Networking, working? Or Notworking?

You may have read a recent article "Know Who Your Ideal Clients Are For Success in Business"... The discussion of who is your ideal client and how do you define the right customers for the success of your business is an important topic. One of the specific reasons this definition will have such an impact on the ultimate success of your business is it will begin to drive everything else you do. This definition will help to determine your marketing strategy all the way to how and where you network.

The next time you are speaking with your dentist, or your accountant, or your chiropractor ask where they go to events. Typically the events they attend are industry specific events. There will be other dentists, or accountants or chiropractors there in attendance. The only remote chance of seeing a referral from these groups is if someone they know is relocating exactly to your community and their office remembers who you are and where your business is located. In general, industry specific events will help you to discuss best practices within your area of specialty, learn new methods or technologies and potentially create a network of specialists who you might call if you are in a unique situation.

If you then ask your dentist, accountant or chiropractor where they generally obtain the majority of their new clients. Odds are good they would say referrals from current and former clients. This is where this gets interesting as none of them are actively networking to meet new clients.

These three examples are of professionals in private practice who have generally isolated themselves. Who will they turn to for example, with a business related question which is not an aspect of their specialty?

A networking strategy is important for anyone at any level of business. It is of significant importance to the solo- preneur or small business owner who must make each of these functions count. Look through your calendar and determine the exact types of networking events you should be attending.

Consider creating a strategy around your networking and intentionally form relationships which are mutually beneficial. Some of these relationships will be specific to your area of specialization. These conversations will keep you in the loop. Other relationships should be formed to add value to each other. You hope these will result in new connections and clients.

When you are in need of an answer to a business question, or you require an experienced professional to offer a second set of eyes and ears on a project you should consider the Thirty For Thirty offered by Mitch Tublin.