The Business Networking Tips - When, Where, and Why to Network? (Part 3)

What Are The Best Places and Times to Network

The short answer is that anytime and anywhere is a good place and a good time to network. Never miss an opportunity! But there are some places and some times that produce more lucrative and more positive results.

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The Best Places To Network

Think about when you were in your early twenties. If you were looking for a potential date, which of the following would you think would have had the best prospects for having people who may also be looking for a partner?

a) A PTA meeting

b) An American Association of Retired Persons meeting

c) A Young Republicans or Young Democrats meeting

Of course, (c) would give you the best prospects of landing a suitable date. Why? Because the PTA and AARP attendees would have little in common with you.

The same applies to business networking. Seek out the associations, organizations and professional affiliations that have members with attributes that you are looking for in a customer or client.

Some suggestions:

• Association meetings. Association meetings that your potential prospects go to are the best places to network. It is a sincere compliment when you attend those meetings, since it says to potential prospects, "Hey, even though I'm not in your industry, I care enough to want to learn more about it." That will get your foot in the door much more quickly than just a traditional "cold call."
• Training sessions. Half the benefit of attending public seminars is that you get to network with other professionals with similar interests. A common bond has already been created between you and your potential prospect.
• Chamber of commerce meetings. What better place to network than a gathering of prominent decision-makers from your community?
• Rotary Club meetings. See chamber of commerce meetings.
• Sponsored networking events. Whether these events are sponsored by your company, a competitor, or an association, they're worth attending. People who attend these are open to networking.
• Holiday parties and gatherings. People are generally in a good mood at these and will welcome small talk from people from outside of their company. Spread some holiday cheer and do some networking! One of my most lucrative clients came from a Christmas party I attended on a whim two years ago. A woman I'd met at an association networking event invited me to her company's client Christmas party. At the party, I met one of her company's customers, who in turn introduced me to one of her customers, who became my client! I now have an annual retainer contract with that company!
  

What Are The Best Times to Network

Generally, it's best to network after business hours. Breakfast and luncheon gatherings are less effective. Why? Because people are on a time deadline -- they either have to get to work or get back to the office. Networking when there are no time pressures is the best time to try to establish rapport. Your conversation partner will be in a more relaxed, less rushed frame of mind, and therefore more open to chatting with you.