Looking for Ways to Network

I agree with the one post who mentioned BNI groups. They can be and have been very helpful. BUT, my experience was very different and I ended up leaving the group after just 6 months. I also agree with the same post that you need to really figure out what your goals are. For me, the referrals I was getting through the BNI were not helpful nor were they true business referrals. They also set up "power groups" which depending on your industry again can be very helpful. The realtor, mortgage and insurance people were a power group and great at it. As a wellness educator they kept wanting me to allign with another "wellness" type person who was promoting products that not only could I not endorse I couldn't in good conscience refer people to because of my research and experience.

The best "networking" I've done is when I advertised in a little paper. The owner of the paper has monthly meetings for her advertisers to meet and learn from each other. NO pressure, NO forced referrals (as with BNI), relaxed atmosphere.

Also, just keep talking and tell people what you are doing. You don't want people to run when they see you coming afraid you are out to just "sell" them something. But if conversation comes up talk with ENTHUSIASM! You are excited with this opportunity because. . .
If they may be interested in the future, think of you. . .

Good Luck

In my experience, I have only had one good networking friend. Without any type of agreement, we have just started to refer work back and forth to each other. For awhile, she would collect and keep $100 off the top and then transfer the rest of the deal to me. I just simply handed my referrals to her, so of course, I thought this was unfair. Without saying anything to her, she realized that is not what I was doing and she stopped. So it all worked out great for both of us.

As for meetup.com, I was able to find a group that did small exhibits, but I did not find them beneficial in my line of work. I had to pack a table, set up, tear down, and really only booked one session. With that, you have to offer incentives and show specials, even then it was discouraging. I will say, the meetup.com group did have some great booth prices, which have all gone up. I used to be able to get a booth for $10 - $50.

The BNI thing I never really tried, but I talked to a few ladies who were involved in this and they called continuously to try to get me to commit. I just thought I didn't want any potential client of mine to feel such pressure.

My best suggestion is inform your friends and family without the pressure. As mentioned by another post, I run from my friends who directly ask me, what are you doing Wednesday night???? ;} I load their number right into my phone and dump the call.

Since I don't have any real advice for you and I know my post sounds discouraging, may I suggest you read "Mommy Millionaire" by Kim Lavine. She tells her success story and had she tried so many different types of networking-exhibit opportunities and what she learned.

I think a lot of it, you just have to give it a shot and see what works best for you and your product.

Best wishes.

Hello R.-

I have a Mastermind call every 3rd Wednesday at 7 pm Pacific. It's designed for women owned businesses to help us learn from each other and become more suscessful.

If you would like to have the call in information, please send me a message. There is no fee for the call, but long distance charges may apply.

R. Magby

Hi, I'm not sure what you are selling but have you tried advertising with any of the mom's groups in the area? I'm with Mothers & More and we have advertisements in our monthly newsletter quite often. Something like this would be a good place to meet people too. Also meetup.com is supposed to be good.
Good luck!

I would highly recommend that you join your local chamber of commerce. This would be a first step. also, there are a number of organizations for home-based businesses or women's business groups. you did not mention the type of business you have, so I can't be as specific. but most chambers have leads groups as well, which are separate, smaller groups that meet and provide each member with specifc leads for their businesses. Also, most chambers have casual after-hour social events for meet-greet networking. you could email me with more info and I could possibly provide you with more contacts.

Tell me more about what you are doing. I have 4, almost 5 FREE Leads groupls that meet once a week in various locations in Naperville. There is only one catagory permitted so you are exclusive to the group. I only allow 3 "home" based business's.

I have a web site called : http://www.startyourownleadsgroup.com
you can sign up for a free report and learn how to start your own.

R.,
Check on meetup.com for groups in your area.

Are you trying to recruit or do actual business networking? If it's the real networking -- making connections with other business people -- check for groups such as BNI that operate in local markets. Through these groups, there is a limit to one person per field, so you'll get one realtor, one IT person, one party planner, etc. and you meet regularly to talk about your business and in the process, possibly sell your service or product to other members. Good luck!

I was a Realtor for 4 years and now I am selling Avon since June last year - I have done Ok with it. But I was also working two other jobs - anyway, another story.
My advice - start with your circle of friends. Put ads up on Craigslist, get involved with different groups, team up with other mama's that are in business at home too. Do open houses - I don't know what you are selling or what kind of business, but these are your options. Or simply cold call or knock on doors.

Good luck - only you can make it happen.