Business Networking groups and meetups are a valuable way to learn from others, meet new people and potential clients and tell people about the type of business you’re in.  This is the most cost effective way of generating new leads, referrals and building a sustainable business.

Here are the top 5 benefits to joining a meetup group.

Meeting New Clients

This is the number one reason people network and come to a meetup group.  The referrals that come your way via a meetup group tend to be very high quality, making it much easier to turn them into clients.  The increase in business is not the only thing you will get from a meetup.  Here are some tips on how to market your business at a meetup.

Making Connections

The adage “it’s not what you know, but who you know” holds true when it comes to business.  Getting your foot in the door, finding a new job, or increasing your prospect list is all dependent on you getting out there and meeting people.  Business and social meetup groups are a great place to make those connections.  A meetup group provides you a social environment to meet local people of influence, that you would have a hard time connecting with any other way.

Be or Find a Mentor

Having experienced business owners to talk to and get advice from is invaluable.  They can provide you with insight on everything from meeting quotas to finding that elusive work/life balance.  This is advice from others who were once in your situation and can help prevent you from making costly mistakes.  When the time comes you’ll be able to pay it forward.  You can help mentor others.

Opportunity

Meeting up with a group that is passionate about business brings with it an abundance of opportunities you just can’t find anywhere else.  Opportunities such as client leads, joint ventures, speaking or writing engagements, sales, and the list can be endless.  There will be a lot of opportunities that will come your way, pick and choose very carefully, work with people who share your vision and goals.

Friendships Beyond Business

Meetup groups and networking events tend to be very focused on business, but don’t overlook the chance to meet people you can socialize with outside the office.  There will be people at meetup groups that you will have much in common with and strong friendships form all the time.  These are people you see regularly who want to see you succeed, isn’t that exactly what most friendships are based on?