Most
peer networks follow their own advice, and do not actively recruit or
advertise in order to increase membership. As an organization devoted
to strengthening the leadership and problem-solving skills of
entrepreneurs, it is the entrepreneurs themselves who spread the word.
Feel free to interview facilitators and attend meetings while shopping
around for the network that is right for you.
If you had a nickel for every time you heard the expression “It’s
not what you know, it’s who you know,” then you could comfortably skip
over this article and continue rolling your loose change. But if you,
like me, lack an eccentric benefactor who throws inconvenient amounts
of legal tender at you merely for spouting clich?s of obscure origin,
then you may wish to seek financial growth in the potentially lucrative
realm of networking, and financial benefits are only the tip of the
iceberg. Wow! I really hit that one out of the park! Nope, still no nickels.
While
the “It’s not what you know” portion of this age-old expression may
apply to those fortunate enough to hold powerful political positions,
the entrepreneurs among us can not afford the luxurious bliss that is
synonymous with ignorance. Today’s entrepreneur lives in an information
age and must keep on top of, if not ahead of, trends, technology, and
many other factors to stay alive and competitive. Enter the peer
network.
Peer
networks are typically comprised of six to 14 entrepreneurs and/or
chief executives who meet regularly and confidentially under the
guidance of an experienced facilitator. The productivity of peer
networks is distinguished by providing a supportive, unbiased
environment in which professionals share ideas, solve business
problems, and build strong relationships. Gone are the days of
anonymously showing up at a networking function, latching onto the only
person in the room who you already know, chucking back a few drinks and
ultimately sneaking out undetected. I, for one, am really going to miss
those days.
Although
members don’t sell to each other (this maintains a non-competitive
environment), the network is a source of expertise, insight, advice,
and ideas which an individual entrepreneur may lack. Learning from the
successes and failures experienced by fellow business owners often
reduces the feeling of isolation experienced by entrepreneurs, and the
direction, assistance, mentorship, and sense of community truly
flourish in the peer network environment, where focus lies on
individual needs, not solicitation and promotion.
Most
peer networks follow their own advice, and do not actively recruit or
advertise in order to increase membership. As an organization devoted
to strengthening the leadership and problem-solving skills of
entrepreneurs, it is the entrepreneurs themselves who spread the word.
Feel free to interview facilitators and attend meetings while shopping
around for the network that is right for you.
What if peer networking is not the network you want
to be networking in? Would the answer to that question be the same as
the answer to this one? Ha ha! Just seeing if you’re still awake. The
answer of course is 42, but I digress.
It’s
usually the die-hard salesperson who is in their element at a
networking function dedicated to promotion and solicitation, but sooner
or later, every successful entrepreneur must attend. Following these
tips will give you the confidence and organization to benefit from
these events.
- Make the time to attend at least
one function per month. This is an action dedicated to growing your business by gaining new contacts and potential sales.
- Talk
about your business. Putting together a 10 second introduction
encompassing your name, company name, feature point, type of business
and/or industry, will raise awareness of your company. The more you
practice this, the easier it gets.
- Go
with a goal. Set an achievable goal to make x amount of contacts at an
event. Know the type of business/people that you can help, and the type
of business/people that can help you. Seek mutually beneficial
long-term relationships.
- Follow up. The day after an event, contact your new friends
and arrange a time and place to meet so that you can both devote your
undivided attention to what the other requires.
If you’re
feeling uncomfortable already, then you are exactly where you should
be-out of your comfort zone. Discomfort equals growth, and growth
(waistlines aside) is good. You are trying something new, venturing
into the unknown, and with the ebb of discomfort comes the flow of
exhilaration. Not to mention, results!
Joining
groups not specifically dedicated to your line of business will
minimize your competition and maximize your access to opportunities.
Researching these (and other) resources for your area will lead you to
events and groups suitable to your particular needs.
- Chamber of commerce and business leader networks
- Neighborhood business councils,
neighborhood and civic organizations
- Local or regional small business centers
- www.allbusiness.com
Ask other entrepreneurs! And don’t forget your 10 second
introduction!
Peer Groups
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