8/7/2008

Giving…Getting…GrowingGiving…Getting…Growing | Alice M. Delgardo, Notary Public

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN (WHW)

Advantages of Professional Networking Groups

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What is Networking?

Definition:

Business networking is the process of establishing a mutually beneficial

relationship with other business people and potential clients and/or

customers.

Notice that it doesn;t say anything about meeting people in this definition;

the ever-increasing slew of business networking meet-and-greet events have

given business networking a bad name.

The key to true business networking is the establishment of a mutually

beneficial relationship, and that's an incredibly rare event at the standard

shake-hands-and-exchange-your-business-card events that are touted as

business networking "opportunities".

The purpose of business networking is to increase business revenue - one

way or another. The thickening of the bottom line can be immediately

apparent, as in developing a relationship with a new client, or develop over

time, as in learning a new business skill.

The best business networking groups operate as exchanges of business

information, ideas, and support. The most important skill for effective

business networking is listening; focusing on how you can help the person

you are listening to rather than on how he or she can help you is the first

step to establishing a mutually beneficial relationship.

“Networking is making links from people we know to people they know, in an

organized way, for a specific purpose, while remaining committed to doing

our part, expecting nothing in return.”

Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas, Power Networking

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Developing and using contacts made in business for purposes beyond the

reason for the initial contact. For example, a sales representative may ask a

customer for names of others who may be interested in his product.

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The amount of additional business that can be gained from membership is

quite surprising to a lot of people who are unfamiliar with how these groups

work.

Remember - The more you give, the more you get out. It's not always about you!

The goal is not to collect business cards; the goal is to build relationships

that grow with you, your career, and your business. It comes down to this,

your number one reason for being in the group is to build relationships

you're not just going for the food. Remember to follow up on any business

cards which you are given.

Remember that in order to make the most of a group you've got to take an

active role. Networking is more than just turning up. It's all about

commitment.

Many people go to networking events, but very few know how to network effectively. Networking is more than just getting out and meeting people. Networking is a structured plan to get to know people who will do business with you or introduce you to those who will.

There are many advantages to membership in a professional networking group. The most obvious one is simply ... More Business. This is worth every penny of membership all by itself.

Some of the advantages: Quality of Business Increased Efficiency Increased Stability Getting to the "Out Of Reach" Customers Jumpstarting a Slow Business More Business Options Access To Quality Services

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"Fringe" Benefits Satisfaction New Skills Becoming The Expert Reputation Flexibility New Friends

Works CitedSME Toolkit/American Express Small Business Network

Top Ten Rules of Effective Networking-M.E. Callan

Power Networking/Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas

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