BBH Feature: 5 Reasons Networking Groups Matter to Your Business
A well-documented topic, networking helps individuals and businesses to both survive and thrive.
I am a member of many networking groups and organizations, all of which provide me with a wealth of learning opportunities, satisfaction from participation and incredible opportunities to build my friendships and network.
The Top 5 Reasons I am a Part of Networking Groups
Here are my top five reasons networking groups matter to me and my business – and why they should also matter to your business.
1. Exchange Ideas
Participation in groups with like-minded folks – either because of geography, industry or personal interest – allows for an exchange of ideas and insights.
This idea and insight sharing allows everyone in the networking group to broaden their views, enhance their understanding and benefit from collective group experience.
As the proverb goes, “two (or more!) heads are better than one.”
2. Support Efforts
Once you make a connection with a group, you naturally want to support the members in their endeavors. This doesn’t always mean purchasing their products or services.
For example, I recently took an Instagram class and developed a small but mighty networking group of other professional women whom I grew to really like and trust.
While we all work in different fields and live far from each other, we share an interest in helping support other women entrepreneurs.
These ladies now are some of my most engaged followers on social media, and I equally (and happily!) engage with them in their social media development efforts.
3. Develop a Reputation
Active involvement in a networking group allows you to share your time, talent and expertise. And others in your group will take notice.
As the old adage goes, “the more you put in, the more you get out.”
Professionally, politely and appropriately share your time and knowledge, then reap the rewards of a reputation as a key player in the given field or area.
4. Build Partnerships
Building partnerships through networking exists as an offshoot of developing a reputation through networking. Just as you improve your reputation through active and thoughtful involvement in a network, so do others.
Eventually, you amass a circle of trusted and highly-reputable colleagues whom you wish to entrust with your customers, clients, friends and family. Makes perfect sense, right?
5. Open Doors
Networking groups open doors – and sometimes it opens doors you may never have even considered! I find the intersections of different people, interests and knowledge fascinating and am always amazed at the connections I make with people that go beyond initial expectations.
My own team at Roaring Pajamas illustrates my favorite example of how networking and community involvement opens doors. I met two of our contractors through The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula.
We volunteered together to improve our community many years ago, at a time when we were all pursuing different professions.
We kept in touch and as lives and livelihoods changed, the doors opened for these ladies to join my team. We initially interacted through an entirely different pursuit, yet today we collaborate on work!
Now, does all this talk of networking make you shudder?
Sadly, some eschew networking because they merely consider it shameless promotion.
However, networking, when done right, results in far more than self-promotion. Rather, it opens opportunities and avenues for you, your business and everyone with whom you connect.
I found a few of the ideas from the Girl’s Guide to Project Management particularly important to keep in mind when networking feels uncomfortable. Namely:
- Networking isn’t selling
- Networking is expected
Given these points, networking doesn’t sound so terrible after all, does it?
Check out this article on how to network for an additional networking pep talk.
Do you participate in networking groups? What benefits have you found from your networking pursuits – both personally and professionally?
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Melanie wrote this post not knowing this, but the new service/system that we are going to be offering soon to local, Bay Area business owners will give business owners another way to network and do what Melanie has written about – even if you hate networking and don’t have the time!
Stay tuned…
