Why In Person Networking is Important

Being in marketing I’ve realized that many folks see the need for websites, social media and paid ads (which are all important); but I’ve noticed that many times business owners forget about one of the easiest methods of getting new leads and clients…..in person NETWORKING! Networking and meeting people face to face is so important; especially for new businesses!  

In person networking seems to be becoming less and less important with technology growing. I can truthfully say that in every marketing position I have had I have made networking a priority. While working with non-profits I would attend all of the networking events I could. My main goal at this time was to recruit volunteers and to help spread the mission of the non-profit. Many times I would leave with a check (donation) in hand and/or a list of volunteers wanting to help build!

While working at a car dealership I made the most use out of a local Chamber of Commerce. At my first leads group meeting, I not only got a delicious breakfast but also left with two names and numbers for folks that were in need of new cars! 

NOT ONLY IS MEETING PEOPLE IN PERSON IMPORTANT BUT IT IS FUN TOO!

Although I liked attending these events for other businesses, I now love going! I LOVE spreading the word about MY business and meeting potential mentors, clients and friends!

You might be thinking you just don’t have the time, if that’s the case check out early morning leads groups (some start as early as 6:00 AM) and your local Chamber’s Business After Hours which usually take place at 6:00 PM or later.

EACH AND EVERY IN PERSON CONNECTION YOU MAKE WHILE NETWORKING IS IMPORTANT!

Creating these in person connections is vital to the growth of new businesses. By meeting folks face to face and by attending networking events you are creating real relationships with individuals in your community. Sales will come, but at first if you are not seeing them, just remember that each connection you make is useful. For example is you meet an IT person at a networking event and the following week your computer crashes, you know who to call.

If you are in the Southern New Hampshire Area like I am be sure to check out New Hampshire Networker’s. You can find them on Facebook here. This is probably my favorite networking group and for only $20 you get a lifetime membership!

Here’s a special insider tip:

You can usually attend 1 Chamber event for free AND another as a guest if someone invites you back! Same goes for most BNI groups! So my advice to you is to make a list of all of your local Chamber’s and BNI groups and make it a goal to go to one of each and pick your favorite.

I can promise you that if you do this, you will not only meet some great people but that your sales WILL increase! Make sure that you ALWAYS have business cards on you at ALL times, but especially when you are going to networking events. And if I were you I would practice a 1-minute elevator pitch so that you can quickly inform folks of who you are and what you do but also most BNI groups only allow 1 minute for each person to talk, so you will want to be prepared!

You never know who you might meet and how it might impact you and/or your business!

I hope this blog post motivates at least one person to get out there and talk up their business and meet new people and opens some eyes as to why in person networking is so important!

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