The benefits of business networks

The more business owners I meet, the more I recognise that what makes businesses successful is an understanding of the benefits of being involved in business networks. Many soloists talk about networking but not all walk their talk.

Being in business is not just about supplying services or products, it’s also about the marketing, the PR and everything else that helps to make connections. It is important to get to know people and let others know what you have to offer. We are the best salespeople for our businesses and no-one knows what we’re about like we do.

I encourage those I meet at networking events and in business forums to explore what other business networks they can find that might introduce them to their target audience and/or introduce them to peers who can teach them more about running their business. However, many join only one networking group (online or offline) and then expect that group or organisation to be the answer to all their needs. That is often not the case.

Ivan Misner, founder of BNI, talks about this very thing. He tells us that there are seven different types of business networks and advises that business people should belong to at least three different types. This includes:

Industry based groups for learning from your peers and developing your skills;
gender based groups;
referral based groups such as BNI, Leads Club, Rotary and Chambers of Commerce; and
charity based groups (Lions, Rotary).

Each business network group has its own culture and something of value to add to your experiences as a soloist.

Belonging to several local face-to-face business networks and a good number of online networks has given me many opportunities and I’ve met some interesting people, including some who have been of great value to my business.

Wherever I go I meet potential clients. I would be restricting my opportunities if I didn’t participate in several business networks. I’ve even found joining software discussion forums online valuable as I not only develop my skills further, but I find potential clients from others who are also learning about those programs.

Product launches are another great place to go – if you know that product well, others attending could well be in need of your services!

If you are new to business, don’t underestimate the value of exploring several networking possibilities and don’t overestimate any particular one as providing all the answers for your needs.

And remember that age-old rule – what you give out, you will get back. So getting involved and contributing in some way or another, even assisting the committee or on a registration table, will help put you in the front line and you will get the opportunity to showcase your skills and your wonderful personality.

How can you lose?

Kathie M. Thomas is the founder of A Clayton's Secretary, a Virtual Assistant Network with members in many countries. Dedicated to teaching others about business on the web, she is a multiple award winner, with 30 years' experience in her field.

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Always remember the golden rule of Networking - What's In It For Me? - if your 'pitch' (or if you like big words, positioning) doesn't address that question you may as well be standing alone in the desert! Grant Hyman - salescentral from Sydney
I try to keep in touch with several networks - what I find, though, is that it's really hard to commit time to all of them. They are all really interesting in their own way, but I only have so many hours a week outside of the usual "work" hours. So I spend a few months concentrating on one or two groups, then move on to another of my groups... but get the feeling that people expect me to contribute more regularly - and get disappointed that I don't spend every month in their particular network... I'm not sure what the best approach is here. Any ideas/opinions? Taryn East from Sydney, Australia
Taryn, it is easy to get caught up with various networks. I make it a rule to participate in face-to-face networks regularly - I belong to a small number and attend some meetings each month - no more than 1 a week and no less than 1 a month. That way I'm always getting out and meeting people which is particular important for those who work in a home office. The online networks are another thing - I belong to quite a few but in reality there's about 6 I participate in every week and some of them almost every day. These are usually before and after working hours so I don't get caught up with chats during worktime. Although one of the networks is actually a forum I own and moderate so I have to participate in that one during work hours - it's part of my business. It really doesn't take a lot to pop in and make a comment, encourage someone or announce something to others. Sometimes really good discussions ensue. But it's keeping your name and your face out there and amongst other people that's important. If developing business is important to you, then setting aside time to network deliberately should be part of that business development strategy. With respect to expectations of you - find one network that you can get actively involved in. Then if people start asking or making comment you can let them know of your commitment already. I've been on this committee or that committee almost as long as I've been in business and it has been worth it. Kathie M. Thomas, A Claytons Secretary from Melbourne, Australia
I like to keep in touch via the carpet cleaners forum. This forum has become THE place to network, all over Australia NZ USA UK. Often you may be referred to by a member of the forum, sweet. Then local carpet cleaners are starting to network witheach other, and we have started an association because of this networking, to bring mentoring into the picture. The two strongest business building ingrediants I know that are free. Our association is also promoting 'Flying Solo" and our members rave about how good it is, and many are starting to access this website. So yes Networking is very high on our agenda. patrick Burgess from north Ryde NSW
Patrick, that sounds great. Never thought of a carpet cleaners forum before. And thank you so much for promoting Flying Solo, and networking with us here - we really do appreciate it. Kathie M. Thomas, A Claytons Secretary from Melbourne, Australia
It is surprising how non-competitive networking can be. I always assumed that people would be too interested in finding out about the business rather than helpful information, and yes, there are people out there who network simply to filter your data, but it can also be very helpful. If there is a customer who doesn't pay or is very suspious, there are many people who will let us know so that we don't have to go through the hassle of dealing with them if we don't want to. -Jess, www.zulugraphics.com.au Jess from Zulu Graphics, Newcastle

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