How to be a networking star: 5 top discussion topics for

business networking groups

Business networking events are a great way to meet other businesses in

your area, share experiences, build relationships and promote your goods
and services.

Once you meet the network group, what should you talk
about, and why?

First you need to decide what kind of business network you’ll be

attending (or organising!). In-person networking events come in
three main formats, and each gives a unique opportunity to start a
discussion.

Social contact networking

These are relaxed meetings where you mingle with local businesses of all
types. You’ll have an opportunity to introduce yourself and your business.
There may also be guest speakers who will present on relevant business
topics.

Strong contact referrals groups

This networking format is designed to help your business exchange

referrals with other businesses. Usually held over lunch or breakfast, these
business and corporate networking groups often limit membership to one
person per profession or market. You’ll need to attend regularly to gain
maximum benefit.

Professional associations
Joining up with other people in your profession or business area is a great
way to get new ideas, exchange information, and form potential
partnerships. These professional networking meetings are often geared
toward specific topics, concerns or interest.

Five top discussion topics for business

networks

There are certain topics that apply to every business, even if you
work for yourself!

1. What are the business benefits of social media?

This is a cracking subject as everyone has a different viewpoint!
It’s also a subject that due to its ubiquity and low start-up costs
crosses the divides between big business and single traders. It’s
also a great topic to turn into a question for 1 to 1 discussions:
“What’s your most effective social media channel?”

2. The three “R”s of Customers Satisfaction –

Retention, Related sales and Referrals
Customer satisfaction is a hot topic at any time, especially with
increasing pressure on stores from online competitors. If you have
an expert within the group, ask them to present a short talk
including top tips, and a takeaway action sheet to be used as an
action guide.
3. The best personal development opportunities
As business owners and employees, we need to recognise the
need for continual personal development to keep our minds
engaged and our ideas fresh. However, sometimes it’s hard to
know quite where to look for the next move beyond our own
professional courses or conferences. Asking the question “What’s
the most effective/influential personal development you’ve
done?” opens up the floor to a wealth of ideas, inspiration and
potential cooperation!

4. Updates on employment legislation

Federal and Provincial legislation is ever changing and
misinformation is floating around on social media. Having an
expert present a 15 minute “executive briefing” to your
networking group provides them with quality information to take
back to their business, or to understand the effect it might be
having on the wider business community.

5. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve

ever been given?
This is a terrific ice-breaker topic that can be a 1 to 1 conversation
starter, or even a theme to prevent those short business
introductions getting stale! Imagine the inspiration from 30+
business people sharing that nugget of golden advice, and it’s a
great opportunity for humour and laughter too. Needless to say,
ours would be “Join your local Chamber of Commerce!”