Five Keys To Calgary Business Networking

Are You A New Business in Calgary ?

Are You Looking For Ways to Get Your Word Out?

Try Social Network Marketing!

Calgary is alive and buzzing with excitement when it comes to growing a business and Social Network Marketing is a big part of that buzz.

Independent entrepreneurship no longer means isolation and loneliness…any more than running a business from your computer over the internet. Internet marketing has evolved into opportunities to take instruction “live” over the world wide web using software that lets us reach out and virtually touch our target market 24/7. Web cams and phone lines supplement our ability to connect with buyers and suppliers wherever they are on the planet.

The internet has changed the way we communicate and it has changed the way we do business. It has drastically changed the speed at which we do business. And it has radically changed the realm in which we do business. It is, perhaps, the internet that has created an unprecedented opportunity for entrepreneurship to grow in popularity.

More and more and more …real live marketing is following the lead of the internet. Take affiliate marketing on the internet, for instance. It may be advantageous to your business to set up a link with a strategic alliance to direct traffic to someone with whom you do business…someone who you have already established as a person you trust.

Networking is a lot like that. Networking is a lot about leaving the comfort of your office and building connections live and in person. Sometimes it is about creating a strategic alliance. Sometimes it is about exploring for fit. Sometimes it is about finding a client and sometimes it is about discovering a service that benefits your work. It is always about putting your business in the spotlight. A networking event is a great place to showcase your achievements.

It is a great way to meet your target market face-to-face . It is a fast way to get to know your competition. And it is a wonderful way to learn some new business marketing strategies from the many presenters who are being asked to share a few minutes at breakfasts, luncheons and/or dinners. How are others marketing their products and services? What are they looking for? One event alone can bring you opportunities you never dreamed could happen.

Why do people choose to do network marketing as part of the advertising program in their business plan? Network marketers who participate in business network marketing solely for the purpose of attracting business unto themselves are likely to be disappointed. The most important piece of network marketing is the building relationships part. In the building of a relationship, what is your first step? Do you like to “do lunch?” Do you like to communicate via email for several rounds before “having coffee?” Do you have a referral reward program? Is there a product or service you are seeking that may not directly relate to your business such as a great pedicurist or a super lawn maintenance service? Are you looking for a new job?

So what are the keys to networking? There are many. The more you network, the more you will define your own keys to success in this approach to selling yourself and your business. Here are some of my favourites:

Key#1: Take action. Just get out there. Explore a variety of networking clubs.

Key#2: Look professional. If you look professional, you are more likely to feel professional and you will appear more ready to do business.

Key#3: Wear your smile and practise your handshake.

Key#4: Create a connection and set an appointment with at least one person at each event you attend.

Key#5: Evaluate your experience. Are your relationships expanding in number? Run your numbers. Just as you would track the source and the revenue attracted by any form of advertising, run your numbers on the business you are giving and the business you are attracting from networking. And finally, remember that networking is not only about the numbers.

My advice?  Open the door to your possibilities . Attend at least one network marketing event every week for the next month. Go prepared with your elevator speech. Make it memorable. Take your business cards…professionally done business cards. Remember that you are there to make an impression. Know that within your business you have a gift to deliver and that you are seeking recipients for this gift…be it the gift of your talents, your time or your treasures .

Choose a club or two or even three. Make a commitment. This commitment needs to be in the form of membership and it should be for at least one year. Two years is not out of the question. By taking out a membership you convince other business network marketers that you are serious about doing business with other people in business.

How Are You Building Your Calgary Network? Perhaps you are already a member of at least one of the following Networking Clubs. Some clubs hold special events open to non-members. Many allow a visitor to attend at least one meeting before making a decision to join. If you have any reviews or testimonials you would like to suggest be added to this list, please contact us on this website or send your comments to here. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list though your suggestions for revising this list to help keep it up-to-date are most welcome.

PGIB (Progressive Group for Independent Business): This group meets at lunch time in the city of Calgary every day of the week. Locations vary with the days of the week.

PGIBW (Progressive Group for Independent Business Women): This group meets once every three weeks at lunch. The meeting place is the Coast Plaza in the North East. Great speakers.

CLI (Canadian Leadership Institute) meets weekly : Network and build your business. Improve your sales presentation.

Savoire Faire : Meets regularly at lunch time at the Coast Plaza . Annual memberships are reasonable and members have an opportunity to lend their talents toward fundraising for a selected charity.

AWE : Alberta Women Entrepreneurs host educational as well as networking events.

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce holds numerous events designed to help get you out and about in the business community. For instance, Business After Hours (BAH) is a popular event with entrepreneurs.  Locations for this event are a moveable feast as different businesses step forward to sponsor this opportunity to network.

Donna Dahl is an author, speaker, trainer and entrepreneur.  Reach her at donna@makoye.com