“We haven’t seen Smithy for a while now, Charlie?” Asked Ian.
I’ve heard the above statement many times from lots of different people regarding those who just don’t ‘get it’ … one-time attendees to our business community. (Just like Smithy)
“Community is not for everyone, Ian.”
The term ‘community’ is something I use more often when discussing our network these days, being established and meeting on at least a fortnightly basis since 2012 … makes sense eh?
Our sole reason for coming together is to support and inspire, support the business owner and so inspire the opportunity. The given ‘opportunity’ comes in different guises. Some of us see stepping out, attending the meeting itself as the sole reason for qualifying it’s effectiveness. It’s always been tough being a sole trader or SME, so I get it, the value of conversation is invaluable.
When working for yourself the feeling that no-one is listening, or that the ‘world has forgotten you’ comes to us all.
I’ve always said that business is a by-product of effective networking. Not the sole benefit or add-on by any means. There are many benefits, the most valuable (depending on who’s listening) is the opportunity to share. By sharing we’re offering insights, experiences, bringing further education about our business during conversation … becoming even more … valuable
… we’re enlightening others on the type of person we are, and the positioning of our business, about what makes us both tick, where we’d like to be in the future. Aspirations … We’re educating.
The clearest opportunity in the early days of community building is the offer of solution(s) to family members. Introducing a helping hand to loved ones through our business community can be especially satisfying.
Another oft-overlooked advantage of joining a like-minded community is partnership. By putting the work-in, being brave, giving time to the room, we’re reaching a whole new community of listeners. Each of us have the potential to reach new prospects through recommendation. Word of mouth works … if only you give us something to talk about.
“So, yes Ian, it’s a shame Smithy is too busy for more business, seemed like a nice fella, although I never got to know him. Did you?“
The greatest gift is time, if you’re building a community network, the most important ingredient is together-time.
‘people buy from people’
CharlieKenny.me 