Every small business owner needs to have a business plan and a marketing plan. Typical business plans these days include both inbound and traditional outbound marketing approaches. Websites, social media, email campaigns, videos, direct mailings, and cold calling are all ways we use to attract, educate, convert and nurture our customers. However, one other way of expanding your marketing reach is through face to face networking.
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You can find a networking event in your city almost every night of the business week. Eventbrite and Meetup are great places to find events in your area. Here's some things to look for in a good networking group.
1: The Group Meets Regularly
Most good networking groups meet at least once a month, and some meet once a week. Some groups meet in different locations each time, while others strive to meet in the same location in order to create consistency. Depending on the location, be it a bar, a business sponsor, or a club, the size of the gathering may vary from small, 10 - 20 people, medium 30 - 60 people, or large, 70- 200. In any of these scenarios, business networking 101 applies... bring your business cards and a smile.
2: Location and Logistics
What do you look for in a good networking event? Location is usually the number one consideration. Is it a convenient location, with plenty of free or low cost parking? Can you get there by public transportation? What time is the event? Most networking groups meet in the evening after working hours, like Greater Boston Referral Networking, or Mass Professional Networking, but there are groups that meet early in the morning before work, such as BNI, and at lunch time, like Le Tip or Tip Club. Membership and costs are other considerations when sampling networking groups. Some groups charge membership fees, some charge event ticket or door charges, and my favorite, are free of costs.
3: Referral, Business, or Masterminding?
There are many types of networking events, but the most common are referral groups, like BNI, Tip Club or GBRN; or simple business networking like Mass Professional Networking or Network After Work, where business contacts are made and relationships established; and Mastermind Groups, which are more specialized and often have membership requirements to be met, and members share business advice and strategy in order to help each other's business grow and prosper.
Whatever your preference, get out and try some networking to see if it helps you grow your business. Establishing relationships with other business owners can lead to business referrals and lasting friendships. Don't be shy... you may find that next great business lead.
I am President of the Greater Boston Referral Networking Group, or GBRN. We host 4-5 meetings in and around Boston every month. Our meetings are free but the relationships and referrals gained are invaluable. Check out our schedule of upcoming events and join our group on Meetup.com. I'd like to personally invite all of you to our next big event on June 8th, at Endurance International Group in Burlington, MA, at 6 pm. Click the button below to register for the event on Eventbrite.
Watch this video to learn more about GBRN...
