Network Gwinnett is a networking group of Gwinnett Chamber members designed to build relationships, support professional development, and develop lead-generating affiliations. This is the perfect opportunity to work with like-minded professionals who wish to grow their business and their network by meeting new people in new industries.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- Generate quality business referrals and leads
- Work with like-minded professionals who wish to grow their business and their network
- Meet new people in new industries
- Enhance your leadership within the community by building quality, trusting business relationships
- Close more business deals while learning tips on how to grow your business
HOW IT WORKS
Each meeting begins with a seven-minute presentation from a member. The presentation schedule rotates among members who are active in Network Gwinnett and have attended for at least three months. Ambassadors act as facilitators for the meetings.
After the presentation, each participant will be given the opportunity to introduce him or herself and their business to the group. Depending on the size of the group, introductions range from 20-45 seconds. After the introductions, participants will then state what a good “lead” is for them. After everyone has been introduced, the attendees will then report on how many leads were passed, works in progress and sales closed from the previous week’s activities.
There is ample time to meet and greet before and after the meetings.
WHEN/WHERE
Date and time: Every Thursday from 7:30 am – 9 am and Friday from 10:30 am - noon
Cost: $5 per meeting for Chamber members; non-members may attend one time at no charge, the second meeting will be $5. After attending two meetings, non-members must join the Chamber to participate.
Location: John D. Stephens Education Center in the Chamber office building 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097
Effective Tips for Networkers
Making use of your 30-second advertisement – What will you say about yourself ?
Since people form impressions of others within the first 20 to 30 seconds, it is crucial that you prepare your personal “promotional” so that it will be most effective for you. To help you use your time to your best advantage, use these tips to plan what you’ll say. Read it out loud to others and time yourself. Practice until you can talk without referring to your worksheet. Relate it to your listeners as individuals, not as a group. Your talk will gain power if you stand and speak directly to your group using positive eye contact with each person.
Who you are and what you do (use 20 words to describe)
Give an accurate description of your occupation, firm and kind of services provided. (Example: “I’m Jane Doe. I work for XYZ Relocation Planning, a full-service, site-finding, financing and relocation service for businesses.”)
How what you do might benefit your listener or someone they know
(use 20 words to describe)
Give a benefit that might help distinguish your work from anyone else in the same field. (Example: “We provide every service a company needs to move their business efficiently, economically and painlessly.”)
A good lead for me is... (use 20 words to explain)
Tell what your listener can do to help get the leads you need. (Example: “If you happen to hear or read about any company considering a move, I’d really appreciate a call.”)
Follow the Ten Commandments of Networking
- Have your networking tools with you at all times (crisp name badge, current business cards, business card portfolio)
- Set a goal for the number of people you’ll meet.
- Act like a host, not a guest.
- List and ask the five “W” questions – who, what, where, when, why?
- Give a lead or referral whenever possible.
- Be prepared to describe your product or service in 60 seconds.
- Exchange business cards with the people you meet.
- Spend ten minutes or less with each person you meet.
- Write comments on the backs of business cards to help you recall conversations.
- Follow up with the people you meet.
KEY POINTS
Notable networkers are people who are skilled at networking and committed to the idea that givers gain. By helping other businesses get new clients or customers, they get new business sent their way.
Being a member of a well-organized network is like having dozens of salespeople working for you, each referring prospective clients your way.
A notable networker must have a positive and supportive attitude. Good networking involves providing a positive and supportive environment for other business people. |
How Do Referrals Work?
A structured word-of-mouth campaign begins with the understanding that there is a segment of the public that wants you and your service as badly as you want their business.
Referrals are powerful because they reduce risk – for the customer and for the product or service supplier.
A referral is easier to close and costs a lot less to obtain. The referral tends to be a higher quality client or customer with less chance of misunderstanding or disappointment.
Referred business is easier to close, has fewer objections, has a stronger sense of loyalty, and remains a client longer.
Some companies recognize the value of their word-of-mouth business, so much so that they talk about it in their ads.
You cannot let word-of-mouth take its own course. You need a plan specifically designed to bring in referrals.
Copyright “The World’s Best Know Marketing Secret” Ivan Misner & Virginia Devine. |
