I noticed a post on social media recently where someone asked what people look for when joining a networking group. Some of the answers surprised me so I thought I’d compile a ten top tips for choosing the right network for you list.
1. What is your intention?
Why are you considering this group?Are you going for business, information, support, or just to have some fun? If you’re joining for business results, the organisation will have to have a whole different focus than an organisation for fun.
2. Does the organisation have your Target Market Prospects as members?
This is particularly true if you’re trying to join an organisation as an affiliate. For example if your target market clients are architects it would make sense to join a professional body that has architects as members. This offers you an opportunity to network with the people you can best help.
3. Does the organisation have your Referral Sources as members?
Are the people/professions that would naturally pass you business for your target market clients an active part of the group? Following on from the example of architects, if you met with a group of people who also wanted architects as key clients such as builders or surveyors and they were part of a group it would make sense to look at doing that group.
4. How long has the group been in existence?
Is it long established and successful group or is it a relatively new group? Recruiting members to new groups can be difficult. The positive though is, you get a chance to recruit the types of members you want.
5. What is the basic philosophy of the organisation?
What is the mission of the organisation? Does it support your purpose for joining? Are the aligned with the way you like to do business?
6. How many members does it have?
If you’re joining a referral-based organisation, it’s better to belong to a big one. sometimes people can feel lost in organisations of bigger numbers. However if you think about the number of relationship within the group you will have a good representation of people that can refer you sometimes, and some that can refer you all the time.
7. What is the quality of the membership?
Are they the types of people and personalities that you would enjoy being around and working with in the group? How long have they been there? How many people are actively engaged?
8. How often does it meet?
This is a very important question if your sole purpose is to gain business referrals. If they don’t meet often,
it’s much more difficult to have the results you’re looking for, as it takes longer to build strong relationships.
9. How do other members feel about the group?
Is there a positive up beat feel? Are they focused on growing and forward looking or are they complaining on how things used to be for them and generally negative? ( I have been to these and not surprisingly I didn’t stay around!)
10. Can I become relevant, or an important player,in this organisation?
Success at networking can be improved when you become relevant within a group. The more you can become involved by helping others the group generate more business the better you will do.
Please remember to take time when joining a new network and make sure the key elements you need for the group to be successful for you are in place.
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To your continued success
Dave