Networking comes in many different shapes and sizes, from informal lunches that anyone can attend to structured sessions with set agendas and membership criteria.
There’s no right or wrong structure; what works for one business may not work for another and some businesses choose to join a variety of networking groups so they can take full advantage of the benefits of each format.
At FaB Networking, we offer a one-seat per industry policy, as we’ve found this to be the most beneficial and successful for our members, especially when it comes to translating that membership into tangible new customers and business.
So how does one-seat per industry work?
Put simply, if you’re a carpenter, for example, and you join a particular FaB Networking group, you will take the seat for your industry (assuming it’s vacant). No other carpenters will be able to join the group so long as you’re holding that seat and attending meetings.
Our members have found there are several benefits to working in this way. Here are just a few of them.
Be the expert in your field
One of the most rewarding benefits of a one-seat policy is that you will automatically become the ‘go-to’ expert in your field. As long as you put the effort in by attending the meetings and engaging with the other members, you should find that you become the specialist in your industry.
There’s no competing with other businesses offering the same service, so you can focus on making new connections, winning new customers and growing your business.
Ready-made customer base and sales team
Everyone attending a networking group is looking to get something out of it, and our members are all motivated to make sure they put business each other’s way, with the hope of getting customers and referrals in return. So, if someone needs a carpenter, they are likely to first turn to the carpenter in their networking group. Not only will all the members turn to you if they need your service, they are also likely to recommend you to others if anyone else needs your service.
Member of an elite club
The set up at FaB Networking results in an elite club of small business owners who work together as part of a productive community with a focus on helping each other to grow, to the mutual benefit of all. You’ll soon find that there are many benefits to this. As well as growing your own business, you’ll share expertise, trade services and discover useful information about things like funding and skills opportunities.
You’ll have a team of business people from all sectors that you can call upon whenever you need them. This will also make you a ‘go-to’ person in circles outside the networking group. Being able to make quality recommendations to other people looking for carpenters, electricians, copywriters etc, will benefit you no end in business.
Collaborations come easily
Another benefit commonly experienced by our members is the opportunity to collaborate with each other. Many FaBsters have joined forces to partner up, share business and resources; which ultimately adds value to a business and their customers. For example, we have a copywriter who works with a web designer, which enables both to offer a more complete service.
Joining FaB Networking
We have networking groups in Tamworth, Rugby, Nuneaton and Hinckley. If you’re interested in attending, please contact FaB Networking to find out whether your category seat is available. Depending on availability, you can either take the seat for your closest group, or for all four if you want to widen your pool of potential customers.
