Over the past two years we have become exposed to the concept of Networking. We didn't really understand what networking was to begin with and to be totally honest we thought we would be able to sell our websites to the people we met at these meetings.
It took us a while to realise just what a mistake this was.
We were not getting any work and we thought, 'what's the point'? Little did we realise that we were doing it all wrong.
We landed a job for BNI Cyprus through a referral and over the next few months we began to understand the way proper networkers 'network', regardless of the network group they belong to.
The ideas behind it really started to make sense and we realised where we were making mistakes - who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?.
Successful networkers DO NOT try to sell their widgets to those present. What you really want to do is to INFORM those present so they take YOUR MESSAGE to their contacts.
Now, how about this for a 'killer idea'. Who would like a sales force you do not have to pay? That's right, who want's people selling their business that are not on the payroll? Is anyone going to say 'Not me'?. The idea really struck a note and the penny began to drop.
If people network correctly and you have a group of 'like-minded' people in the group, those who understand networking, that's exactly what will happen. Eventually.
Networking is not a 'get rich quick scheme'. Networkers 'REFER'. You will REFER.
Think about what a referral is. A referral is YOU putting your personal reputation on the line by telling a colleague or associate that 'X' Company is a great firm to do business with and that they are by default, trustworthy.
Now go back a step. Will you refer a business you do not know or trust? Think about the repercussions if your referral 'goes bad'. What does that do for YOUR credibilty?
To network successfully you need to be 'visible' (attend meetings on a regular basis) which will improve your 'credibility' (show you can be trusted). When you have your fellow networkers 'trust' then you are more likely to 'refer' or 'be referred'.
Networking is an art. To make this artform work you need a group of like minded artists all painting on the same canvas!