Business networking
can open the doors to new opportunities.
Starting a business networking group provides an opportunity to make new contacts and grow your business. It can also provide the personal satisfaction of introducing others and helping them meet new, interesting people who could also benefit from a business perspective. If you are considering forming a small business networking group, save time and get an effective networking group in operation quickly. Learn key steps from others who have started such a group.
Objective
Decide on a clear objective for the group. Since business people are constantly flooded with offers for them to invest time in such events as seminars, pick an objective that is compelling for your target market. Evaluate if you want to charge a networking group fee, provide it for free or simply charge enough to cover basic costs. Research what other networking groups charge. As a starting point, research what the local chapters of national networking groups charge. Decide if membership fees will be billed annually or on a quarterly or monthly basis.
Target Market
Decide on your target market. Determine if it will be is industry specific, geographically focused and what level of business person you are targeting; for example, middle management or senior executives and business owners.
Logistics and Content
Find a location for meetings. Pick a set day and time for each meeting so it will be easier for members to remember. Once the group is in operation, poll your members to find out the ideal day and time for them. If you are just starting out and cost is an issue, explore rotating meeting locations at the place of business for your members. A restaurant is another option. Off hours will cost less. You may also want to explore renting a meeting hall such as Veterans of Foreign Wars. Decide on meeting content and determine if meetings will be an informal style allowing members to interact or if there will be presentations by outside experts. Expert presentations add value to events.
Promotion
Invite friends and business associates to join your group first because people you know and trust may be more interested initially. One recruiting approach is to allow guests to attend events to expose them to what you have to offer. Announce your group with a press release to local media. List your regular meetings with time, date and location in the local newspaper. In the listing indicate guests are invited but that they must call first.
Tags: your target market, business networking, business networking group, group operation, groups charge, networking group, networking group