Every business, at some point will grow as a result of word of mouth. Recent surveys indicate that consumers are 70% more likely to approach a business if they hear about it by recommendation and with this knowledge a number of networking groups have established themselves with the sole purpose of providing a platform for businesses to promote their services to each other by this method.

Normally, groups will meet for breakfast before the working day starts. A typical format for such an event would involve each member giving the group a summary of their services and details of a particular area of the business they are keen to develop. The other members would then have the opportunity to ask questions and offer words of encouragement as well as offer any ideas they may have for promoting the product or service. At the end members will often share potential leads that they believe would be interested in what your business offers.

Most businesses who have tried this form of marketing swear by it and certainly there is plenty of evidence to show that it can be very effective.

The way in which these groups are structured and organised can vary, some can be quite relaxed, where opportunities to socialise with other members are as highly valued as business development. Others can have an almost exclusive commercial focus with strict rules to ensure that members make every effort to introduce other members to potential business contacts. Some groups choose to be quite selective about their membership; only allowing one representative from each sector whilst others consider such restrictions counterproductive and therefore have an open door policy.

Attendance at most networking groups will involve a cost; for some the fees simply cover expenditure where as for others the fees will also be used to grow the organisation as a whole and can therefore will tend to be quite a lot higher.

SMEO offer two services that may appeal to business owners considering using networking groups as method of promoting their businesses.

Firstly we can help in terms of identifying the right group for you to join. Not just in terms of the geographical location or membership profile but also; how successful they are, what returns you might expect and over what time scale, plus any other criteria that you would like us to measure them by.

Secondly we can offer a unique substitution service. Many small to medium sized businesses recognise the value of networking but simply don’t have the time or resources to make use of them. SMEO therefore offer to represent you at the events on your behalf.

First we will meet with you and gain a full understanding of your business and what products or services you would like to promote, then we will attend the event/s as though we were a member of your senior management team, providing the same level of enthusiasm and energy. We will then provide detailed feedback and of course details of any leads that are generated.