The process of building your network to grow your business has a lot more to it than just simply showing up at networking events a couple of times a month. It really is a process. Meeting folks in a group is a great start, but this is just the beginning. The true purpose of networking is to achieve engagement that leads to an appointment.
Got that. Engage first. Set an appointment.
There is something else I want you to consider when setting up your 1-2-1 meetings. Does meeting with this person move me and/or my business forward? If you are defining your multiple target markets and researching where these people hang out, then 80% of qualifying the right individuals to meet with is already done. Meeting with true qualified leads for possible clients and possible strategic partners is the obvious reason to set up solid 1-2-1 meetings. But is that the only reason? I think not.
The 1-2-1 meeting is where the magic happens. It’s where you get the chance to connect with one person on an equal level to learn about them, their business, their passions, their journey, their story. Moving your business forward is also about helping others move their business forward, too. Find out how you can help them. Take yourself out of the equation and focus on what you can do for the other person sitting across from you. You’ve heard it before, and I will say it again. Give once, receive it back tenfold.
Another great reason to set up a 1-2-1? Your own personal and professional development. Are there people in your network that raise you up every time you connect with them? People that provide guidance, advice, counsel, wisdom? These 1-2-1 meetings are invaluable to the growth of you as a person and as a business owner. These meetings are the best and can be so inspiring!
So many people, so little time. One way to make sure you stay on track with always having a full calendar of 1-2-1’s is to set benchmarks. Benchmark how many 1-2-1 appointments you want to achieve each week, each month, each quarter. Benchmarking allows you to have a place to work from and work toward in your appointment setting.
Group networking is great. Truly. But the magic really happens at the 1-2-1. So set your benchmarks, set your appointments, help others first, be grateful for the amazing folks that will come into your life, and have fun!
Pamela
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Hi Pamela,
I love this! And I have found such richness in my 1-2-1 meetings. As a business owner, I have certainly learned along the way to be ultra discerning about how/where to spend my time and energy. When you engage with another person and create synergy and excitement together, like you said–that magic happens.
Thanks for the reminder of how important it is to ‘give”…and also have fun in the process!