Sales and Marketing - Jen Jordan

Sales and Marketing - Jen Jordan
Jen Jordan brings a wealth of life and leadership experiences to her writing. After 10 years creating a variety of content for a nonprofit, Jen decided to establish her own writing business. She specializes in creating high quality blog and website content for small businesses. When she's not writing, Jen is a competitive triathlete with a goal of completing a triathlon in all 50 states.

Business Networking Groups: What Are They And How To Get The Most Out of Them

Business Networking Groups: What Are They And How To Get The Most Out of Them

Over the years, many experienced businesspeople have used business networking groups to learn and to grow their company. Despite all the technological advances, the best way to boost your business success is still through old-fashioned networking and relationship building.

Joining a networking organization gives you valuable time with like-minded businesspeople who can be excellent sources of support, information, and even referrals!

Benefits of joining a business networking group

There are a wide variety of networking groups. Some focus on networking for business growth. Others emphasize community service or business education. Each type of group offers its own perks and benefits.

The most obvious benefit of joining a networking group is the opportunity to get (and give) referrals and work with other businesses. For example, suppose you are a real estate agent. In that case, you might partner with the lawn maintenance company to offer lawn care discounts to new homeowners. In return, the lawn care company can share about your real estate business with their clients. Everyone wins!

Networking groups also offer the chance to learn new skills and get advice from other businesspeople. Many organizations bring industry leaders to give seminars or host workshops to help you keep up with advances in the business world. They are also great places to workshop specific issues in your own business with other trusted business owners and entrepreneurs.

Many networking organizations also offer perks like free advertising on their websites, discounts, or being listed in local directories.

Besides all these perks and benefits, belonging to a networking organization can boost your business’s credibility. Many potential customers see membership in popular networking groups as proof that you are a trusted local business.

Easy ways to benefit from business networking organizations

No matter what kind of business you own, you can benefit from joining the right networking organization. There are a few easy things you can do to boost your return on the investment of your time and energy.

  1. Be proactive in building relationships: Take time to meet one-on-one with all the business owners who might be excellent referral partners with your business. If you own a lawn care company, your business might benefit from a partnership with the local plumber, handyman, realtor, property manager, and others who can refer business to you (and vice versa). Learn about their companies so you can give quality referrals in return.
  2. Be clear about the kinds of customers you are looking for: Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals, especially when you can be specific about the types of customers you would like to gain. A lawn care company might ask for referrals to new homeowners with large backyards. Or they might want more apartment complex customers. When you can ask for specific types of referrals, people are more likely to think of people they know who fit that category.
  3. Don’t underestimate the power of a “giver’s gain” mentality: In networking groups, people who make a point of giving business and seeking the welfare of their fellow networkers (instead of focusing on their own business needs), usually end up benefiting the most. When you focus on the welfare of others, they are generally motivated to return the favor. This is true in most areas of life.

Popular business networking groups to consider

Here are six networking organizations you should research and consider joining. Don’t be afraid to visit several and find the one that best fits your business and personality.

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Works Cited

https://ivanmisner.com/givers-gain-is-a-standard-not-a-sword/

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/joining-business-organizations-and-networking-groups-2947287

https://www.business2community.com/strategy/top-10-business-networking-groups-you-should-join-0385283

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2018/08/17/five-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-networking-event/#7797b5d258e8