Well hello there, my name is Jonathan Clark and
welcome to a quick training video on how to maximise your return to GET THE
MOST out of your business networking.
This is a quick how to video to help you build your
network, so you can reach your goals faster and more easily. So you’ll make more valuable contacts who can
introduce you to more potential clients, making your life easier.
Today’s topic is about inviting guests to take a
look at your group.
QUICK STORY...
The other day I got a Cold caller at my door, with a
clipboard
I let him do his script… then I had to tell him I’m
not really in the market for what he’s selling
But then I asked him - tell me, do you like knocking
on doors and pounding the streets?
You’ll be really glad you came to my door… cos I
know a better way to get clients…
Why
you should invite guests
Yes you get points for bringing a visitor. Yes you get points if they join. But beyond that there are several reasons why
you ought to invite people. Let’s talk
about the bigger picture
New people are the lifeblood that keeps a networking
group buzzing and healthy, therefore every group needs guests
More people in the room = more referrals. You make more money. Everyone benefits.
You need to talk about the benefits of business
networking with other like-minded business owners
A visitor is always a good result for a group, even
if they don’t join – someone ends up doing business with them. So they may turn into paying clients.
Also You can’t do everything on your own – the more
people who can help you, the easier it gets.
You need to build your contact sphere – the number
of other business owners that you have at the other end of the phone.
Networking groups lose members, so it’s vital we
bring in new blood to keep the group vibrant and healthy.
It’s also great PR when a local business visits the group
and hears what it’s all about, who we all are, chats with several members and
takes away all of our business cards.
Does that make sense?
What it means
The fact is - The average visitor spends money with
the group, regardless of whether they join or not. Someone usually ends up doing business with
the visitor.
If they join, great - you now have a new member to
build a relationship with and share each other’s connections
There’s always somebody in the room that can help
you reach your goals, and you can help someone else reach theirs.
Statistically If you grow a group by 10 members, the
referrals should double!
There are plenty of people to invite to the meeting
Average business person has 1000 contacts- Between Your
phone, your clients, your Facebook friends, your little black book, your
suppliers, your LinkedIn connections and your Christmas card list.
When I started, if someone had given me the chance
to stand up in front to 20-30 local business owners and decision makers I’d
have sold my granny for the chance!
How to invite?
Let me give you a script to help you invite people
to look at this group.
Are
you in a position to handle more clients?
Great
- I am working with a group of local business owners who are looking for a
professional [category] to pass referrals to.
Would you be interested in meeting them?
Always remember to tell them to bring lots of
business cards.
Now you can run that script by Text, email, phone call,
face to face, or private message on LinkedIn or Facebook
Be as brief as possible, get them along to the
meeting [pick them up and bring them if need be] and let the meeting do the job
for you. People need to
experience a good structured meeting, meet the members, hear the presentations
and see the professionalism to be able to judge.
One
veteran networker I know used to tell a story of helping out at a Cumbernauld
group
There’s
his next door neighbour
What
are you doing here?
I’ve
been coming for a year now – half of my clients come through this group.
Had
been scared to invite him. Pre-judged
him – oh he won’t be interested.
Wondered
where you were going all suited and booted at that time of day
You can always invite cold - Postcard adverts on
supermarket notice boards, local directories, van signage – but I’d rather
bring in people I already know, like and trust.
What
If You Did?
Realise that YOU’RE DOING THEM A FAVOUR by inviting
them.
The average member makes money from being part of
the group! You can help them add money
to their bottom line.
You’ll soon come to realise that most long term networkers
look at other local business owners and think they’re BONKERS to say no
What if your group grew by 2 or more new members
every month?
You can actually see how the energy goes up when there’s
a guest in the room – everyone ups their game
If you’re already a member, have a think about who you could
invite for next time.
If you’re a guest – now you know how you got here! But if you’d like to tap into the power of
having a ready-made sales team acting as introducers for your business all year
round, then speak to us at the end of the meeting.
