Have you ever found yourself saying "Networking doesn't work!"
I know I have!
What changed?
I realised that the ROI of networking wasn't a quick win!
People need to 'Know, Like and Trust you'
You won't get referred by turning up to a meeting or event once or twice, unless you're really, really lucky or in such a niche business. One thing I can promise you is that if you keep showing up and keep telling people what it is you do, guaranteed you will then start to find yourself getting recommended and better still people will start coming to you for the thing you do!
This happened to me at last week's MIB Wolverhampton Black Country March Event as part of Leon'as UK tour.
I had signed up to be Headline Sponsor, which as a Wedding and Event Planner was only natural. I was not expecting to walk away with even 1 enquiry let alone 3!!
One of the attendees had seen me sharing online what I do and at the end of the event when we were just networking she said the words we all want to hear "I need you!" We got chatting and it transpired she is now ready to plan her wedding. So, I gave her a few tips of things to consider before we can take the conversation further
One of the other speakers, said the same phrase to me, so by this point I'm a cheshire cat! Gulshen Bano, the owner of Strike Back Self Dence for Women is running some open days ahead of her instructor training courses but doesn't have the time or patience for the admin elements of this and so again I told her to send me the dates and we can then arrange a time to talk through her requirements.
The 3rd, came about as I offered my help to another speaker from the day, who is planning a retreat. They're checking their budget but they said "You are amazing at what you're doing. So proud to see it"
These 3 enquiries collectively have more than covered my sponsorship and time. Even if only 1 of them converts I have covered myself. In fact, even if I had only bought an attendee ticket, I would have got an ROI. The best part?
I have known Gulshen for 4 years!!! That's a 4 year ROI!!!!!
Most people would have given up a long time ago but we have stayed connected and now we have found the perfect way to support each other
So, tell me why are you not networking???
Photo credit - Emily Morgan Photography
Trending
