Small Business | Forum « Accelerating Networking in a New Town (Tips!)

Accelerating Networking in a New Town (Tips!) (5 posts)

Topic tags: lead generation, networking, prospecting

Rich Brooks said
11 months, 2 weeks ago:
Recently someone asked me about some tips on how to speed up the networking and prospect acquisition after you’ve moved to a new town.
Since the last time I did that I opened up the yellow pages and called up everyone listed as “graphic designers” in town, my information may be a little out of date.
Actually, I feel that blogging, public speaking and being good at in person networking events is key.
What would you suggest to an entrepreneur just moving into town?
@rich-brooks | # | Top
Joan Muschamp (Fagnani) said
11 months, 2 weeks ago:
@rich-brooks Having just moved not long ago, I really hit the ground running, so much so that I now teach a class in networking techniques.
For new folks in town, here is what I recommend:
- Look at Meetups – use keywords like Entrepreneur, Small Business, Women Business etc.
- Check for Industry association groups specific to your skill set and your target market
- Find local chambers and start attending some of their events
- If you go to a church, don’t forget that is a potential source of connections
- Ask your health club owner where they network, and the same goes for other small biz folks.
- If you buy a daily deal for a business, if you get access to the owner, ask them
In all these places, when you connect, tell everyone that you are new in town. The helpful people will share where they network, and you might get invited to join a BNI group or other very good group. That has probably been the single most important source of finding new groups for me.
@joanmuschampfagnani | # | Top
Amy Hall, Virtual Assistant for WordPress and MailChimp Help said
11 months, 2 weeks ago:
@rich-brooks Some tried and true tips are … visit the Chamber of Commerce and attend some of their functions, if you have any ties with an organization like Rotary, Kiwanis, or Lions club look them up in your new town, join toastmasters club if there is one, and go to church and get involved. You’ll meet more people when you become involved in a church, club or organization.
@amyhallbiz | # | Top
Rich Brooks said
11 months, 2 weeks ago:
Let me just throw tweetups into the mix. We throw them monthly in Portland, Maine, and you get to see all your local tweeps IRL. (In real life.)
@rich-brooks | # | Top
Abigail Gorton said
11 months, 1 week ago:
BNI. There are books written. Just look it up, go along and join if they will have you. Then consider what networking really is. Again, there are books written that you can read but you could sum it up as ‘do favors for people who might be able to bring referrals to you.’ As a web developer, most of my referrals come from graphic designers, social media consultants, PC guys, Mac guys, photographers… So find some local ones. Call them up. Ask to meet for coffee / lunch. Listen to them talk about their business. Try not to talk about yours the first time. If you can do anything to help them, whther it is a referral, a lead or a free hour of your services, they will remember you and want to bring something back to you in return. Networking and Karma are secret BFFs.
@abigailgorton | # | Top