I am a member of a number of different “networking” groups. I am a member of BNI, I am a member of Final Field, I am a member of Strathmore Rotary (many argue that Rotary is not a networking organisation but I disagree. It’s a Service Organisation wrapped around business networking. This is why the organisation was started.) But, I was also looking for more informal networking breakfasts in my local area – I wanted something that could go across venue and meet new people regularly. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I decided to start my own networking group – the Western Suburbs Business Network.

Here are the benefits of starting your own business network as I see them:

Create the Group You Want To Create – If you can’t find the network you want, why not create it? I mean, chances are there are others that are looking for the same thing anyway. You get to create the group that suits you and suits those who you are inviting. (You could create many different types of groups – depending on your needs. You could set up an educational group, a referral group or a more informal breakfast networking group like mine – that covers a bit of everything – networking and referrals.

Build Credibility Within Your Network – For me, there are added benefits when I contact other business owners. If you create cost-effective business networking opportunities, if you help connect people with those they need to be connected with, then this massively boosts your own credibility and social capital. If you help others be successful in their business, they’re going to want to help you be successful in your business. The idea of reciprocity is a powerful one. If you help someone else, they’re going to want to help you in return

It becomes more easy to connect with potential customers – If Hamish Jones from Best Business Deals, or Hamish Jones from Greenlight Communications, speaks to a business owner they’re automatically on the back foot. The assumption is that I am selling something.  However, if I contact someone as Hamish Jones from the Western Suburbs Business Network and want to connect with them, then they’re more likely to connect with me and open up

The Western Suburbs Business Network started with one breakfast and then moved to 2. In the coming months we’re adding a 3rd breakfast, a morning tea and a lunch. It’s really not that hard to start your own networking group either. The Western Suburbs Business Network started as a Facebook Group with events listed on Trybooking. And, basically, this is where the Network still is – but we’ve added a website, email newsletter list and are adding products and services in 2017-2018.

If you’re in Melbourne’s West, I would love to have you along at one or more of our events. If you’re not local but you think that setting up your own networking events might be valuable, I’d love to chat with you and see if I can help you setup your own events.