“Who are you to give Business Networking advise?” “Why would anyone listen to you?” I always have the little gremlins that want to keep you in your place, keep you inside your box, something bad might happen if you put yourself out there. Truth is, I’ve been networking for over a decade and get all my work from it, so why wouldn’t anyone want to listen to me?
Hello, my merry band of misfits, This week’s blog is all about Business Networking. I really enjoy business networking; I don’t have a problem walking into a room full of people and talking about myself. In fact, if someone turned to me and said the keynote speaker had dropped out, could I fill in and do an hour’s presentation, all I would ask is, “does the projector have HDMI”. Okay I might not be that cool! BUT I would defiantly see it as an opportunity rather than a burden, I would jump at the chance.
This wasn’t always the case. I may never have been a shy person but as with most people, public speaking did used to scare me. At my first networking event I went to, I only spoke to one person! I didn’t have a clue what I was doing and why I was there, I just knew my friend had found work at the group.
Business Networking – Public Speaking
Unfortunately, the first group I visited wasn’t a good fit for me and I didn’t join that first group. But I did join another branch of the same franchise. I joined BNI and honestly it was the making of my business.
I was 24 with a skill and no business idea! Every single person in that BNI group gave me free advice, help, guidance, and mentorship. The training BNI provided was also something I soaked up like a sponge.
Because the group met weekly it meant that I had to network and do a “60 seconds” each week. A “60 seconds” is your chance to have 60 seconds to promote your business to the room. This is a really common thing in networking groups, and you should defiantly take full advantage of it. There was also a rotor and you HAD to do a 10-minute presentation when it was your turn. I stay with this group for over 5 years and quickly learned to get over my fear of public speaking from doing it so often. I even managed a few heckles at one point! (Please note this is incredible rare and not something that ever happens during someone else’s presentation. You DO NOT need to be worried that this would ever happen to you, it was a unique situation with a very close friend!)
I would encourage you to join as many networking groups as you are able to dedicate the time to. Now this is really important as being part of a networking group is a commitment and should be taken seriously. If you can not meet the requirements of the group, don’t join.
Business Networking – Membership Requirements
The most basic requirements are to turn up to the group in person (Covid permitting of course) and to do a “60 seconds”. If you don’t turn up and don’t tell us about your business you will never get any work from the group, but equally you will never bring any work to the group either. Especially if the group is lock out (one type of business per group), don’t take up a seat someone else could fill. If you can’t make the meetings, don’t gel with the group, try another group. Most places will let you try the group twice for free to see if you like it.
But don’t give up. The connections you can make a networking as well as the money are priceless.
I will be giving some networking do’s and don’t in next weeks blog, so if your nervous don’t be, I can help, just stay tuned!
Let me know!
Thank you for reading this week’s blog. Do you have any questions about business networking? Pop over to my Facebook group and let me know –
Until next time, happiness is fleeting, strive for contentment. Gowns on!
Kelly (Your WordPress Queen) x
Kellys Web Designs - 07894 112 567
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