Milton Keynes Networking
Milton Keynes has become known as the UK's networking capital but what does this really mean when it comes to business facts and figures? The wisdom of those who have tried and tested numerous networking environments undoubtedly helps fast-track the profitability of those looking to optimise one of our city's most valuable referral systems.
Choosing the right gathering is vital, otherwise you will simply burn up time and energy without substantially increasing revenue.
"Solution Factors concentrates on maximising clients' return-on-investment and business growth. I recently met like-minded directors Andy Williamson of Loquendi and Kate Moore of The Custom Experience to brainstorm the pros and cons of the networking groups we have visited, which cover most of those within Milton Keynes. It was a refreshing conversation with unanimous conclusions which readily translate into tips for those thinking of networking to grow business," explained Rachael
Bonfield, director of Solution Factors, a PR and marketing company.
Andy, Kate and Rachael all testify to the three-way correlation between the frequencies that each networking group meets, its business focus and the results generated. This is why they are all members of BNI groups which meet once a week for breakfast. Getting to know people enables potential referrers to fact-find, and it builds trust. A drive to meet individuals outside of the official networking sessions helps kick-start mutual lead generation. As such strong relationships hold a key to success, be
mindful of the size of the group you intend to commit to.
During your first visit to a networking group, assess the type of business people it contains and compare their likely contact spheres with your existing and potential customer base. For example, if you provide products or services to businesses, yet the people in the room are primarily targeting households, their contacts will yield less than a group with a predominantly business-to-business membership.
Becoming a member of any networking group will involve referring business. Each time you pass on a lead, you put your own reputation on the line. Make sure that you are confident in your recommendation which means finding out about a supplier's track record.
The only way to achieve a strong track record is through building a high-quality, professional history. For this reason, referring to start up businesses run by those who do not have a proven reputation within their specialism is a high-risk strategy. This should not be confused with individuals holding a personal, strong track record for delivering, who have started their own company. Joining a group with a healthy population of established, reputable companies and professionals, who are more likely to
have a beneficial contact sphere, will always be most preferable.
Your ability to communicate your offering is important, but the ability to get to know people is imperative. Human nature dictates that introducing compatible characters to each other can only contribute positively.
To try out the essence of BNI at a fundraising breakfast for MK SNAP on 6 February 2009, at Walnut Tree, email Rachael@solutionfactors.com.