Where to Network and Why?

My first reader request! On my last blog one of my readers asked me to write about finding the right network group. This is a fascinating topic, so I am going to run down some of the decision criteria that can help you pick a group.

Location, Location, Location. This may seem like an obvious one but consider these items. Does the group meet near your office or where you live? You want to reduce windshield time whenever possible. Does the group meet within your territory? If your company has assigned you a specific place to grow business, choosing a group central to that territory can be a key advantage.

Chamber of Commerce & Association Vs a pure leads group. I think both are valuable. A chamber or association is much more about building long term relationships.  Getting immediate gratification  (meaning, turning fellow members into customers) is the exception, it's not the rule. These organizations will often give you opportunities for leadership and other high level exposure in the community. You will often have the opportunity to host or sponsor an event and really put your name out in that community. Also, many people who join a chamber quickly learn that certain chamber members will ONLY do business with other chamber members. As for a pure leads group you need to visit several to see if you fit in. Not just from a personality standpoint but is the group made up of complimentary industry people? As a telecom rep I like groups that have IT vendors, and  Web design people. Also, is your business B2B or is it B2C? Does the group membership reflect that? NEVER join a group thinking you can sell to membership. If you don't understand why, please read my last blog post. It may be important to visit the group 2 or 3 times. Does it have a good flow? Does the leader keep things under control. Does it seem like every one is giving out leads or is it one person giving out all the names? Does it look like some people in the group write down every name or do they ask for permission to contact someone when the lead was not given directly to them?

Time Commitment. Most leads groups will meet once a week or every other week. Some of these groups consider attendance mandatory. This can be a big time commitment but it also allows you to build strong relationships within the group. The local chamber may only have 2 or 3 events each month and attendance may represent a small percentage of membership. It could take much longer to meet all of membership and build those relationships.

Money: how much does it cost to be a member? Here is a tip, with very few exceptions, free groups don't last long and often are not very successful. Doesn't mean hat can't be, just means they usually aren't. So consider the annual cost first. Then, do they regularly hold events that require additional out of pocket expense ( meals, drinks etc) do they have trade shows periodically and how much is it to participate as a guest or to have a display table.

Perhaps the most important advice I can give you is commit your time and energy. It generally takes 6-12 months for a group to really show it's value and be sure to be active. The more you participate and help others, the more you will get back.

So here is summary: location, group type, time commitment and costs associated with. Whatever you choose give it 6-12 months and give it your all.

Thanks for reading today.

Mike S.

BTW follow me on twitter @mistertelecom