Introduction

[Ralph Bailey]

I am newly appointed Fleet Sales Manager and wish to join a group to increase by networking skills and also met like minded business people
Keen to join a group in / or around Birmingham / West Midlands
I represent 2 quality, but competitevly priced Vehicle Manufacturers and wish to reduce your vehicle running costs whilst increasing ypur enjoyment

[Michelle McDines]

Hi Ralph

It might be worth considering joining something like your local BNI (Business Networking International) chapter or your local chamber of commerce.

You tend to find that it is smaller businesses that are involved with BNI who don't have fleets of vehicles, but one of the best networking skills you can learn is to see beyond the person in front of you to the potential contacts that they have. So while the people around the breakfast table may not have fleets of vehicles, they may well have contacts in companies that do and can refer you to them - that's the whole basis of BNI - referral networking/marketing.

You will also find that going along to a group like that, there will be other groups that members go to and slowly, by word of mouth, you will unearth some or all of the networks in your area. You can generally go along to one or two meetings as a guest before having to sign up for a membership and some groups just work on a week/month at a time basis anyway.

I would recommend finding a group where you have a good rapport with fellow members rather than focussing on one where there seem to be the most direct business opportunities. While the latter may be better in the short term, you will find the real business gems come from the relationships you will build with people where there is a good rapport.

Wishing you every success.


Michelle McDines

[Ralph Bailey]

Michelle

Many thanks for the avdice and taking the time and trouble to respond

Michelle McDines said:

Hi Ralph

It might be worth considering joining something like your local BNI (Business Networking International) chapter or your local chamber of commerce.

You tend to find that it is smaller businesses that are involved with BNI who don't have fleets of vehicles, but one of the best networking skills you can learn is to see beyond the person in front of you to the potential contacts that they have. So while the people around the breakfast table may not have fleets of vehicles, they may well have contacts in companies that do and can refer you to them - that's the whole basis of BNI - referral networking/marketing.

You will also find that going along to a group like that, there will be other groups that members go to and slowly, by word of mouth, you will unearth some or all of the networks in your area. You can generally go along to one or two meetings as a guest before having to sign up for a membership and some groups just work on a week/month at a time basis anyway.

I would recommend finding a group where you have a good rapport with fellow members rather than focussing on one where there seem to be the most direct business opportunities. While the latter may be better in the short term, you will find the real business gems come from the relationships you will build with people where there is a good rapport.

Wishing you every success.


Michelle McDines

[Suzie Parkins]

Hi Ralph,
Our company runs a networking event that is free to attend - our next Birmingham exhibition is on 10th September. You should come along - we'd love to see you there! The businesses range from sole traders to larger corporations so there might well be some interested parties who you could gain contacts with. Either way, it's a great environment to gain some networking skills and meet other local businesses. (Plus we have a free lunch!)

Sorry about the event plug, but I think it's something you would really enjoy and potentially get a lot out of! Our website is www.thebusinessgrowthshow.co.uk

Best of luck,

Suzie Parkins