Business networking
I have just completed my first year of business networking and in that time I have built up quite a modest list of contacts in the various business networks that I belong!
What I am thinking about at this present moment is in reality what good is it
to have accumulated all those contacts, what does it provide me with? Most people in my business networks I rarely communicate with as to be honest I do not have enough time as it would be a full time job keeping in touch on a regular basis with every one in all these networks! There are a few although who I do correspond with on a regular basis usually through emails but also on occasions by telephone.
I am wondering if in reality with most people who have very large business networks whether it is an ego thing i.e.: - I have got more in my gang than you! What I have found is that the bigger the network the less likely you are to get a response from the individual, they are not interested, I suppose that they do not have the time as they are too busy making another connection! Most people with large business networks only seem to send out meat, whoops sorry spam, which in reality is not at all personal in the slightest!
What are your views on the size of networks?
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Tags: business networking, business networks, contacts, large business networks, network, networks
January 16th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
http://www.4networking.biz works!
January 16th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
It’s not about the size of the business network. It’s about the people in the network. Networking is a process. It takes time and energy to build the relationships with those people in your network who you make a connection with.
The rewards from networking may take time to realize but the better the relationships the more referrals you’ll get over time.
Hang in there and build the relationships with the people you feel you connect with. It will indeed payoff.
I’ve been networking for years. I belong to a group I’ve been in for 11 years. The relationships are great! New people join periodically and they either develop relationships with the members or they end up leaving.
I also join new groups once in a while. I give them at least a year and pay very close attention to whether or not I’m developing relationships.
January 16th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
love the pic of the girl doing the cleaning in the black and white dress - does she do personal appearances?? lol
January 16th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Diane,
Thank you for your insight and encouragement, I am not known to be a quitter and don’t give up lightly.
I will be continuing for sometime yet but probably with smaller numbers!
Robin
January 16th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Jason,
Unfortunetly I do not know the lady personally but if I am ever fortunate enough to stumble across her I will certainly let her know of your personal interest.
Robin
January 17th, 2009 at 12:59 am
I think there is such a proliferation of networking opportunities both on and offline that there is a danger of activity becoming too diluted.
Quality connections over quantity is important but any network group needs a reasonable number of committed people to work. For online networks numbers are not a problem, but for face-to-face meetings I think it is difficult for them if numbers dwindle. I am not saying smaller meetings cannot work, they can, but to be sustainable on an ongoing basis there needs to be a good core.
The bottom line, as Diane says, is the people and the ongoing development and quality of the relationships they have within the group.