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The Power of Inviting Others Along

Attending networking functions will have a great impact on business growth and your networking skills. True networking includes more than attending though. One of the benefits you can bring to the meeting is introducing others to the opportunity. 

In short, invite people to be your guest. 



Having people attend networking functions (whether formal or informal events) as your guest impacts the power of your networking in three ways: 

  1. It helps you nurture the contacts you have by introducing people to folks they may need to know to move their business.
  2. It demonstrates your value to the group by infusing the meetings with new faces and opportunities.
  3. It indicates to your guest you are deliberate in your networking activities and are willing to help them do the same thing

Who To Invite 

Not every person you know should be introduced to every activity. Your local mail carrier likely wouldn’t benefit from meeting local business professionals. And business professionals wouldn’t advance their business by meeting your mail carrier. Inviting a person to a networking event just to fill a stat sheet is doing a disservice to the group, your guest, and you. Instead, consider the “character” of the group, and invite professionals who would benefit from being introduced to individuals in the group. Think of specific people you would introduce to a guest. What problem does the group need to solve? Who can you invite that may have a solution to that problem? 

Also, think of the individual you invite. What solutions do they seek? Who will you introduce them to at the event that would help your guest find the solutions they seek? Tell the guest who you will be introducing them to, and why. This generates enthusiasm for them to attend, even if they are shy. 

Is your invitee a successful networker? If networking events are new to them, be aware that some functions may be uncomfortable for them. Try to make the networking “level” of your invitee congruent with the networking “level” of the function. 

What to do When Your Guest Attends

Making a guest comfortable is not as difficult as it may seem. Remembering how you felt the first time you attended will help you identify some steps to take. Consider the following: 

  1. Arrive early and encourage your guest to arrive early. Help your guest acclimate to the surroundings. (It may even be a good idea to point out where the restrooms are.)
  2. If this is a formal event, show your guest the agenda. This will allow them to know how the meeting will flow.
  3. Inform your guest of their role and expectations. At BRING! guests do not give commercials. Guests have the opportunity to briefly introduce themself after the members have given their commercials. Other networking groups allow guests to give a commercial about their business/product. Let your guest know what is expected of them during the meeting.
  4. Introduce your guest to others. Make sure at least one of the introductions is to a member of leadership. Typically, people will feel “plugged in” when they know the leadership. Select at least two other members you will introduce to your guest. Let your guest know you will be making the introductions, and why those specific people.
  5. Ask your guest who they would like to be introduced to, then make those introductions also. Often when a guest wants a specific introduction it is best to step away from their conversation after the introduction is made.
  6. Immediately after the meeting ask your guest how they liked the meeting. Most people will be positive in their responses. Then asked them what they “liked most” about the event. Now you should ask if there are any questions they have.

Conclusion 

How long has it been since you invited a guest to your regular networking function? If it’s been a while you have been missing out on great opportunities to impact your Networking Power. Be the type of networker who is constantly seeking to assist others in their business opportunities. Invite others along. 

If you are not inviting others to your networking functions, is it because you don’t know people, or because you’re selfish and don’t want to share the benefits of professional networking? 

Who will be your next invite to your usual networking event?

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