How do you network to increase your client base?

[Blurock]

This is the 4th year in my own business. I did the networking circle initially, attending seminars and meeting as many people as possible. I did pick up one or two deals, but then realised that 90% of my business was coming from word of mouth referrals by ex colleagues and clients.

So I went back to the old ways of "kissing the frogs" and keeping in contact with everyone that matters in my life. Your best referral is a happy customer.

The formal networking such as BNI does not work for me (although it does have value for a number of other people). We have an informal Coffee Group that meet twice a month just to chat and we sometimes have a speaker on a specific topic.

The value of this group is that we can share things and discuss both success and failures. So maybe it is more of a support group than networking? Yes, we do pass on leads, but sometimes it is just uplifting to talk to someone in the same boat.

[Mark Atkinson]

This thread inspired me to write a blog post on Networking, primarily to benefit our small business clients.

Would appreciate it if anybody who's interested would go have a squizz The link is: 3 Untold Truths About Effective Network Marketing

It's obviously a bit "salesy" seeing as the purpose of the blog is obviously to drive leads in addition to adding value, but would appreciate any comments on the post.

[sanimoyo]

This thread inspired me to write a blog post on Networking, primarily to benefit our small business clients.

Would appreciate it if anybody who's interested would go have a squizz The link is: 3 Untold Truths About Effective Network Marketing

It's obviously a bit "salesy" seeing as the purpose of the blog is obviously to drive leads in addition to adding value, but would appreciate any comments on the post.

Great article, great blog

[wynn]

People forget that networking is just that, a net set to catch fish, Mark touches on this with his "Two way street" 1st point in his blog, but this point goes a lot further.

In your dealings with your friends, aquaintances and the public you pick up a whole lot of leads that even while they are not what you need or are looking for, are gold for someone else, this is very important because this is the information you trade with, pass it on, it is what makes up the net in the network.

After recieving one or two leads from you it is very hard for another networker not to pass leads in your particular field back to you, this is what makes networking rewarding.

It is like putting the net out then casting crumbs in the water (gold to someone else) it may not attract only the fish you are looking for but when the net is full reel it in, take the fish (leads) you want and share the ones you don't with the other guys who do.

My personal experience goes back to the 'old days' when all the 'Reps' from EL who went into the Transkei when travelling home on a Thursday afternoon, would meet at a particular country hotel pub to quench their thirst.
During the banter you would mention to the electrical rep that a store in Libode was looking for electrical goods and to the chemicals rep that the hospital in Tafelofefe needed cleaning materials etc. Of course you were told of a few people who were looking for your particular materials or services as well, so a quick phonecall on Friday morning helped fill the order book, your boss, of course, loved the idea that you were visiting all these places instead of spending an afternoon fishing with a few of the other reps.

[AmithS]

Hello Everyone,

I would like to thank everyone for their valuable input on this topic.

Coming from a family where no one is in business and only being in business almost 3 years my self. Networking never featured in my way of life as in the working world networking is not all the important always.

So all the information hear is very helpful as I see more and more the importance of networking in my very own business. This is a new learning curve for me!

Thanks again!

[Doug B]

I think networking has a heck of a lot to do with perserverance and effort, I read somewhere that we should not only sell but educate as well and this made real sense to me. You gotta stick at it and give,if you are in the position to do so ,good solid advice,expecting nothing back-I'm a firm believer in that old story about bread being thrown on the water. Many people are cynical but who cares,plenty arnt,building integrity by offering excellent service and being honest will eventually reap genuine rewards.