Real Business Networking Doesnt Happen at Networking Events

Real networking isn't about handing out business cards at a networking event, or seeing how many you can collect before the event is over. Real networking is about relationships that, when cultivated properly, will breed referrals and positive word of mouth about you and your company.

Too often I hear the famous networking complaint: "networking doesn't work for me." There are a variety of reasons why someone might feel this way. 90% of the time it has nothing to do with them or their business; it has to do with what they think networking really is. Networking IS NOT simply going to networking events and hoping that you'll get some new clients or referrals. Let's say you join your local Chamber of Commerce and go to every lunch meeting that they offer. You do this for a solid year. Are you likely to get any business? If all you did was go to the lunch meetings then the answer is either probably not, or very little.

Networking events are just the beginning of the most important part of networking; Building Relationships. You're not going to be able to build strong relationships simply by saying hello to a few people once a month at lunch. The relationships that are likely to generate those precious referrals you're looking for are built outside of the networking event. These business events are really just a great place to meet people with whom you'd like to build a relationship. Certainly there's a little more to it than that, but identifying these prospects is the primary benefit of these meetings.

The key to building real, profitable business relationships is what happens outside these networking events. It's the one on one personal interaction with the gentleman or lady that you met at that last event where you'll find the gold. It's difficult to get to know someone, and learn what they're truly passionate about in a noisy room with dozens or even hundreds of other people. If you sit down with that same person for coffee, or lunch you'll have a much better chance to get to know who they really are.

Solid networking relationships are built on trust. The best time to do this is while sipping latte's, slurping spaghetti, or slugging Shiner (a local Texas beer). Of course a meal doesn't have to be involved. You might call and ask if you can take a tour of their business operation. Invite them to another coming event that they might be interested in, and schedule time afterwards to sit down and share what you though of the event with each other. Even a phone conversation will get the ball rolling. The point is you've got to take the time outside of these networking events to get to know these folks

The next time you go back to your office from a networking event take out the stack of business cards you collected. Find a couple of people that you'd like to really network with. Now pick up the phone and give them a call. Take a few minutes to get to know them a little bit better and schedule a time to get together. Coffee, lunch, beers, it doesn't matter. Just make sure you'll have enough time in a suitable environment that you can learn more about each other and your respective businesses. This is the beginning of real networking.

Once you've really gotten to know someone the possibilities are unlimited. Just remember that networking with someone is not a one time event. It's an ongoing process. You've got to communicate regularly and follow-up on the things you say you're going to do.

Scott Ingram is the founder of NetworkInAustin.com, a networking resource for networkers in Austin, Texas who use networking as a business development and marketing strategy. He also posts regularly to his blogs: Business Networking in Austin Blog and Austin Networking Events. When he's not out building relationships at Chambers of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Austin, and numerous other business associations and networking groups Scott is busy spending time with his beautiful wife Emily. They are currently expecting their first child, a baby girl.

---

Networking for Wallflowers: How to Profit from Getting into the Crowd

The two most common complaints about networking are: 1) I... Read More

When Gifts Say More

What's a gift mean? If you're like me, you probably... Read More

Youve Got Personality, Use It!

For the self employed professional, nothing is more important than... Read More

Five Best Ways To Build A Network

I have been working from home on the internet for... Read More

Effective Business Networking: 5 Tips For Mastering The Art of Networking

The heart of any business is the connection it has... Read More

How To Make Your Next Networking Event A Success

There are people who are natural born networkers - those... Read More

Plan for the Event or Flounder

Rather than being there to eat the food and drink... Read More

The Foundation of Networking: Its Not Rocket Science

Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and... Read More

How to be Known

Why business relationships are formed with certain people?If you go... Read More

Jump Start Your Network

Networking is often identified as a key business building activity... Read More

Come Home Rich - How to Get the Most out of Your Next Conference

Success in your career depends upon how well you manage... Read More

How to Organize a Successful Bad Sweater Party

"Hey Scott, would you like to go to a Bad... Read More

How to Find Participants for a Trial Run

Why is a network meeting the best place to get... Read More

Practice Makes Pefect

What is the problem when people try to describe what... Read More

The A-B-Cs of Networking

In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters... Read More

Four Brainless Self-Promotion Techniques To Avoid

Many workers think that their hard work will speak for... Read More

Sell For Yourself Or Sell For Your Boss?

First of all I would like to start this article... Read More

How to Generate More Business by Telling People What You Do

What do you tell people when asked what you do?... Read More

Social Networking: A Link To Like Minds

Not all dot-com dreams died when the Internet stock bubble... Read More

Networking to a New Life

Research shows that talking to strangers -- not people in... Read More

How to Get Ahead in Your Career

Bigger Better Deal. That's what everyone always hopes will come... Read More

Build Your Business through Strategic Networking

Networking ? it's the latest business trend. Or is it?Actually,... Read More

Are You Leveraging Your Business Network?

Just yesterday I received an email from a colleague telling... Read More

Network Marketing

Network marketing is the ordinary person's best opportunity to make... Read More

Unforgettable First Impressions Part 4: Become a Social Gift Giver

Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine,... Read More

Client Attraction Technique #2: Networking

One of the most cost effective ways of generating leads... Read More

Develop a Great Network - Pay It Forward for Maximum Success

Who needs a network of people to talk to about... Read More

Measuring Value for a Networking Group

How do you measure a group's worth to your organization?It... Read More

Networking Know-how

Successful networking requires the understanding from the get-go that it... Read More

Networking in the Change Room: 5 Ways to Network Effectively While Getting Undressed

There's a time and place to network with people in... Read More

The Five Step Formula For Getting Prospects to Call You

Are you tired of prospecting for new business?Are you sick... Read More

The 4 Attitudes of Awesome Hospitality

Hospitality relates to the Latin term philoxenia, or "the love... Read More

Why Arent You Talking to Me?

Your nonverbal communication talks before you do. Only seven percent... Read More