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Networking Ideas
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by Six Yellow-Tie Members | February 7, 2009
The Endless Referrals Special Interest Group is a study group that is working through the Endless Referrals system by Bob Burg.
During a recent session we discussed the questions of why to network and where to network, and talked through some "before we go out to network" strategies for improving our results.
We thought the bullet-point notes we took during the session might help you stimulate some networking ideas of your own.
Contributors Include
Why network?
- Grow my business
- To be seen
- Get known/be recognized/establish oneself
- Get referrals
- Build referral inventory
- To be a resource to customers and clients
- Contribute value and/or be or service
- Identify prospects
- Broaden prospect list
- Attract followers
- Connect with friends
- Raise $$
- Spread influence
- Influence, i.e. I'm going to specific event because Bill will be there, and I want an introduction to.
- Planned connection
- To make connections
- Learn (listen more than speak)
- Find a resource
- Start new relationships
- Strengthen existing relationships
- Support the organization
- See new places (hosts)
- Anti-cocooning
- Chance to expand horizons
- Reach a new level or type of contact (i.e. RCGA vs. local Chamber)
- Hear a speaker
- Be a speaker
- Support a colleague who's speaking
- Meet more targeted groups, trade specific
- Explore a new industry
- Go-Giver principle - attend to help somebody
- To become more comfortable at networking
- Practice elevator speeches; try out new ones
- Have fun!
- Be social
- New employment opportunities
- Plug into the community
- Therapy (Sassy Pink Peppers)
- Create continuity and momentum
- To experiment with ideas
Where to network?
- Industry specific
- Peer groups
- Learn a skill (Lunch 'N Learns)
- Where prospects are hanging out
- Open houses
- Grand openings
- Yellow-Tie events!
- Referral networks
- Social events
- Charity events
- Athletic events
Personal Favorites
- Chamber networking group
- West County Insiders
- Yellow-Tie events
- Missouri Venture Forum
- RCGA events
- Substantial expos like Small Business Monthly
- Industry specific expo
- AARP
- eWomen Network (both)
- AMA (American Marketing Association)
- PRSA (Public Relations Society of America)
- Open houses/business launches
- NSA (National Speakers Association)
- NHRA (National Human Resources Association)
- NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction)
- Open athletic leagues
- Bowling leagues
- Pickup basketball
- Bicycle fun club
- Charity events (Relay for Life)
- Hardhats referral network
- Executives Resource referral network
- Meetup.com
- ACA (American Club Association)
- Idea Markets
- Wine Club
- Church functions
- Conventions (Juice Plus, Kolbe, NAWIC, etc.)
- Hobby Clubs
- Groups that share same beliefs
- Alumni groups
Before Activities
The materials we studied cover during and after, but what can you do before a networking event to produce an even better result?
- Business cards on hand
- Scout out who members are
- Specific card for the event
- Have follow-up notecards, envelopes, postage, etc. with you -- check your stock
- Determine top 3 objectives for the particular event
- Review those you met at last month so you can reconnect this time
- Plan how to connect two people you met last time
- Ask for advance copy of attendance list (name and company only)
- Mentally go over client list - who might I be looking to meet on behalf of a client?
- Invite some else to an event, then show them around.
- Know who you want to meet.
- If there is someone you want to meet, look at their website, Google them, etc. so you are prepared for a conversation with them.
- Find a good headhunter, HR professional or temporary staffing and invite to the meeting so when you meet someone looking for a job you can hand them out.
- If you have a unique event coming up, create a postcard in case the conversation goes there.
- Research the organization and its event protocol: What's the dress code? What is the culture like?
- Research association leaders and plan to get to know one new one at every event.
- If you know an association leader, ask them who you should meet.
- Recruit someone to show me around the event.
- Find out who is speaking and plan to get to know them.
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