that work will happen, but it certainly increases the odds so acknowledge that to the person who made the introduction.
  3. If work does come from the referral or introduction let the person who gave you the referral or made the introduction know, (you don’t have to tell them how much you made).
  4. Ask the person who gave you the referral or introduction how you can help them.

None of it difficult or arduous, but it shows you appreciate someone helping you, it makes sure that they feel valued and, who knows, it may mean more work will come your way.

If you want more networking tips go to: https://blog.ebn.uk.com/tips-on-networking.html

Have fun.