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 1) business networking groups, 2) service-oriented groups (Rotary, Elks, Soroptimist, for example), 3) our local Chambers of Commerce, and 4) 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 then if your focus is about building your down line. Allow your product sales 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...
10 Networking Myths - To learn more about this author, visit Maria Marsala's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Articles |
|
 Clearing Up The Myths About Strategic Thinking and Planning
|
| |
I continue to be amazed at the amount of misinformation and the number of myths that exist about strategic thinking and planning. During my entire career, I have heard business owners, senior executives and not-for-...
|
|
Is having a website a requirement in the RFQ RFP process today
|
| |
Member Question:
I have a question, for those actively participating in the RFQ & RFP process today.
We had a client request we put up one page of his newly developed site, even though it was in the production...
|
|
Networking Mistake Myopia
|
| |
Many people who sell find themselves dreading it, doing it stressfully and being reluctant with networking. This is one of a series of articles to turn networking misconceptions into better understandings - and sale...
|
|
Get Noticed… Get Referrals by Jill Lublin
|
| |
The full title of this book is Get Noticed... Get Referrals Build Your Client Base and Your Business by Making a Name for Yourself. Is it really that easy? Is that all you need to do in order to build your business?...
|
|
The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
|
| |
Networking is the process of building and maintaining relationships.
|
 |
Related Businesses - Evan Elite Authors |
|
The Evan Elite Authors program is currently in beta phase. For details please contact us.
|
|
|
Maria Marsala
(Visit Maria's Website)
Elevating Your Business is a business
strategy, coaching, education and speaking
company specializing on building bigger,
better businesses—faster! Our clients are
service industry business owners and
financial professionals who face overwhelm
in key business fundamentals: planning,
operations, marketing.
Maria Marsala, Chief Operations
Strategist, uses extensive financial and
business experience to help her clients
and students streamline, automate, and
create simple systems. Using her
proprietary step-by-step program,
“Corporate Secrets,” her clients create
processes that let them get back to doing
what they enjoy the most.
Rate the Health of Your Business! Claim
your assessment and weekly business tips
at www
.ElevatingYourBusiness.com.
|
|
|
|
![[Get Copyright Permissions]](http://license.icopyright.net/images/icopy-w.gif){kind=small}
