Notes

LOW PRICED Networking The Old Fashioned Way (PERSONALLY)
One morning, fifteen years ago, I sat in my car feeling anxious about walking right into a chamber of commerce breakfast for the very first time. Although not an introvert, I was unaccustomed to entering an area full of strangers, many of whom knew each other. I thought of networking as selling and thought people who 'worked a room' were nothing like me. My only goal that day was to survive and at least talk to someone within my table. I've come a long way baby.

Although it's still not in my own top ten fun things to do, I no longer feel uncomfortable at business networking events. I now enter an area full of strangers looking towards meeting some new people. get more info attend with a purpose...to cultivate my contact base and tell folks about the online marketing services that Virtual Fundamentals provides.

In the fifteen years since my first Chamber breakfast meeting, life experience has taught me how valuable my contact database is. I understand and embrace the net based networking opportunities via Facebook, Twitter, this website, etc. But I consider my electronic friends, followers and subscribers as an addition to my in-person relationships.

In the past, there were just a few types of networking events.

Joining a Chamber, a Rotary, or other membership type group whose monthly meetings were attended by small enterprises in your same geographic area and where you met others by walking up and introducing yourself or sitting at the same breakfast table.

Joining a networking group that met regularly where you're likely to provide referrals for others in attendance, because they would for you personally. Often, membership was excluded to any business person in exactly the same industry (i.e. only one accountant, agent, attorney, etc.)

Today, online networking software provides a tremendous number of networking opportunities on a professional and/or social level. Some groups derive from an easy shared interest such as for example 'business' or 'marketing' while others are more narrowly targeted such as for example 'entrepreneurs wearing size 8 shoes', well not necessarily that specific, much more likely social media marketing or SEO professionals or professional photographers, etc. Meetups are usually free or very affordable.

This networking channel is wonderful for anybody who feels awkward approaching several strangers. Everyone there recognizes that the goal of the get together is to meet new people. If you don't feel comfortable joining a small business networking group, consider joining a book club meetup group, a skill group, kayaking group etc. It really is still a chance to extend your contact list with new people.

You can find no expensive membership fees for meetup groups and you could decide over time whether you intend to continue participating or not.

If so inclined, you can begin a meetup group yourself and be the group leader. Your group could target other companies in the same industry as you or target potential prospects for your business and offer them informative sessions. As a word of caution, usually do not jump too quickly on this opportunity to create a meetup for anyone who is already time challenged, don't enjoy planning events or get disappointed when people RSVP but don't show up. Many groups are left with out a leader after the person who established the group can't handle the task involved.

Whatever avenue you choose to use for networking face to face (via Chambers, networking groups or meetup groups) make yourself get out of any office, smile, shake hands and have a break from the computer.

What experiences have you had with networking via meetup.com or other venues? Looking forward to your comments!

To Your Success,

Nancy
My Website: https://te.legra.ph/LOW-PRICED-Networking-The-Old-Fashioned-Way-PERSONALLY-04-08-4