Prior to launching my business, I, like many other new business owners, had never done
any business networking. Honestly, it was an absolute revelation. A whole new world was
out there of which I was mostly unaware. A whole new world that could really help me to
grow my business. Pardon the expression but I’ve gone from being a networking ‘virgin’ to
someone who has been ‘round the block a few times’ and is now a confident and assured
networker. I’ve even launched my own locally based business networking group called
Invictus Business Web Solihull, part of the Invictus Business Web franchise.
Over the last year, I’ve explored much of the world of business networking both ‘face to
face’ and on-line to find out what works best for me and my business.
Like a one-night stand
Determined to get myself on the map, I perfected my 60 second elevator pitch, printed
out hundreds of business cards (remember those?) and did the rounds of meetings which
included networking breakfasts, networking coffees, networking curries and speed
networking. All very pleasant with a wide mix of people but rather I imagine like a one-
night stand where you meet, have a great (or not so great) time and that’s the end of
that. The occasional encounter offered a glimmer of hope when we arranged another
‘date’ only to be disappointed when I realised that it was a one-sided conversation where
my role was to be the purchaser of their services.
Serial networking only concerned with collecting contact details might work for some, but
it didn’t work for me. I run my own business and my time is important, so I had to think
more strategically about my networking activities.
Entering a committed relationship
I decided then to go for the deep commitment option and became a fully paid-up member
of some well- established business networking groups. This however didn’t come cheap.
Making the financial commitment does focus the mind- it certainly did mine.
Some networks were laid-back informal affairs meeting monthly over a meal whilst others
met weekly were extremely strict upholding longstanding traditions and held you to
account for the contribution you made. The basic premise for all of these was that you
make the effort to form and build relationships with a view to helping fellow members
who would, in turn help you. This approach suited me to a large extent. Although I was
never in an exclusive relationship with one single network I gave them all my full
attention. The costs can add up though particularly if you belong to more than one as I
did. My customer base is Solihull and that’s where I wanted to focus my energies.
Ultimately, I had to make some choices about my returns on investment, particularly as
the pandemic hit and we were all thrown into a virtual networking world. I was ready for
the third way which involved breaking up with some of my networks and forging a new
path with my own locally based Solihull network.
Invictus Business Web Solihull – Making Connections with Benefits
Throughout my networking experiences I have met some fantastic business owners, some
of whom are just starting out and others are well established. I also learned a lot about a
wide range other businesses and services I’d never even thought about or knew existed.
I learned so much that has helped me in by business such as how to better promote my
services, how to make a good referral, how to have productive 121 meetings, how to deal
with objections and how to say ‘thank you’ to businesses whose services I had
appreciated. So not only were people putting business opportunities my way, but I was
learning new skills. This is an approach that I’ve taken with me into Invictus Business Web
Solihull.
Networking, the Invictus way
As a Solihull resident and business owner I am really keen to support my local business
community. There are plenty of business networks in the Solihull Borough and in the
surrounding areas but there are thousands of business owners too, so the various networks
can complement each other as well as compete for the best businesses. In the end, each
business owner will make their choice, as I did, about the sort of networking that suits
them. I hope it’s the Invictus way.
Invictus Business Web the franchise, is all about business supporting business. It reminds
us that we are stronger together just like a web than we could ever be on our own as a
single thread. It is especially important in these difficult times that we try to be proactive
about how we can help others and strive to build strong relationship knowing that as we
help others, so they will help us.
At Invictus, we are looking for businesses who want to enter into a long term and
committed albeit not exclusive relationship. We want business owners who turn up
regularly and contribute to the discussions. We want people who are prepared to share
some of their expertise to support fellow members and who will tell other business owners
about us and invite them to our meetings. Personal referrals are powerful things, and we
invest our time during our meetings to building relationships. The more other members in
the group get to know, like and trust you, the more they will look out for opportunities for
you with their own contacts, clients, family, and friends.
So, what’s in it for you?
We are a warm and friendly bunch delivering networking with a smile. We meet every
other Wednesday morning on-line from 9.30am to 11.30am. You don’t have to be based
in Solihull to come along; we welcome all. As soon as it is safe to do so, we will be
introducing face to face meetings too.
Personal and business growth opportunities
Business referrals
The only investment you make is your time
Lots of opportunity to promote your business
You have the opportunity to develop your own sales team
If you become a member, you can promote your business on our website and write
blogs and articles that get published across our social media platforms.
Click here to register, come along and join us at a meeting to see if Invictus will work for you.
Erica Burke, Director of the HR Dept Solihull Erica Burke (gopaperless.eu)
