Why Is Networking Not Helping?

Small business owners often get frustrated when they get no results from networking. Many reasons could cause this, but they shouldn’t give up networking. They should evaluate why they haven’t had success and make some changes to improve their success. B.O.S.S. Academy Phoenix Fridays Leadership Power Hour offers tips on how to improve building relationships while networking. Here are reasons why you might not be making the most from your networking.

1. Too Many Groups – Often, small business owners will join every group they can and spend most of their time going to meetings. This is not a good strategy. Pick a few business meetings to attend and stick with them. This would reduce your meeting time and allow you time to work for your clients. You also would reduce the number of responsibilities you have to do for each group. This strategy increases the chances that other members remember you and build a relationship with you.
2. Wrong Groups – When evaluating your groups, look at whether they have the right people who would help your organization. You do not have to have the right clients, but the people in the group should be able to find you the right clients. Look for strategic partners. These are the businesses that could help you and businesses that you can help. For example, a business looking for companies in the trades might want to try joining a chamber of commerce. A health coach might want to join a group of alternative medicine and healers.
3. Wrong Attitude – Often, business owners go to networking meetings assuming they will get clients. The truth is that you should not go to networking meetings expecting new clients. You should go to find out who you can help and with a goal to build relationships. You also can attend meetings to build brand awareness for your company and your services. Attending networking meetings also can keep your name and company on top of mind when you are asked about a service that others can do.
4. Don’t Go Enough – When business owners do not attend networking meetings regularly, their networking often fails. Building relationships is important. If you do not attend regularly, you are not building those relationships. Also, people don’t remember you if you don’t go regularly to recommend you to others. By attending regularly and helping the organization, you build those relationships and stay top of mind.