Total Networking
I don’t know about you, but networking has probably been the single most important factor in sustaining and growing my business. That and referrals.
So last month I decided to get my act into gear and join Total Networking (new window), a thriving monthly networking group based in Grantham.
I’d known about this group, and indeed attended years ago, but never got round to joining. Well, I put that right last month and took advantage of their “on the night” offer of deducting the night’s meeting fees from the annual fee, so it only cost me £40 and not £60.
BTW, non-member meeting fees are £20 and member meeting fees only £15. For that you get a delicious two-course meal followed by coffee. A meeting sponsor’s presentation and a longer guest-speaker presentation.
But for me the best bit is being able to find out about and talk to other local business people in a non-sales environment. Everyone’s relaxed, enjoying the meal, talking about their businesses, and how they can help their clients/customers.
I find it very educational but in a relaxed and informative way, which is really why I’m writing about it now. Because last night it so happened I got talking to David Lankester, a Health and Safety expert, and before we sat down for the meal we got into a discussion about how blogging could help a business develop new markets and increase the client base.
David then brought it up at our table and, along with Liselle Barnsley of Tailored Marketing solutions (new window), we discussed and elaborated on the subject of blogging.
But because we all participated in a non-sales environment a sales pitch was avoided and everyone seemed to enjoy the conversation. And afterwards three people asked if taught about the subject. The answer of course is yes, for a fee. :)
Next month who knows what we’ll end up talking about, but one thing I know is it’ll almost certainly be educational and informative. And that’s why I keep going back to the good networking events.
July 19th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Hi Richard,
I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion last night about blogging and its added value as part of the marketing mix. It was so refreshing to speak to someone who really understood how vital this can be in raising the profile of their website. Here’s a classic example…you’ve written this blog today and already it had appeared on the second page of a Google search that I just ran! I’m already looking forward to our next meeting and discussion!
Kindest regards,
Liselle
July 19th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Thanks for the heads up on the Google search results, curious to know what search term you used?
Yes, I’m certainly looking forward to the next meeting - just sorry I left joining up for so long, because it’s one of the best networking groups I’ve been to.
And I’m glad we both contributed to the discussion on blogging, because it wasn’t my intention to hog the subjects up for discussion. But everyone on the table seemed to enjoy it!
July 20th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Welcome to the world of blogging! As a Professional Networker and Speaker, I use blogging to gather material and communicate with other professionals. It is also a great way to give back since I mention other business professionals all the time in my blog. Pay It Forward - helping others without asking for anything in return.
I hope you will keep writing in the blog. That is very important.
July 20th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Thanks for your belated “Welcome” Sharan. It’s been over two years since I started this blog, and others before that, so I’m certainly no newbie!
And, yes, I’ve certainly found what “goes around comes around”. Good or bad.
But the nice thing about helping others is that they often like to return the favour - it doesn’t even have to be requested!
I call it forward thinking.