Someone has told you you'll get lots of work if you join a networking group so off you go to your first meeting. You're expecting to get lots of leads which in turn you will convert into actual paid work for you. WRONG! well at least not necessarily, so why have you bothered to join?
OK that’s a bit pessimistic as you may well hit lucky straight off, and the bottom line is to get more business. But that might not happen straight away. What’s more likely is that you start getting to know people straightaway, and these people will know other people who know other people who know other people... you get the idea. So from the word go the name of the game is to start building up good relationships with all those who you meet. And I mean 'ALL' as please don't fall into the trap of thinking ‘oh, I don't need to talk to her because she wont be interested in what I have to offer’ - just think of all the other people she knows!
So don't expect immediate returns – it can take months! – but if instead you pass referrals on to others in the group, or maybe are able to use their services yourself, in time your efforts will reap rewards. The leads you eventually get may well turn out to be second even third hand.
In any case networking can also provide other benefits … - can increase your confidence, just pretend to be confident … works wonders! - it is a way of getting together with others to share business & maybe resolve your issues - the meetings often have very good speakers on topics relevant to you
But one word of caution - not all networking groups have the same dynamics so you may want to try out a few before paying out an annual fee which can be quite steep. You need to feel comfortable about the set-up but if you find the right one that fee should turn out to be money well spent!
‘Tis the season to be going to an awards ceremony, but what else can make a good story? Well actually almost anything that’s news to do with your business. So yes it could be a one-off like being an awards finalist, or it could be that you are taking on more staff, or introducing a new product or service, or having a celebrity visitor, or launching a newsletter … the list goes on. And it can even be the seemingly mundane, like moving premises, attending a trade show etc.
But if you send it to the local paper will they print it? No guarantees but you will certainly have a better chance by following these tips :
remember it’s a story first, and plug for your business second
don’t just say what but tell why ie rather than saying ‘we are moving offices …’ could say ‘we will have more space in our new office …’
use ‘quality’ quotes to support & enhance the story ie avoid just saying ‘it’s brilliant …’ but give a reason eg ‘it will be a real improvement to the service we offer our customers as it will reduce the time it takes to do each job …’
give the full gist of the story in the first paragraph – most people reading newspaper articles rarely read more than that, and in any case the paper may well cut out some of it
provide a good photo – even if they are not able to use it, it still may help get your press release in print
and finally this might sound obvious but where possible take advantage of seasonal timing eg introducing a new gardening service in the spring, or a range of Christmas Cards in the Autumn, or coming full circle ‘tis the season to be going to an awards ceremony and doing a press release about that award you have just won!
PS Don’t forget to make yourself available when you send it off – you’ll be kicking yourself if they tried to get hold of you to clarify a point and didn’t use the press release because you weren’t around!
I went to the luncheon awards ceremony on Thursday with Jeff, my husband, and was really pleased to have the additional support of members from the local FSB committee.
Whilst I didn’t win my Go Green category, being both nominated & shortlisted has still brought business benefits as I have had quite a bit of free publicity with my name being mentioned in the Evening Post, and both article & picture – see here – in Swansea Bay Business Life Magazine.Plus I have gained a Highly Recommended plaque which now has pride of place in my office at home.
Having been nominated for the Go Green Environment Award this year I’m very pleased to be chosen as one of the three finalists. A change from previous years the main sponsor is now South Wales Evening Post, and all the winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on 30th September.
Since being told I have had some still photos taken for the Post and Swansea Business Life magazine, plus a short video recording which will be shown on the day. So it's just wait & see and fingers crossed!
simistic as you may well hit lucky straight off, and the bottom line is to get more business. But that might not happen straight away. What’s more likely is that you start getting to know people straightaway, and these people will know other people who know other people who know other people... you get the idea. So from the word go the name of the game is to start building up good relationships with all those who you meet. And I mean 'ALL' as please don't fall into the trap of thinking ‘oh, I don't need to talk to her because she wont be interested in what I have to offer’ - just think of all the other people she knows! 
