I guess the title is really only half the question. It isn’t what does good business networking look like. Instead, it’s what does good business networking look like for you. There are numerous different networking opportunities out there. It’s about finding the one that works best for you and your business.
In the past we were members of the BNI. BNI is like marmite. People either love it or hate it. However, it works. The issue for us was that it was a smaller group that we were part of. This meant that we have to put in more time growing the group, when actually more time was needed growing the business.
We have also been part of some other networking groups online and in-person. It isn’t just the set up or format of the group. It is the people in the room too. By which, we don’t mean the people that you can sell ‘at’. We mean the people, real people. We are all told isn’t the people in the room, but the people they know. However, it is also the people in the room.
When we talk about the people in the room, we mean the real, actual people. You want to network with people that are like you. It’s also important that you network with people that you like. This way you can build relationships with people. This is what will lead to excellent relationships.
As a business owner, you need clients, but you also need contacts. This is what good business networking looks like to us. A chance to promote your business and a chance to build working relationships.
This is what we have tried to create through our business networking events across Peterborough. We change venues every month, and days too. This means that we get a selection of new and repeat people attending our events. These further spread the promotion for your business and offers more chances to make great contacts.
