Your Ultimate Checklist for Starting a Networking Group

Do you also struggle to network with fellow business leaders?

What if I tell you that there is a possibility to cultivate your own networking group?

No, we are not talking about exchanging business cards but a more lasting type of connection. One that will benefit you and your business in the long-run.

Brian Jue, a serial entrepreneur and the COO of Stony Hill Advisors, shared with the Management Blueprint Podcast the strategies you should follow if you want to create your own networking group.

By following these strategies, you can expect opportunity and collaboration to spark from now on!

1. Why You Should Avoid Competitors

Look at who you know in your geographical area and find those who would not conflict with your business. You have to avoid any clash with other leaders and, instead, build your connection with them. Having a personal connection with professional peers ensures that you have a community which can be a great source for referrals.

When you have that relationship, your mindset shifts from “What do I expect others to give me?” to “What connections can I offer to them?” Once you think that way, you know you are ready to be surrounded by influential people who will help sustain your growth.

2. How to Put a Group Together and How to Engage with Them?

Invite people. That is rather straightforward, but remember that exclusivity attracts like-minded individuals. No, you will not be posting anywhere because this is not an open public networking group.

You want people to feel that they are special because you’ve thought of inviting them. It also feels personalized and will gain you connections faster than posting and hoping people would join. When you invite people directly, they will have to decide whether to join or not, rather than ignore an impersonal invitation.

3. How To Engage With Your Networking Group?

Do not go into a deep discussion with everybody. One of the biggest problems with hosting a networking event is how the host tends to ignore everybody else just to entertain one or two people.

If you are the host, it is your responsibility to put people together and introduce them to each other. You don’t want any of your invitees to feel out of place because it defeats the purpose of networking. Don’t forget to observe everyone in the group so you know who you want to invite when you host another networking event.

4. How Do You Create Referrals

When you’ve already gathered the individuals you like interacting with, you need to invite them to your next event. Where does the referral come in? Ask them if they know somebody that would fit with the group and if so, suggest they invite that person. Most likely, they’ll invite someone who has the same personality as they do. So, there is a high likelihood that you would like their referrals too.

5. How To Keep Track Of Group Members?

However, you cannot keep track of everyone, right? This is where you will need a contact manager who will help you keep tabs on everyone. This person will be in charge of monitoring attendance during the event and sending out invitations for the next one. You might invite someone again or not anymore. And you have to know which is which.

Conclusion:

Networking is a process of relationship-building and collaboration. Not a one time activity. It can happen multiple times with different goals in mind, but with one ultimate goal: to build that connection you can tap into whenever you need.

Your flow of opportunities will be endless when you are surrounded by like minded people. And you don’t want to miss out on cultivating your personal and professional growth.