Networking

[KingRichard]

I've been trying to figure out the best places to network.

Having just started with a company I need to get my client base up as quickly as possible, and while I am cold calling and canvassing, and using referrals to make contacts etc I could do with getting in front of some decision makers early doors.

I'm fairly new to this cold calling lark, and could do with some more tips on increasing the number of prospects I see.

I've been used to an environment where most of my leads were warm, but had to be turned round to using our product / service.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Dave

[groomi]

Hi Dave,
What field are you working in now, then?

[plasticpig]

Well you could try joining your local chamber of commerce they tend to run networking events. A long time ago a business advisor suggested I take up golf as an ideal way of networking. I am not sure how relevant that is today.

[groomi]

Ah, just checked your profile - recruitment... I'm sure you told me that before, obviously wasn't listening.

Aswell as all the official stuff (Businesslink, Chambers of Commerce etc.), look at the CVs of the people on your books - full of companies, some contact details and an immediate start-up topic (I have someone on my books who has worked for you in the past....).

Also keep in touch with the people you find work for, as they may well get to know your client better than you do. Go to every conference, trade show, party etc. you get invited to and tell everybody what you do (But try to make it souond interesting ).

And finally, don't forget all of those companies you already have contacts with - some of them may be looking for staff/resource...



Got any CAD people on yer books?

[FourWheelDrift]

You could also try these online networking sites.

www.linkedin.com
www.ecademy.com (runs local UK forums and networking events)
www.ryze.com
www.openbc.com

There are others too.

>> Edited by FourWheelDrift on Wednesday 25th January 20:19

[KingRichard]

Cheers Guys

4WD, will have a look at those links over lunch.

Cheers

Dave

Hi Iain

[edc]

Depending on what area of recruitment you are in then just get in on all the relevant trade exhibitions, sign up for all the newsletters and publications etc as they list speakers and attendees. There are dozens of exhibitors at dozens of trade fairs at Earls Court, Olympia, Excel, Islington Design Centre or whatever it's called.

[Rich25]

Too early for me, but BNI had a very good reputation and a proven netowrking track history. Several guys in my office swear by it.

[rednotdead]

'nother thumbs up for BNI - been well worth it for me.

[KingRichard]

whats BNI then chaps?

[ukbob]

KingRichard said:

whats BNI then chaps?

Banka Nigeria International

Rich and rednotdead work together, and may be trying to scam you, watchout

Im guessing its Business Networking Institure?

In the early days I did a lot more networking, and also got a fair bit of business from yell, yell.com and the thompson local - everyone IS taking advantage of the free linage they all offer, right?

[rednotdead]

BNI - click here

[leftie]

plasticpig said:

Well you could try joining your local chamber of commerce they tend to run networking events. A long time ago a business advisor suggested I take up golf as an ideal way of networking. I am not sure how relevant that is today.

I have bought a bit fron network meets: printer, softweare/web developer etc but never sold. If you have a very niche market thse networking things can be hard work.