1 People don’t turn up as often as they should. Your fellow members have short memories, if you’re not there referral business will be offered elsewhere
2 People don’t give the session the ‘space’ it needs. Get there early and aim to leave space at the end. That’s where the real business is done, in the informal sessions.
3 Don’t go only thinking ‘What’s in it for me?’ Start with ‘What’s in it for you?’
Have a ‘giving’ attitude. The more help, advice and referrals you give your fellow members, the more you will get back.
4 Don’t just talk to ‘your mates’. Aim to speak to new members and guests before the event. The more people you meet the more opportunities you will create
5 Don’t be impatient. Networking is about building relationships. Don’t expect business to regularly come to you for at least 6 months. It takes time for people to know, like and trust you.
6 You can’t build meaningful relationships at the actual meetings. Plan to meet fellow members on a one -to- one basis when you do that do you get a greater insight into their business an vice-versa. That way you will know how you can help and be helped.
7 Don’t be boring. When you present for your 1 minute make it interesting. Tell anecdotes, mention the different services you offer, even tell personal stories. People buy you before they will buy your services
8 Don’t have a narrow mind to connections. Remember the people round the table may not be your immediate target audience but they all know 200+ others. Everybody is somebody’s somebody.