Networking Groups

[JakeThomas]

I'm a bit either way with networking groups - Personally, I find the rigid, pressure based networking groups don't tend to work to well, whereas the more laid back, relaxed networking groups (Such as the "Burgo" inspired) tend to do more good, not just more referrals, but making quality, knowledgeable contacts which is so incredibly important.

What are you thoughts on networking groups? Do you have any luck?

[Dardee]

I'm the same as Jake. The rigid, structured groups are not my cup of tea because the sole intention is to generate referrals. I don't see networking as being just about that. It is much more than that. It is about spreading the word around about what we do and the type of person we are. I honestly cannot see how "good" referrals can be made without trusting the person you are referring and you can't do that without getting to know them first.

I'm sure plenty of others see it differently though.

[Burgo]

Two of the best Networking groups I would recommend are APEX and ROTARY. With them you get the best of both worlds, Structured and informal.
Although I've never been a member of either of these organisations I seem to spend quite a lot of my time with the North Ryde Rotary Club, informally.

Through the recession we had to have the Anglican Church at Castle Hill St. Pauls, had a Networking breakfast once a month at Parramatta with a guest speaker. The networking group was set up to help the suddenly unemployed to find work. This was a semi- formal group, and one which I must admit I enjoyed.

Anthillmagazine have a Pitch Club, which operates mainly out of Melbourne, where you have so many minutes to Pitch your business to others attending. Heeps of fun but very organized.

My preference is a relaxed informal meeting at a local pub, something to eat, something to drink, with flowing conversations. This is where you get to meet and appreciate others in business, hear their stories, share their joy or sorrow and this is where friendships have more of a chance of happening than through a formal networking group.

You may even find someone who is able to help you businesswise, or you may be able to help someone and this is the place where TRUST develops and grows.
Trusting and getting the trust of others to me is the start of GOOD BUSINESS.

You may even find a sounding board at one of these informal groups another recipe for GOOD BUSINESS.

But to each his/her own.

To me Formal networking is being told by someone what to do.
Informal is about making your own decissions.

[Matthew Keath]

Thanks for those tips Bugro

I have had not a huge amount of networking groups face to face, but have done lots of networking on Facebook with Melbourne businesses on my page http://facebook.com/melbourne now, and it has been great. I would like to get into more structured groups, so thanks for pointing me in the right direction Burgo.

[BusiMum]

I honestly hate marketing and selling. I feel like a rabid car salesman trying to push that sale (even tho that is not how I go about it). I much prefer the load back networking where people get to know me and would recommend my services because they belive in my honesty and work ethics.

I love these sorts of forums for online networking. Twitter and facebook are oK but i find them a little hit and miss in the personal vs business department.

I'll keep plugging along though and find what works for me.

[Chris Bates]

Fiona, if you hate marketing and selling you need to change the way you think.

Stop thinking "I'm pestering this person to buy something from me", and start thinking "I want to tell this person about the benefits and value I can bring to their business".

Have a read of my article : 7 Secrets To Getting More Customers
I think you might take a lot from it.

Cheers,
Chris

[Rob_Limeworks]

I actually went to a BNI meeting last week. I must say that i felt invigorated afterwards.

We all know how good networking is for business, but since the OP's question relates to groups:

I had been to a meeting with a more informal group before, but they all had a "why did i get out of bed so early" sort of attitude, or at least, it felt that way.
I'm going to join BNI, even if just to see if it works for me. It's not like the mafia, i can leave if i find it's not working for me

Rob

[BusiMum]

Thanks Chris. I'll read through it tonight. You're right of course that I have to change my way of thinking. It is just a stigma I carry from when working in the bank that sales were pushed and pushed whether the customer wanted/needed it or not.

[Trish Jones]

Networking is more about listening than selling. If someone is doing the hard sell at a networking event they're doing it wrong and they won't get far. It's all about making connections, whether they be for you or those you connect with. I love referring others to someone who has a need. It's amazing the amount of info you can carry around in your own head and opportunities present themselves all the time. Fiona, I'm sure you have heaps to offer and networking is a great way for others to see that too.

Cheers,

Trish.

[BusiMum]

Thanks for your advice everyone. Marketing and networking is one thing I need to master. I find it difficult to start up a conversation with a stranger, even when it;s not business related. Just something as I said I need to master.