1. 8/7/2008
WOMEN
HELPING Advantages of Professional
WOMEN Networking Groups
(WHW)
Giving…Getting…Growing | Alice M. Delgardo, Notary Public
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What is Networking?
Definition:
Business networking is the process of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with other
business people and potential clients and/or customers.
Notice that it doesn;t say anything about meeting people in this definition; the ever-increasing
slew of business networking meet-and-greet events have given business networking a bad name.
The key to true business networking is the establishment of a mutually beneficial relationship,
and that's an incredibly rare event at the standard shake-hands-and-exchange-your-business-card
events that are touted as business networking "opportunities".
The purpose of business networking is to increase business revenue - one way or another. The
thickening of the bottom line can be immediately apparent, as in developing a relationship with a
new client, or develop over time, as in learning a new business skill.
The best business networking groups operate as exchanges of business information, ideas, and
support. The most important skill for effective business networking is listening; focusing on how
you can help the person you are listening to rather than on how he or she can help you is the first
step to establishing a mutually beneficial relationship.
“Networking is making links from people we know to people they know, in an organized way,
for a specific purpose, while remaining committed to doing our part, expecting nothing in
return.”
Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas, Power Networking
Developing and using contacts made in business for purposes beyond the reason for the initial
contact. For example, a sales representative may ask a customer for names of others who may be
interested in his product.
Entrepreneur.com
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The amount of additional business that can be gained from membership is quite surprising to a
lot of people who are unfamiliar with how these groups work.
Remember - The more you give, the more you get out. It's not always about you!
The goal is not to collect business cards; the goal is to build relationships that grow with you,
your career, and your business. It comes down to this, your number one reason for being in the
group is to build relationships you're not just going for the food. Remember to follow up on any
business cards which you are given.
Remember that in order to make the most of a group you've got to take an active role.
Networking is more than just turning up. It's all about commitment.
Many people go to networking events, but very few know how to network effectively.
Networking is more than just getting out and meeting people. Networking is a structured plan
to get to know people who will do business with you or introduce you to those who will.
There are many advantages to membership in a professional networking group. The most
obvious one is simply ... More Business. This is worth every penny of membership all by itself.
Some of the advantages:
Quality of Business
Increased Efficiency
Increased Stability
Getting to the "Out Of Reach" Customers
Jumpstarting a Slow Business
More Business Options
Access To Quality Services
"Fringe" Benefits
Satisfaction
New Skills
Becoming The Expert
Reputation
4. 4
Flexibility
New Friends
Works Cited
SME Toolkit/American Express Small Business Network
Top Ten Rules of Effective Networking-M.E. Callan
Power Networking/Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas
Entrepreneur.com