The purpose and effectiveness of business networking

Question: A few months ago, a close business associate convinced me to join a networking group, but I can’t see what good this is doing and it hasn’t resulted in any sales so far. How can I make it work for me?

Answer: We join and attend business networking meetings, we eat and we meet other business owners, but do we really understand the purpose and effectiveness of networking? How do we know that paying our dues, attending meetings and passing out our literature is really working?

Often, entrepreneurs don’t have a clear understanding of the power and effectiveness of networking for small businesses. They think if they show up and pass out business cards that customers will come pouring in. Not so. Additionally, many lack a clear understanding about how to effectively network to grow their business. The word is net-WORK. This means that you make a special effort to throw out a net that eventually generates work for you and your business. It isn’t difficult and it can be both easy and pleasant with the right purpose and plan of action.

The most important step is to know your purpose for going to networking functions. It’s about building reciprocal relationships.

First and foremost, it is to let other business people within the network get to know you and come to rely on the quality and professionalism you provide for customers. Over time, this builds confidence among your business peers and allows them to become comfortable referring you to their valuable clients.

Also, regardless of your purpose for attending a networking event, you must understand that it is never about getting a sale at the meeting. Not ever! Remember, people want to deal with those they know and trust.

Read the full article via SCORE: The purpose and effectiveness of business networking.