Don’t just turn up – be present at your networking.

When you arrive at a networking meeting, whether it is online or in person, the other people there will want to know who you are, what you do and how you can support each other. Most networks have a variety of ways of adding to the understanding of your business and helping others in the group refer you and promote your business. As successful business networking relies on mutual support, so the process of building knowledge works both ways, so you are equally able to refer you networking colleagues.

A lot of business networking follows a similar pattern, with a 40 or 60 second round, a presentation and one to ones. There is a lot that can be achieved within the scope of the meeting, but the true value in any networking comes away from the hour and a half or two hours of a get together.

Every networking group is different, so one of the first thing to consider is a one to one away from the meeting with the host of the network. They will know more about the other members of the group than anyone else and will be able to guide you through what works most effectively there. They can help you perfect your pitch and suggest topics for knowledge sharing presentations. They will also know who the best potential referral partners are for you within the group.

Getting to know your networking partners through regular one to ones is the single most valuable thing you can do. What you need to avoid is allowing this to turn into a one-sided sales pitch. The objective should always be to increase understanding and look for chances to cooperate and refer each other. Having regular conversations will build the level of trust that allows you both to discuss each other’s businesses with confidence.

Opportunities within the meeting to create interest in having a follow up one to one with you are found in the 60 second pitch and most importantly by using the presentation or showcase slot to demonstrate your expertise in your field. Some networks discourage members from using this as an overt sales pitch, and certainly using at as a way of sharing knowledge or. revealing some aspect of your work that your colleagues can take away and use for themselves and to share with their connections will be a good way to highlight the benefits you have for them.

With B2B networking online we offer our partners the chance to publish an informational piece on our LinkedIn page regularly. This exposes them to the wider network of followers and visitors to the page. Many other networks provide something similar. Using your own posts on social media to tag the network and members is also valuable. Remembering to write a post on LinkedIn about one to ones with members, or thanking someone for a valuable presentation will benefit both you and the wider network.

Using Power Groups within a larger networking organisation to create tighter referral and support networks can increase the opportunities for clearer understanding amongst people who work in similar industries or can cooperate to bring greater value to potential clients by providing a greater range of services than the individual businesses can offer on their own.?

B2B Networking Online is built on a foundation of collaboration and partnership with people who are looking for sustainable, profitable business growth and meaningful professional working relationships. We are an independent organisation that has found a path which maintains business generation accountability without the pressure. If that sounds like the sort of networking that you are looking for get in touch on 0333 344 9044 or [email protected] for an initial chat.