Referral marketing is one of the oldest ways to market products and services.
Why?
Because people buy from people.
Business networking events and referral marketing meetings are very similar. Members and guests meet at a set time on the same day every few weeks. Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly events take place depending on the organisation.
Everyone in the room will have the chance to share something beneficial about their business. This ‘elevator pitch’ is perfect for attendees to show how their customers gain value. The format of the meetings will usually include an extended advocate presentation and a contribution section. The latter section will highlight advocate activity, invoiced business and appreciation, so it’s a good way to see how the everyone works together.
Refreshments are available and meetings will last for around 90 minutes to two hours. Some meetings may charge for tea and coffee refreshments or a full meal such as breakfast or lunch.
Participants can enjoy a period of open networking to break off into smaller groups. This relaxed time is an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about each other to understand how and who to help.
Referral marketing meetings tend to have fewer members, but loyalty and community spirit are strong. Networking-specific events have more members, but sometimes the relationships are weaker. Visiting a few events before deciding which will work best for your business is a good strategy to allow you to weigh up the pros and cons.
West Midlands business networking meetings will vary in cost. Fees will include forum administration, refreshments and an annual membership fee. The membership cost will cover introductory training, promotional opportunities and individual support. Online features will also be available so that you can gain the most out of your investment from day one.
Paying a membership fee will often grant sector exclusivity at meetings. This selectness is helpful because it will enable you to become the go-to expert in your trade.
Open your web browser and search for “West Midlands business networking” and variations of the phrase.
Make a list of the events available near you and book online or call the organisation to learn more.
Ask around to see if work colleagues, friends and family have attended events in the past. They may be able to recommend meetings where they have gained success and save you time when searching and/or booking.
NetworkIN is a professional referral marketing community operating across the West Midlands. The organisation already has established meetings in Lancashire, Staffordshire and Cheshire.
The metropolitan county and combined authority of the West Midlands has a population of almost 3 million. It is the second largest county after Greater London. Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Coventry, Walsall, Dudley and Solihull are its towns and city. The area is well known for manufacturing, including chocolate, cocoa and luxury vehicles. Today, the West Midlands is a significant banking and finance centre and known for its cultural diversity.
NetworkIN’s first team to launch, Birmingham Central, occurs every other Tuesday from 7:15 am – 8:45 am. Advocates are professional, like-minded individuals who collaborate to bring new and tangible opportunities to the table.
As a NetworkIN advocate, you will gain access to personal development and business growth training. Social events and promotional opportunities are also available.
Fortnightly structured meetings
A chance to build your authority
Sector exclusivity
Free introductory training and business planning
The opportunity to publicise events and courses
Access to a personalised return on investment tracking system
Additional awareness created from online promotional resources
Corporate social responsibility opportunities to work alongside the NetworkIN charity consortium
Visit a West Midlands referral marketing meeting to see if word-of-mouth is the way forward for your business.
As a guest, you can visit a meeting two times to see if the group structure and culture is right for you before making a decision to join. Get in touch with the team today.
Be IN the know and IN the now with NetworkIN.
percent of consumers identify word of mouth as a key influencer in their purchasing decision – Ogilvy, Google, TNS.
percent higher profit margins are achieved from a referred customer - Annexcloud
percent increased marketing effectiveness generated using from word of mouth - Market Share
percent of consumers trust referrals from people they know - Nielsen
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