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LESSON 8: BUSINESS NETWORKING

 

My favorite way to use online networking is to find local businesses that are interested in trading referrals.


BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUPS

Local Business Networking Groups are a great way to find other business owners that are interested in helping to promote your business. It is worthwhile to form a few good strategic partnerships. You will find businesses that share the same clientelle base, but who do not provide the type of service you do and are looking for someone to refer their clients to. Some of the most popular business lead groups are: BNI & LeTip.


MEETUP

MeetUp.com is a great place to find free & low cost business networking groups. Most of these groups are not well known, but are full of new business owners eager to help out and meet new people.

 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

There is a Chamber of Commerce in each town. Many of them have networking events. By becoming a member the chamber will refer customers to your biz.


GETTING TO KNOW THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The best way to get to know the local business community is to meet for coffee or tea. It is great to go to the weekly meetings of your local Business Networking group, but you will only really get to know if they will be a good strategic partner by inviting them to tea. Some of these groups have informal events that are just for fun. So sign-up for that bowling meet even if you don't bowl.


WHAT TO DO AT THE MEETING

Whether you are at a regular business networking meeting or just meeting for coffee you should use this time to build strong business relationships. It is not the number of people you give your card to that counts. It is the quality of the relationships you build that will bring you success.

Bring lots of business cards with you. Be prepared to give a 30 second description of your business.

WHEN YOU GET BACK TO YOUR OFFICE

Invite the people you meet to become a connection on LinkedIn. Send them an email to let them know that it was nice to meet them and invite them to tea. It is this follow up that will get you the most points.

 

GO ON TO LESSON 9:
OTHER MARKETING TOOLS