As a small to medium sized business owner, you’re probably already plenty aware of the benefits of networking.
Business networking is an effective low-cost marketing method for developing sales opportunities and contacts, based on referrals and introductions – either face-to-face at meetings and gatherings, or by other contact methods such as phone, text, email, and increasingly social and business networking websites.
What Networking Group For Me?
There are many networking opportunities in New Zealand some range from casual, community or social, today my focus is on “New Zealand Professional Business Networking Groups” maybe you are considering joining a group to help promote your product, service or better your people skills?
THE BIGGEST MISTAKES: Not treating everyone with respect sometimes they prejudge people they meet. Maybe because of the clothes or job title, however you never know where they are going to end up tomorrow down the road or who their friends are. You also don’t know the influence they may have inside the company that they work.
DON’T BE A BLEEDER: I say to our 1st time visitors, it’s not “about getting” it’s “about giving”. To be a good networker you need to show commitment and you need to put more energy in than you hope to get out! I know it takes a lot of time before I will put my name on the line and recommend anyone’s product or service. Your mission should be to build professional relationships and friendships get to know each member of your networking group on a one to one bases once you do this the referrals will naturally come.
New Zealand Professional Business Networking Groups
To make to process a little easier and less daunting I have provided a list of Networking Groups I have simply copied the “about us” information from there website, this is all about you finding the right group!
We are a progressive and forward thinking business networking organisation that brings local businesses together each week for an hour of interactive networking.
At each meeting one member delivers a 15-minute presentation to the meeting. Then, each person speaks for five minutes about their business while sitting at a table of six. Tables are mixed each week, so you get to meet different people. This is a major point of difference with Elite6 compared to other networking groups. Members are encouraged to meet outside the Elite6 meetings for further discussion about how their businesses might collaborate and/or refer to each other.
We also promote each business online with the Elite6 Members Directory each member has the ability to post Blogs and Events! Again this is distinctive to Elite6. Several groups meet each week in St Martins, Cashmere, Christchurch City, Rangiora, Waimakariri, Merivale and Queenstown with more groups springing up all the time in other areas. We’d love to have you visit one of our groups so If you are interested in joining us Register online and one of our Facilitators will contact you!
Joanne Wheeler, the group founder, has a passion for helping her members businesses grow. She believes the back to basics marketing strategy of building good relationships through quality networking is important in any business, and enjoys seeing this come to life through Synergy Networking.
The power of word of mouth we can spend thousands on marketing our businesses, but when people make decisions about who they want to buy from it is still recommendations. It’s of far more value to spend time – time building relationships and time getting to know other like-minded businesses, that will help you grow your sales through word of mouth.
Our meetings are only one hour, and though they have a structured format to ensure everyone has a good chance to promote their own business, each meeting is fresh with key tools implemented to help each member discuss a different aspect of their business each time.
BNI (Business Network International) is a business and professional referral organisation whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals and develop word-of-mouth marketing techniques.
Unlike other networking groups, BNI provides its members with a structure and a plan to enable them to network in a deliberate and professional manner. As an organisation, BNI keeps track of the number of referrals passed by each chapter and encourages the members to record the dollar value of the business they receive.
Rapid growth has seen BNI become the world’s largest business referral organisation, with currently over 160,000 members in over 6,500 chapters in 55 countries, including Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Sweden, South Africa, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, India and most recently South Korea.
The best business is referred business – That’s why our international Business over Breakfast (BoB) clubs really do work for our members.
You can get new customers easier and quicker than your competition. Securing your exclusive place at your chosen BoB Club means you block out the competition, giving you the best chance of gaining referrals.
Our members are consistently referring business to each other, so you could have up to 35 members promoting and recommending your products and services by word-of-mouth.
As well as improving presentation skills; boosting your confidence and gaining referrals, you will form strong relationships with professional people who are there to help you.
BoB club members get to know, like and trust each other and are happy to recommend your products and services, which generates quality referrals, for you to turn into good quality business.
Our fortnightly meetings provide the platform to network in a professionally structured environment that is relaxed and pressure free.
Fit 4 Business is an idea born from a love of networking, staying fit and interacting with like-minded professionals.
Managing Director Bryce Robb, also the owner of Beaver Trees and Landscaping, started Fit 4 Business in 2011 after seeing a significant gap in the market. Having been in business for a while, the entrepreneur sought a place for professionals to meet and discuss ideas, as well as set both personal and professional goals.
Fit 4 Business is based on the fundamental idea of bringing dynamic business people together in order to network and set attainable professional, fitness, and health goals.
Fit 4 Business was designed for anyone who owns or manages a business from sole traders to lawyers, graphic designers to medical practitioners.
The model has already proven popular for those who work from home or who are sole traders as Fit 4 Business is a great way to meet contacts, network and make new like-minded friends.
Bryce himself has built four successful companies over the past 15 years, with Beaver Trees and Landscaping receiving international recognition, winning the 2011 Business Excellence Award for Best Overall Company under 50 Employees.
While primarily a networking group, Fit 4 Business is designed for people who have a desire to stay fit as well as excel professionally. There are already five branches active around the Christchurch area and Bryce is keen to see other professionals around the country pick up the model and start facilitating a branch of their own.
These days people are busy with several commitments, including full-time jobs and families, and combined with technological advances making professionals accessible 24 hours a day it can be challenging to fit in a regular exercise program.
Fit 4 Business members meet once a week to network and discuss their goals for the upcoming week. Their goals are both professional and fitness related. The idea is setting goals with your like-minded peers encourages results and provides accountability.
Together professionals are encouraged to commit to and attain their goals through the development of positive beliefs and habits in order to achieve better results in both business and personal well-being.
Venus is a community designed to help women in business achieve profitable, sustainable growth in their business.
We set out to build a business network that was different; a supportive, caring environment where you feel inspired to grow, celebrated in your achievements and amongst like-minded women all committed to succeed. Join your local Venus Group and through collaboration you will experience growth in your network, your business and yourself.
Join a Venus Networking group for either 6 months ($320+gst) or 12 months ($550+gst). There is no additional joining fee involved in joining Venus. Because of our meetings times you do not need to buy a meal. You are welcome to buy a coffee or tea however this is optional.
If your New Zealand Professional Business Networking Group or one you know is not listed please feel free to Contact us and we add you.
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