Once is Not Enough - Networking has a Repeat Button

You're busy. I know that without even seeing your to-do list. But, if you're using networking to build your business, 'once in a while' isn't going to get it done. Attending a monthly mixer is great, but if that's all you've got in your small business networking arsenal, you gotta get more ammo!

I've mentioned before that networking is a contact sport, but to truly make your efforts effective you've got to have some consistency. That means more than a lunch once a month. Now, I'm not saying you won't get any contacts at that one lunch meeting, but remember you're not trying to close a sale...you're building relationships. Any new relationship is going to take time and commitment to work. It takes time for trust to build and trust is the key to a business relationship. The best way to build trust is to keep showing up. If you're committed to attending a regular meeting, people feel and believe you're committed to your business and your clients. Why? Because what we do speaks louder than what we say (more on that in another blog).

For now, I think you should seriously consider a networking opportunity that offers weekly meetings. I know it's a bigger time commitment, but if you work on your business every week, shouldn't you work on your business networking every week? There are lots of opportunity for weekly mixers and meetings. If you want to connect with and be of service to your community - check out Rotary, Kiwanis or another service organization. If you're hoping to improve your speaking skills, try Toastmasters. If your ultimate goal is to get more referrals to grow your business, I'd visit a BNI meeting.

Another great thing about weekly meetings is that you can figure out what works and then hit the 'repeat button' for the next week. Meaning you know the agenda, purpose and dynamics of your meeting. So instead of trying to figure out what's happening next, you can focus on making the most of each meeting to build those strong, trusting relationships that lead to success.

Good luck finding the right weekly networking opportunity. You may need to visit a few meetings and organizations to find the right fit, but once you do it will be worth it!

For more information on how to get more out of each networking meeting, email me at mavis@mamboproductions.com


Happy Networking!!