How do you know if your networking is working for you? What is the outcome you want from the networking events you attend? This is not always about generating more business directly from the networking events you are attending, in fact that very rarely happens, as no real relationship are made between potential buyer and seller instantly. Sometimes it’s more about generating new connections in a particular sector that could lead to business further down the line.
For example a builder could attend a construction based event where they know architects would be in attendance. The aim for the builder would be to make connections with other construction professionals who could introduce them to architects as well as connecting with any architects that are in the room. Any attempt to sell directly would likely fall flat as people don’t like to be sold to.
Business owners can also attend networking events to gain new sector knowledge and information. These are great events to attend for keeping you on top of new changes in your own sector or even in your target market sector. In fact you should be looking to attend events that are relevant for your target market clients so you can keep up to date with their business World.
Another reason to attend could be to just gain support from their peers. There are many networking events where business owners meeting up to discuss business trends and new events in their own sectors. These events are great for support and knowledge that can have a positive impact on how a business operates successfully.
If we attend these events on a regular basis we can sometimes just attend out of habit. With this in mind it is always prudent to review the return on our investment from both a time and financial standpoint.
When was the last time you did this, when did you last do a networking review? Here are some questions designed to help you decide whether the events you are attending are worth it for you.
- Why are you attending, what are the outcomes you want from the event?
- What benefits to your business are you gaining by going?
- What would you miss by not attending?
- Can you take a leading position in the group to raise your profile?
- Are there better alternatives you could go to?
By asking these questions you can really evaluate the benefits for your business and make sure you are being smart with your time and activities.
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To your continued success
Dave