| It's a given, isn't it? If you're in
business, your number one job is to market. If you keep your business a secret - don't let
people know how you can help make their lives better and what you do, you won't be
successful - because no one will know that you're in business. How well you network, which
is the "letting people know how you can help them" part, may well determine
whether you succeed - or fail.
There are four main types of organizations where
networking opportunities for business owners exist. There are;
- business networking groups,
- service-oriented groups (Rotary, Elks, Soroptimist, for
example),
- our local Chambers of Commerce, and
- business-specific groups (realtors-only, coaches-only, etc.)
Which one is best for you? Well, in all of the groups, you
are connecting with other business owners, getting to know them personally and
professionally, building trust, and forging new relationships that can potentially bring
you business.
However, with business networking groups, the main focus,
the primary objective, is to boost each member's business. And isn't that a great
objective?
Business networking groups are "exclusive,"
meaning that only one member in each category of business can join. So each group will
have only one printer, one residential real estate agent, one property manager, one web
designer, etc.
For many women getting started in business, the business
networking options probably seem abundant. Online, offline, via email, via telephone,
groups meeting weekly, groups meeting once monthly. Some are geared specifically towards
women business owners; others are not. Some groups are part of a larger network of
regional, national and international association, while other groups are home grown. The
networking events or meetings are usually structured so that women feel
"welcome" and are designed to maximize opportunities to meet others. Sounds
good, right?
But what if you've never had to network before? Or if
you're an introvert? Like me!
Some people make networking look effortless, but here's a
secret: even for the most gregarious among us, networking always requires preparation.
Introvert who prepare, practice, practice, and practice can become "Networking
Queens." (And don't forget to breathe!)
If you're a newbie-to-networking, don't let these common
myths about networking de-rail your efforts to become well known in your industry.
Myth #1: Networking groups are only for new business
owners.
Truth: Many networking groups who show sustained growth
have a majority of members who have been in business at least 5 years.
Myth #2: The only business owners who join networking
groups are unsuccessful ones.
Truth: See myth #1.
Myth #3: Men don't join networking groups.
Truth: In the small county I live in, men started 1/3 of
the business networking groups. One group is a women-only group and the other groups are a
mixture of both men and women.
Myth #4: Only home business owners or solo business owners
join networking groups.
Truth: Home business owners join groups quicker because
they're looking for community outside their homes. However, many bricks 'n' mortar
businesses join networking groups and do extremely well, too.
Myth #5: Only business owners join networking groups.
Truth: Professionals, usually executives and agents who
work for existing companies, join to promote their companies' services and/or products,
too.
Myth #6: Multi-Level Marketing folks are not welcome at
networking groups.
Truth: If you are an MLM-er and attend meetings to sell
your products, you'll get a warmer reception if you're there to talk about your products -
not to increase your down-line.
Myth #7: Dues are so very high.
Truth: Membership dues vary from group to group - some
groups have no dues and others charge dues of $500 per year. Find a group that fits your
needs or start your own!
Myth #8: You must refer to those you meet at your meetings
Truth: No one wants to refer people they don't know well,
so your goal at these meetings is to get to know other members until you're comfortable
referring them. Sometimes, you may have another associate/friend outside the group that
you refer instead of, or in addition to, one of your networking partners.
Now, while you're usually not "required" to refer
a particular person, remember that referring business to other members is part of the
business networking process. (In a few groups, not referring others is a big
"no-no" and you will be asked to leave; ask about the rules before you join.)
Myth #9: You must attend all meetings.
Truth: The commitment of your time and talents to a group
is very important, since you'll be part of a team of business owners. In some groups, you
- or a representative - must attend all meetings. Most groups have a 75% mandatory
attendance of its members. A rare few groups have no attendance rules.
Myth #10: I have to join right away.
Truth: Each group has its own "flavor." Many
groups allow you to attend two meetings as a guest before you have to decide to join or
not. Pretty fair rule!
The bottom line is this: People like to do business with
people they know and trust. Relationships -- business and personal -- take time to
develop. Remember that networking isn't about instant gratification - it's about long-term
partnerships. The opportunities are numerous - business networking groups are varied
enough so that any woman can find at least one group that feels like "home." Or
two. or three.
So go grab a cup of coffee and visit the list of online and
offline networking groups I've compiled over the years. It's time to get out and become a
Networking Queen! If I can do it, you can, too!
©2005 Maria Marsala. |
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