It can be very difficult for small business owners, especially start-up entrepreneurs to get a steady stream of new business. Websites help and do generate leads, as does social media but the one method of getting new business is via referrals and the best way of getting referrals is via a business networking group. The choice of local groups is vast (see list at end of the article).
I’d suggest that a mixture of different types of networking groups works best, what’s good for one might not be good for another, therefore try to visit as many as possible to find the right networking group that fits what you want.
Here’s my list of “pros” and “cons” from my experience of business networking:
Pros
- People do business with people they know and like and these networking groups are absolutely the best way to get to know new people. Although there’s no guarantee of ever getting anything from any particular prospect your chances increase dramatically when they know you personally.
- They get you out of the house/office/comfort zone.I work primarily from home and while I love the commute it gets very boring when the only person I interact with is the dog! Sometimes you just need a different person’s perspective on things and a sounding board for your ideas.
- Personal development.Networking groups are a great place to learn new stuff. Whether it’s the intricacies of the new tax laws or how to use social media to your advantage, these groups offer terrific value for money.
- You can become the expert.When you join a networking group and you have a particular area of expertise you can quickly become the expert in the group for the subject and use that as a springboard for other talking or teaching engagements.
- Making new business associates.You could end up meeting a contact who will be a good associate who could help as a service provider to your business or provide a complimentary service which you could add to your service to expand your offerings to your customers.
Cons
- Time consuming.It’s entirely possible to spend all your time networking and not getting anything else done. It’s very important to prioritize the essential events from those that will drain your resources (time and wallet).
- No instant results.The relationships forged in these networking group’s takes time to become cemented. Flitting in and out a groups without devoting both time and effort to them will result in disappointment.
- Dues and fees for these networking groups can become a major expense particularly for a small business. You have to measure which ones work and which don’t and consolidate as necessary – just remember that not everything you get back can be measured directly in cash terms or return.
- Personality conflicts.When you join any group or team or organization there’s inevitably going to be some butting of heads. Very strong willed people are drawn to these groups, type A personalities who want to get their message across at all costs. You have to become adept at “ducking and weaving” to make sure their crap doesn’t stick to you!
- It might not work for you.You might have a very specific product or skill that doesn’t lend itself to being promoted via a small, local networking group. It doesn’t work for everyone – but until you try it you’ll never know!
Local Business Networks:
Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce member events www.macclesfieldchamber.co.uk
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce member events http://www.gmchamber.co.uk/events
Business for Breakfast http://www.bforb.co.uk/
The Business Network http://www.business-network-south-manchester.co.uk
4N Networking http://www.4networking.biz
Vibrant Networking http://www.vibrant-network.co.uk/
Simply Networking http://www.simplynetworking.org.uk/
Biscotti www.businessbiscotti.co.uk/
BNI http://www.bni.co.uk
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) free for members http://www.fsb.org.uk/mnc/events-calendar
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Tim Cornes
Business Doctor Cheshire East & High Peaks
Mob: 07582 240393
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn:uk.linkedin.com/in/timcornes/
Website: http://businessdoctors.co.uk/doctors/macclesfield
