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Virtual Business / Real Life Networking

Running an Internet Marketing company that prides itself on using the virtual world to drive business for ourselves or our clients, you maybe find it strange that I am about to write about real world networking.  We recently tooks the plunge and joined 4Networking (4N) to see if we could generate business and grow relationships in a different way – so we are spreading the message and opportunities in a different way.

While 4N has some great online tools, it appears that the “real world” tools are starting to pay dividends for us and it is these that I want to share.

The Meet itself

Firstly, because of the audence at each meeting is varied it allows you to test different ideas and messages.   So much so that it has led us to develop a new range of products and services aimed at the small business market place delivered in a way that is low cost and easy to deliver. If we had tried to do this all virtually, I don’t think we would have had the same level of confidence in the offering.

One to Ones

The 10 minute meetings you have on a one to one basis are not just about pushing business – it is about listening and finding needs.   I hope 4N start to run for 3 hours rather than two and have the extra hour to have six more one to ones – as I find these invaluable for referrals, brainstorming of new ideas, as well as finding new suppliers and partners.

4Sights

I have only run one 4sight but I see these as a way to grow your standing within your group or area as the “go to guy” for a given topic or field.  The only issue I think I had with mine, is that it was maybe pitched too technically and need to make it a bit easier to digest.  After all who needs a nerdy tech talk at 8.30 in the morning. 

That  said I do see these as the way to grow our business via real life networking. I just need to work on the presentation itself.

If you have thought about networking and feel it is not for you, it might be worth taking another look. 4N has a great website and forum , and the local meets are friendly, informal and not stuffy.   

I think for finance and insurance companies there is scope to provide product but I feel there could be greater benefits in terms of partnerships with other businesses and gain some knowledge. If you are in the Kent or Thanet area and are thinking about popping along please let me know and I can send you an invite to come and kick the tyres.

ADDED NOTE 02/06/2011

I also just reviewed my website stats for May and noticed that 4N traffic referrals outstripped Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter this month. What does this mean? Well by joining 4N and taking part real life networking  means I am driving web traffic too! Yes I really #LOVE4N.

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