However, there are guidelines that you need to be aware of to make this experience the best it can be for you. When I first arrived in the US 10 years ago, I left behind my 20 year old network in South Africa and internationally, so had to re-create it from scratch. Networking groups became my lifeline to a new culture, new business environment and new friends. I hope you enjoy these tips I learned along the way.
- Know what kind of people are going to be there before you show up - some networking groups may not be the right fit for your business
- Networking groups fall into many different categories: B2B, consumer products and services, specific interest groups, women's groups etc
- Know what you want to achieve before you go and why- if you are fishing for potential clients, know who you want to connect with and choose the group carefully
- Do your homework as to how professionally the group is run and what caliber members it attracts. Good networking groups will have a website listing their members that you can peruse before you go.
- The networking market is filled with every kind of demographic imaginable - just take a look at the long lists of groups on your local business journal pages or business section of your local paper. Research the groups online before you decide which are good fits for you.
- Networking is a great way to meet folks if you are new to the area
- Networking can become a full time job, so be careful before you commit yourself to too many groups that you can't maintain your attendance at. This shows lack of commitment and can damage your reputation.
- Regularly assess what your expense is to attend these events, from both your time and financial perspectives, and if you are winning at the game. Be ruthless. Networking groups are not for your social entertainment, they need to be worthwhile and form part of your marketing strategy. Your time is expensive. Many are free with a food or drink charge.
- When collecting business cards make sure you make a note of who they are, where you met them and why you need to contact them, on the card.
- If its a contact you want to develop, enter this information in your database and work it from there.
- Send an email or hand-written card after you meet someone to formalize the contact, if they are important to you.
- Connect them to your social networking sites like LinkedIn, facebook, twitter or Plaxo.
- 90% of people who collect business cards at networking meetings never follow up on the contacts they make.
- Move around the room fast . Don't be tempted to stand with the same person for more than a few minutes. You can always schedule a longer conversation with them later. You are there to make the contact - not develop it. That comes after.
- Fine tune your 'elevator speech' so you can let people know immediately what you do when they ask, in less than 30 seconds. Ask first what the other person does - this will endear you to them immediately. Let them talk more.
