Networking Meetings

By Dave Carlson

Getting new business takes meeting new people. One of the ways I meet new people is through networking meetings. They normally have new people on a regular basis and you can also get to know well the business of a smaller group of people.

Networking meetings have different formats but they were similar in what they hope to accomplished—sharing of sales leads. Normally people share a 30-second spot about who they are, the company they’re with, the work they do, what a good lead would be for them, and then finish by repeating their name and company. It’s almost like an AA meeting.

One of the groups I was with for a long time would have someone give a three-minute presentation and then another person give a 10-minute presentation. We would switch off each week so everyone would have the chance to share about their work. This way you can get to know what they do (and they get to know more specifically do) so you can give each other leads for new business.

These groups also normally have a box of business cards that people put in so you can grab the card of someone you’d like to get in touch with outside the meeting. And also this is convenient in case someone is missing one week.

Speaking of missing a week. Attendance is normally not optional. A friend of mine was kicked out of networking meeting this past year because he missed too often because of personal business that came up during the meetings. This is understandable people these kind of groups need continuity.

One perspective on networking meetings is that it can be a good place to find strategic partners. I did a lot of business with a woman who had a complementary skill to me. So keep your ears open to for some with whom you can do work with.

If you are looking for ways to grow your business, going to networking meetings is a great way of doing this. I just got an email newsletter from a gentleman who attends dozens of organizational meetings each month in order to make new contacts. You might not have this kind of time, but at least one a week is a good way to get your name out there and make some new business.

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Dave Carlson is the owner of Green Chair Marketing Group, a boutique marketing firm specializing in developing comprehensive marketing plans focusing on Internet strategies to help businesses succeed. He can be reached at 720-922-3124. See his Web site at www.GreenChair.net.

© 2001, Dave Carlson, All Rights Reserved

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