Sandra J. Paluzzi
The Bead Peddler®

A formal networking group is one where members all have something in common and meet to discuss that commonality. 

There are several networking groups appropriate for beaders:   a bead society, a crafters/artisans guild, a women business owners group or a local merchant's association to name a few.  There are general clubs for moms in business.  There are old stand by networking events like Toastmasters.  The challenge is not to find an appropriate networking group, but to find the one that  will give you maximum exposure or support.

In general you should expect the following  benefits from joining a networking group:

• Meeting people with the same interest.

• Gaining information,  such as learning business tips in a women's business owners group

• Finding potential customers.

• Finding potential suppliers

• Forming a referral network with others in the group.  Finding others to refer your services to potential customers.

• Joint marketing opportunities with others in the group.

Most networking groups hold meetings monthly.  The meetings are typically divided into two sections:  a time to get to know other members and a time for a formal lecture or group exercise.  The first part of the meeting, the informal part, sometimes involves food or drinks.  It is frequently called a business card exchange.  This is the time when members get to know new friends and catch up with old ones.  Sometimes the people at the business card exchange will stand in groups and circulate throughout the room.  Sometimes they'll sit at large tables and get to know others at the table. 

Either way, it can be intimidating to walk into a room full of strangers.  It helps take the pressure off if I make it my goal to connect with one person.  That seems much less intimidating and more productive than trying to meet everyone in the group my first time out. 

To take part in the informal meeting, you will need a smile, some business cards, a pen and note paper.  You will smile when you walk up to a stranger, stick out your hand and introduce yourself.  When talking to someone new, be open to many possibilities.  The person may have just the supplier you need.  They may perform a service that your mother can use.  They may be a potential customer or have a sister who needs jewelry for her upcoming wedding.  They may even know someone who could walk your dog or cut your lawn.  If there is a potential for future contact, exchange business cards.  Write something on the business card you get to jog your memory.  That could mean writing 'call about sister's wedding', 'email with information on new beading wire', etc.  Also write something on the card you give to the person to help jog her memory when she pulls out the card at a future date.

Sometimes someone will suggest you talk to someone else at a meeting.  Take notes on that new contact - e.g. 'blonde woman with pink blouse has consignment shop that takes jewelry. ' You want to be able to recognize her should you get detoured on your way to introduce yourself.

The formal parts of these meetings are also networking opportunities.  You are typically seated in chairs next to each other and there are often breaks where you get an opportunity to meet your neighbor. 

Your work is not finished when you arrive home.  Go over your notes and business cards as soon as you get home.  Make detailed notes to allow you to follow up the next day.  Be sure to follow up with those promised emails, phone calls, or just a general nice to meet you note. 

How much you get out of a group will depend on both the nature of the group and on how much you put into the group.  The more you go to meetings the more you will become known and the better your chances of gaining business.  The more you reach out to others at the meetings the more others will reach out to you.  And the more you help others, the more they'll help you.    You will often see me write that what you put out comes back to you a thousand fold.  I firmly believe that is true of all things in general and networking meetings in particular.

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