The benefits of leading a business networking group

When you are running a small business, there’s a constant drive to reach more people to grow your business. While growth looks different for every small business, having more people in your network will help you – reach the people you need, make more sales, and bring in more money.

While it’s possible to grow your business without networking, I believe networking is incredibly powerful for putting you in front of the right people. Of course, you need to find the right group to network with – I wrote more about choosing networking groups here, and I’ve written another post about how networking helps your business grow – How to make connections to boost your business.

There’s huge value in local business networking, being out in the business community, telling people how you help, and getting to know others in your area. Networking will help you be more visible and – as you get to know people – be seen as an expert; you’ll build relationships with other local business owners and create collaborative connections to support your business growth.

Within Your Business Matters, we offer two kinds of networking groups – The Connections Club and The Business Room. Both provide structured networking that is profitable, professional, and practical. The structure in these meetings is provided by the group chair or leader, the person at the front of the room who will keep the meeting on track to ensure everyone gets the maximum benefit from their time.

Be at the front of the room, be seen

So, who are these chairs or group leaders?

Different networking groups are run differently. Here at Your Business Matters, all our chairs and group leaders are business owners who are involved in networking to benefit their own businesses.

Some of our leaders have been members of groups and gained so much from them that they chose to lead one. Others were looking to network in a particular area and couldn’t find what they wanted, so they set up their own group.

But why would you take on the responsibility of chairing a group? How would that benefit you or your business?

Raising your visibility

You are, quite literally, at the front of the room where everyone will see you – and likely decide you’re someone to be listened to, building your reputation within the business community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get to know the people in your group as you learn more about them and how you can support their business.

Expanding your network

As well as those who come along to your meetings regularly, there will be visitors and those who want to find out about groups. Being a contact point and leader naturally positions you to meet a wider range of business professionals.

The ripple effect

As with all networking, it isn’t just about those people in your meeting. You will create connections beyond your network, benefitting your existing network as you make and share valuable introductions.

Developing your skills

Taking on a leadership role within your networking group will provide opportunities to develop your presentation and leadership skills, work with a team to manage responsibilities, and speak in public. For many people, this helps boost confidence and allows them to develop other skills.

Collaboration and mutual support

You’ll be part of a team within the networking organisation – and it’s a great team to be part of! We’ve found that leaders in Your Business Matters have developed strong relationships supporting each other, which can be especially important if you run your own business or work alone.

Is it right for you?

I obviously can’t tell you if you would do well – or enjoy – leading a networking group, but I will say that those who chair our Business Room groups are very different people, and each brings their own strengths and style to the role.

There are some things they have in common, however. Those who have chosen to lead one of our groups are kind, helpful, and supportive individuals – they are welcoming and willing to go out of their way to help others.

While leading a business networking group does mean you’ll need to present to a group and handle some extra administration, with the right group, you’ll feel supported doing it, so there’s less pressure. Within Your Business Matters groups, you’re given a structure to follow with a suggested script so you can follow a formula that works.

If you’ve found a networking group you enjoy that benefits your business, would you consider taking on a bigger role within it?

Find your place

I’d encourage you to think about the groups you attend and whether you’d like to take a more active part in supporting them. While we’ve talked about leaders and chairs, each group will have its own name for these roles, and there may well be other roles, too – social media promotion, greeting visitors, coordinating meal orders, and more. Would you be happier in one of these roles?

How do you know if it’s the right group for you to commit to? I mentioned my previous post at the beginning of this one – Choosing the right networking for you and your business. When you are considering leading a group, you’ll have similar considerations.

Aligned Values

How do your values and those of your company or brand align with the networking group’s values? If you’re promoting the group, you’ll need to be comfortable promoting everything the group stands for.

Your Business Matters groups are friendly and welcoming, with helpful and inclusive leaders. They’re unpressurised but focused groups that emphasise building long-term relationships, not short-term sales.

Group Format

You’ll also want to consider the format of the meetings and group, whether it’s a membership group with a structure or a more relaxed, turn-up-and-talk kind of group.

Again, the atmosphere at Your Business Matters is professional but relaxed for those who are investing in their business but want to enjoy doing it.

How often are the meetings? When and where are they held? All these things will impact whether you can commit extra to the group.

Benefits of the Group

Whether you’re already a member of a group or considering volunteering within a new organisation to you, it’s essential to make sure the gains you’ll get from the group are things that are important to you.

Think about what you want most from your role within the group – sales, business support, visibility, and find out whether you’re likely to find those benefits here. Talk to other people involved with the group to find out as much as you need to.

Is it right for you?

What do you think?

Our chairs and leaders have found that being part of a friendly and supportive business networking group can expand your network, develop your skills, and contribute to a thriving business community. If you’re interested in finding out about chairing and support opportunities within Your Business Matters, you can get in touch here or book a visit to one of our groups here.