As you may be aware, I have already written a blog about networking. If you’re not, then the title maybe a bit of a give away! I want to take this opportunity to add a few more things I have learnt since.

Recently I attended a different chapter of BNI at Leicester Tigers Rugby Ground. The other chapter I had been to was the De Montfort chapter. Both chapters you might think should be very similar if not the same. However, that couldn’t be any further from the truth.

The BNI networking event at Leicester Tigers had more people, willingness to make connections, develop relationships and make referrals work. It generally had more of a buzz about the place. The lesson learnt here is shop around! The amount of money you can spend on some of these networking events, you better make sure it’s the right one. However, if a BNI event jumps out at you, it’s a good idea to get in there quick. If another company who do suits gets in before I sign up I would be ‘shut out’ of joining the same chapter.

Before that on Wednesday night I attended a ‘Networking Nosh’ evening. This was really informal in comparison to other networking events I had been to. I came out feeling a little unsure how necessary it was attending the event. It was only on Friday after speaking to Owain that I realised it had been a good idea to attend. Owain had met a few of the people I had met on that night at another networking event. Networking is about developing relationships. People are not necessarily going to be interested in you on the first meeting. It may take four or five meetings before someone makes a significant step into a purchase or whatever it may be. Being a familiar face to people installs trust and confidence in you and your business.

I got two referrals on my first visit to BNI and I’m really looking forward to waking up at 6.00am and going along this week! I just have to make sure I’m original in my approach during my minute spiel.

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Just before promo event held in The Innovation Centre

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Well, not entirely successful but not by any stretch a failure! I think for the people who were there, it was a night enjoyed by all, and a lot of people have told us what a lovely night they had. We came away with some potential leads which we just need to confirm fittings with, so that was a big positive.

I think one of the things we perhaps should have done was have invited more people we didn’t know and maybe gone into different businesses – solicitors, letting agents etc – to let them know what was going on. I think as much as it was an opportunity to thank people for their support so far, it would have been a good chance to spread the Head & Griffiths name a bit further. Perhaps it’s just a small thing but it might have been of greater benefit to have had the night during the week as people are generally committed to other things on a Friday. I think if it were on a weekday you’re more likely to getting people talking about it the next day in the office.

The venue and ambience was spot on, and I think it’s given us loads of ideas in terms of holding future events. It’s now a case of reviewing the successes and failures of the event whilst it is still fresh in our heads and chasing up those potential leads!

Labels: Dominic, fishbowl3, launch party lessons, marketing, promotion