How do you Determine your Networking ROI?

Whether you are in business or thinking about starting a business, two necessary requirements are the investments of time and money. It is essential that these investments provide a return that is measurable over some period of time that you determine. Networking is a great way to earn returns for your time, when you network seriously and with a purpose. 

Here are 3 tips to enhance your networking ROI.

Tip #1  Make effort to learn from everyone you talk with. This is not just business card exchange, it needs to be useful foundation for deciding how to continue, or not, the conversation.

Tip # 2  Determine how many business opportunities were generated within 60 days after this meeting. Did any business flow in your direction? 

Tip #3  Within 48 hours after networking effort, follow up to determine mutuality of interest, clarification of what you do and one idea of how you can help each other.

Networking success is built on more than one conversation. To receive valuable returns, you need to participate, have a willingness to listen and encourage the exploration for financial benefits. Real business with increased cash flow is what you want from your networking investments.

This tip provided by Gina Kaelin-Westcott, South Metro Denver SBDC sales consultant & owner of Connect Selling, and Tony Raburn of the Technology Firm.