Give and Gain

I think I was on Linkedin when I got a link to a blog from a guy that runs a marketing firm. His philosophy for networking is to be a good listener and help people to build their businesses, give them ideas to grow on and in turn they will keep you in mind when the perfect referal comes up. This theory is called Give and Gain. His blog got a lot of positive feedback to this method of networking.

My first thought was "well, no kidding!" I guess I have always instinctively done this. Because of my line of business I have to be a good listener and I am. Because of the amount of networking and marketing I do in the community I come in contact with a wide variety of business people and ideas. Therefore whenever I speak with someone about their challenges I can almost always come up with an idea or solution for them. I also have a large binder that holds all the business cards of people I've met, therefore I can always put people together that can help each other. This morning I was talking to a business colleage who wants to sell her business so I gave her the contact info for an immigration attorney who helps foreign nationals buy businesses! Viola!

I belong to the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. This is the best small chamber in the area by far. Mainly because it's members really do help each other build their businesses - unlike any other chamber in the area. There is another larger chamber in the area that is struggling. I believe it is because everytime I attend one of their events its always "what can you do for me" attitude I get from its members, or, it's a pick up joint! The members dont seem to try to help each other. Until they get that attitude adjusted they will continue to struggle in growing their membership. They need to learn Give and Gain!

This brings an important point to mind. Whenever you hear of a networking group or some sort of business group to join. Ask if you can attend a couple of meetings first. This is very important. Every legitimate group will be happy to let you attend and you get a feel for the group to see if it is a good match for you. This will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars every year. I review the groups that I am a member of every year to see if it is providing me with referals and business. If it is not then I dont renew my membership. I try to join a new group every year to expand my exposure and meet new business leaders in the community. A $250 membership fee for a year of exposure beats the price of print ads any day!

So Give and Gain is a great way to grow your business, and help others to grow theirs!