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Guest post by: Helen Dowling Become an Author

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Someone told me a couple of years ago that there were over 300 networking groups in the UK each with their own networking events – who knows what the situation is right now? The number of networking groups has grown exponentially while I’ve been in business and what’s more each of them has a membership structure where you can potentially join the group. So, should you join a networking group and if so, which one would be the best for you?

Before you make the decision about joining any networking group, I would strongly suggest that you visit lots and lots of groups and see which ones you like and which ones you’re not keen on. Even within the same group (like BNI – Business Networking International), there will be different chapters and some chapters will suit you better than others.

Most networking groups will welcome you twice as a visitor before you need to make a decision, but if you are seriously considering joining ask the organiser if you can come again. As long as you don’t take the mickey (going 27 times and still not joining) any organiser should allow you to do this is if they can see you’re being serious.

Should you join a networking group? I would only say the answer is yes, if you’re prepared to spend the time and the energy that joining a networking group requires. It’s not just about attending the event; it’s also about meeting up with fellow members and finding out more about their business and following up after the event. It’s about consistently attending the networking groups and making the most of their training etc. And sometimes, it’s about sitting on the committee too and organising the events.

For the small business owners who have joined a networking group and put the time and effort into it, most of them have told me that they get excellent returns on investment and most will continue to be members year after year after year.

If joining a networking group is not for you, you should aim for five or six different networking events each month – this will ensure that you get a good mixture of events and meet lots of different people. You should then be consistent at following up with everyone at the events, regardless of whether you meet them or not.

In summary then, should you join – yes if you can commit the time and energy it takes to get to know the other members and make the most of a networking group; if you can’t, go along to a variety of other events and be consistent at following up with people you’ve met afterwards. Which one should you join – it’s really important that you go to a number of different groups and events before you commit to joining one group. That way you can see which group would suit you best.

Remember though, ultimately you’re looking for return on investment; you’re looking to get more business from the group than the joining fee would cost you. So when you’re looking for a group, keep this in mind.

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