Networking events in general

[REIGNFALL]

Are they really worth your time to be quite honest? Some friends and I started a clothing company up 2 years ago. Now we have 7 styles in 4 sizes, we are in 2 retail stores, and have an online store. Business is great but I guess it could be a little bit better. Anything can use some improvment. Besides the lead generation and meeting people that are doing the same thing as you, what could I really see in benefits to turn a bigger profit margin by attending one of these "social meetings"?

[armenh]

There is a lot of potential for growth especially in your industry when it comes to networking. If you are the manufacturer of this clothing line you can go to trade shows, and display your products there. This way you can gain a lot of exposure and potential resellers.

[Scar Tissue]

Networking events help you make meet up with like-minded fellow businessmen and women can be a very useful way to share ideas, and maybe win some new contracts. Especially good for small business to identify potential product or service providers.

[Dan Nichols]

Hi reignfall, just some food for thought and maybe you already do this but consider the association or networking event a clothing manufacturer should be involved with should be an association without other clothing manufacturers.

Get involved with assocations that involve the people you do business with. For example merchant associations, manufacturer reps associations, online merchant tradeshows and so forth. For me, no matter what the industry, I've always chosen to be friendly with my competitors but network with those that improve my chance of more business.

NOW, one big caveat... aligning with manufacturers that can help open doors for you and/or provide a different product line can be good as well.

We'll have a webinar on networking with some pretty big players sometime in the first few months of the year. For now, don't forget our upcoming webinar and YoungEntrepreneur's first in January.

Godspeed

[jackzliu]

Yes, networking events do help for me. I met a networking coach who said that instead of seeing who can help me, I should ask how I can help the people I meet. That builds genuine relationship and something can come up later on. Going to networking events keep me sharp at communicating and being an overall people person.

[bking]

Networking events should not, in my opinion, be viewed as direct referral sources. At least that goes for saying in my profession as an attorney.

I tell my friends who are interested in networking that they should do it, but don't expect to get hot referrals right away. You'll make contacts that you have to develop relationships with before they are comfortable referring clients.

Also, watch out for the quid pro quo people, who expect you to give a referral for each one you get. Not all of us can do that. In my field, if a CFP refers a client to me, he or she can't expect me to refer one right back. Most of my clients already have a CFP and it isn't my place to tell them to switch just because I have to give a referral source a quid pro quo. I explain to my contacts that I offer other things, such as free consultations and free workshops for their clients, general legal advice directly to the CFP for no charge, etc. The intangibles are a good thing that I can give back even if I can't give a client referral every time.

That being said, go to networking events. You'll shake hands and mix it up with a bunch of people and, if nothing else, you'll boost your people skills which helps you get customers and clients easier through your charisma and persuasion.

[jake_k]

Absolutely agree with many of the comments above. I always go to events with the intention of having fun, chatting with some interesting people and helping them in anyway I can. When you really connect with some it's a great door way for a deeper relationship that may lead to all sorts of interesting opportunities.

Jake

[jonn655]

We too have a Webinar on July, 14, 2010 - I think that these events are going to connect people in various professions.

[laima]

The Abundance Method -meet as many people and get as many business cards as you possibly can.The Abundance Method can deliver great results if you are able to make strong but brief impacts in your rounds. In other words, you can make your way through an event and "work the room" as many call it.If you are looking to meet people in mass, this is a great way to gather available contacts. You just have to make sure that you don't portray yourself as superficially meeting people just to gain their contact information. Your brief conversations must leave pleasant, memorable, and intriguing impressions.

[petemosby]

Really useful information. I usually ignore this kind of events because of the tight schedule but I'm reconsidering this in general

[jessiccarobertt]

me want to join this event...but how?

[alidabon]

I also agree with everything said above. One thing to add--I cannot remember where it was that I read this or heard this...I wish I could give credit--but I thought it was great--here is the jist:

When you network...go with the intention of making friends. If you had 5 contacts in your industry, and one of them was a personal friend, and they were all equally qualified...who would you refer first? Your friend--right? People naturally want to help out their friends. Not only will is there more of a potential for an actual referral when there is an established friendship...but you now have someone in the industry who is a friend who can relate. They can give you advice if they are more experienced...they can back you up in a bind...and it makes these networking events more fun to go to in general. If you work the room approaching people stiffly and hand them a business card they are going to forget you. Better to have two great conversations than hand out 30 business cards to people who will forget who you are.

[ViDonaghuehkkf]

My mind also eager me to join in this event.

[hank_zhan]

this thread is full of spam, I don't understand what's going on

[jennyann]

Hi People
I am a student, AUT event management , working on a proposal for a networking education and trade (india & NZ) hospitality/ forum event- to be held at the 4 seasons restaurant, AUT. Relationship building , education exchange and trade link opportunities would be offered. Would you attend? Would you pay to attend if bar food was provided? If so to how much? Would you want to see a powerpoint / presentation/exhibition-if so what on? Would you go if it was justIindia:NZ links or prefer all Asia:NZ? or just go to network? Who would you want as a speaker if we could get them? Any feedback appreciated, thanks Jenny