How Networking Can Work For You!

Yes we all know about networking groups dotted around the country, but what if your experience hasn't been what you expected?

I have been to many networking groups over the years and found that some are run very well, some are fun, some are definitely not and probably should be avoided. You have to see what one's work for you and with that comes some investment in time around joining in initially for free, to see if it is a perfect fit.

The most important thing to look out for is what can I do for this group and what can they do for me? If there is no synergy with the group, then don't payout money to join it! It's all about giving more than you receive. However that said you should still look at the wider picture to see if you fit well within the group. Some of the things you should consider are:

• Is the group compatible with what you offer? Yes you do need to consider paying it forward, but why pay to only to keep someone else in business, if they can't reciprocate to assist your business growth?
• Are those in the group able to collaborate with you? Again look at the type, size and ethos of the existing members. If you can't see how it will work with the group, then don't waste your money trying!
• Are there new members joining regularly? We understand that many groups have lockouts, but if all seats are full, then I hope for your sake that they are great networker's too, or you'll soon run out of opportunities to grow your connections within a group that doesn't bring new business owners in over your annual membership term. We are not saying that if there is a lockout, don't join, but what we are saying is to look at the next point we make before joining.
• Is the group leader someone who knows how to get everyone networking around the room by encouraging and motivating each member to continue to bring more to the table at each event, or are those in the room likely to experience a stale business growth platform because those in charge don't have the wider vision themselves?
• Finally, is it worth the investment and how much time outside networking does the group expect from you to do their job? Believe me, some networking groups have so many rules that you end up spending more time doing your bit for the group, than you do running your own business... and don't forget you are paying for the privilege to help them grow!

Knowing what we know with over a decade of experience in and around networking, to include what we still do, to bring small businesses together. We understand all too well the importance of getting it right and that is why we can confidently recommend a networking group that is a Premier Partner of our Association.

Clare Horsley is the founder of Excel Elite Networking a group based currently around Essex, that is now embarking on an International format. Clare has a fabulous ethos and delivers such a positive platform for business growth each time she runs her online events.

Her drive and enthusiasm and the determination to connect businesses with the right people is exemplary and with this in mind we can highly recommend her networking group, no matter where you are based in the UK or around the globe!

What we like about how Clare does things, is that she always interviews everyone to make sure she can give exactly what you need from networking the Excel way and with the annual subscriptions being so reasonable, it makes it a no brainer not to get in touch!

Contact Clare by clicking on the link below, that will take you to her 'Profile Page' on our Directory. Go on reach out because there is a networking group for all businesses, you just need a great place to start like the Excel Elite Networking Platform.

https://trustedbusinesscommunity.com/the-directory/1847/excel-business-networking-group/

Excel Elite Networking comes to you as a business, having been vetted and verified by us here at The Association for SME's globally and is acknowledged as an award winning member for business growth, but also holds 'The Badge of Trust' for your business confidence!