Discussion
Just wondering how many of you out there consider networking to be an important part of gaining new business? I run a two man band and am considering going down the networking route to try and bring new work in. Anyone have any advice or ideas?
On a side note would anyone be interested in perhaps a PH networking event?
On a side note would anyone be interested in perhaps a PH networking event?
It's vitally important. The more people I meet the more business I do. I've found some great suppliers amongst the PH community.
A PH networking event might be a bit of fun. I've not been to anything similar as I'm not sure what I'd get out of meeting a bunch of random strangers. At least we'd all have the car thing in common!
A PH networking event might be a bit of fun. I've not been to anything similar as I'm not sure what I'd get out of meeting a bunch of random strangers. At least we'd all have the car thing in common!
I think it is one of the best lead generators for businesses of any size, with the caveat that the BNI/BRE stuff is rather strange IMHO. I have found things like www.ecademy.com and the beermat entrepreneur to be far more beneficial. worth trying LCC and business link as well. given your area, I'd say ecademy is the best option for you, especially their online networking features.
We are members of the Cambridge network, which is pretty good apart from the fact that Cambridge is very insular. To be honest we do not use it enough however we do have a new salesman who will sort that.
On the whole most of our business comes from people we know and networking with them and their contacts, not ideal I know but it is a start.
We have been to a few business link organised networking dinners which are a bit of a laugh, never managed to get any business from any of them but I suspect it is because the small businesses that were at them did nto really need our services.
I think a PH networking event would be a good idea, if we all had a better idea of what we all do and a level of trust we would have a head stat.
We'd have to ban cars though
D.
On the whole most of our business comes from people we know and networking with them and their contacts, not ideal I know but it is a start.
We have been to a few business link organised networking dinners which are a bit of a laugh, never managed to get any business from any of them but I suspect it is because the small businesses that were at them did nto really need our services.
I think a PH networking event would be a good idea, if we all had a better idea of what we all do and a level of trust we would have a head stat.
We'd have to ban cars though
D.
The trick is to find a networking opportunity that puts you in front of buyers. Most tend to put you in front of other sales people.
The last day of exhibitions and conferences can be quite good - hang around in the bar and getting chatting!
Another (and somewhat sneaky) way to get new business is to apply for a job. Contrive your CV to guarantee an interview and you'll be amazed at the info they give you - all of which you can use at a later date to your advantage. It's a bit naughty I know but hey - it's tough world out there!
But remember, to quote a line from Trainspotting - "don't try hard enough and they'll see right through you, try too hard and you might just get the f@*+ing job!"
The last day of exhibitions and conferences can be quite good - hang around in the bar and getting chatting!
Another (and somewhat sneaky) way to get new business is to apply for a job. Contrive your CV to guarantee an interview and you'll be amazed at the info they give you - all of which you can use at a later date to your advantage. It's a bit naughty I know but hey - it's tough world out there!
But remember, to quote a line from Trainspotting - "don't try hard enough and they'll see right through you, try too hard and you might just get the f@*+ing job!"
I was forced to attend some lunches organised by the Chamber of Commerce and needless to say I gained not much from them. I've found my business has grown by my customers recommending my services to others - as on here with the business cards and Pistonfest tickets (Cheers for prompt payment Ted)
In essence networking is fine just as long as you are targetting the right people, else its a waste of energy.
In essence networking is fine just as long as you are targetting the right people, else its a waste of energy.
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