Business Networking in Milton Keynes

If you are starting a business or currently run a business a good way to promote your company is by business networking. In Milton Keynes there are a number of networking events that you can attend, some networking groups require you to join and become a member whereas others allow you to attend as and when you wish. There are different types of networking events, Breakfast and Lunch meetings, afternoon seminars and evening events, some maybe free to attend or there might be a fee. For networking events that are held on a regular basis you can book in advance to save disappointment on the day.

At networking events there will be a cross section of companies, some will be small businesses or home based business up to corporate and national business all attending with the same aim, to attract more business. This is also a forum for business resources and business ideas. Business networking can be used as part of your marketing strategy to promote your business along with the other ways such as advertising, on-line promotions, business directories, e-marketing, mail shots etc. There are also online networking groups that you can join; most of these are free however some may require a membership fee.

If you have never attended a business networking group you may want to read up on how to conduct yourself and get the most out of the event, here are some business networking skills and tips to help you:

• Everyone at the event wants to network. They want to meet you just as much as you want to meet them. The chances of rejection are tiny.
• You are decent and likeable person; believe in yourself.
• Take time to listen to what other people are saying about their company and then be enthusiastic about your own without being obsessive.
• Take an interest in what others are saying and ask a questions
• Have some general knowledge of what is happening in the news so that you can make conversation, it will make you sound more interesting.
• Always dress smartly, making sure your clothes are ironed and your shoes are clean, if you look disheveled this can reflect badly when people meet you for the first time.
• Body language is important when being introduced to people smile, be welcoming and don't fold your arms when talking.
• Make sure you have plenty of business cards
• Don't just talk to people you know, try and introduce yourself to at least 5 new people at each networking event

Host your own Networking Event or Seminar

If you want to promote your business another way of doing this is to host your own seminar or networking event. The benefit of holding a seminar is that you will be able to sell your product or service to a captive audience. You can target the companies that you want to invite, so that you only invite people that you think could benefit from your product or service. As an added incentive you can offer a free trial to anyone that signs up on the day or a percentage off. You will also need to provide refreshments depending on the time of the event for example a continental breakfast, coffee and biscuits or a buffet lunch or even a hot meal.

You will need to select a good venue, one that is easily accessible - has good parking and easy to find. This could be in a hotel, conference centre, community centre or your own premises if they are big enough. If you hold your seminar in one of these places you will need to get outside caterers to provide the refreshments.

Remember to get some giveaways, make up a pack or bag to take away with information on your product or service and something that is useful and branded, for example pens, post-it notes, scribble pads, calculators etc. Have business cards and leaflets on the tables where you have your refreshments so that people can pick them up whilst they are drinking their coffees etc.

Lastly make if fun and try to do something that will keep people talking about the event.