Varied Networking Events

Yesterday I participated in a variety of networking events. It was definitely “Networking Day” for David.

Referral Group
At 7am I met for the first time with a new referral group. I had been invited by a connection I had made at a networking breakfast a couple of months ago.
Since it’s still vacation time, there were only three other participants, but the interaction was excellent. A banker, a mortgage company salesperson, and the owner of a graphic arts company met with me for an hour.
I mailed follow-up notes to all three that afternoon.
Referral groups are generally composed of twenty or so professionals. Only one person per profession is allowed in each group. The purpose is to form strong bonds with those in the group, get to know each others’ companies very well, and pass along lots of referrals.
Such groups may be formed by a chamber of commerce, business association, or by private companies. There is usually a fee to join.
These groups can pay off quickly if everyone is focused on helping each other.

Mastermind Group
At 9am I had my weekly mastermind teleconference. The three of us met at the National Speakers Association convention in San Diego last month. Even though we’re speakers and trainers, our areas of focus and audiences are very different. I train small business owners and sales professionals on more effective business networking, Marty teaches health, fitness, and weight loss to organizations, and Erick is a performance hypnotist with a motivational message.
Yesterday’s blog entry tells about how to make such organizations help you grow your business.

Business Association Lunch and Learn
At noon I participated in a Lunch and Learn sponsored by the Millard Business Association to which I belong.
The presenter, a staff recruiter, did a good job of advising us on hiring competent staff.
I took the opportunity to ask a question of the presenter in such a way that the audience knew that I taught workshops on LinkedIn. That attracted a couple of interested parties to me at the mingling portion of the meeting. I mailed them information that afternoon.

Wine-tasting Networking Event
Lastly, at 5:30pm, I attended a wine-tasting networking event hosted by a financial planner.
He held it in a commercial art gallery (no facility fee), and hired a local wine store owner to present wines for tasting.
Some time for mingling was allocated before and after the tasting presentation.
I connected with a financial products executive, a consultant, and the managers of a restaurant I am considering for my workshop location. I mailed follow-up notes today.
The event seemed to be successful for the host.

These four opportunities represent just a few venues for meeting people for business relationships. Variety in your exposures will help you find a good mix of potential contacts. Visibility is key, and so is follow-up.

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