We all know that by doing more recon meetings we gain a better knowledge of our fellow members, helping us to find more referrals for the, rather than leaving it to chance.
But, and no disrespect to anyone in the room, some people are more important to you than others. There are three kinds of businesses in this room, the members of which are different for everyone.
There are Closely Related, members whose work is very associated with your own, there are Business General, who offer a service that every business or person needs regularly and there are Basket Cases, people who we put into the too hard to understand basket as they offer something that is a little specialist, a little harder to refer, so we tend to shy away from them.
There are two groups you need to focus on to do Recons with. Firstly, the Closely Related, learn even more about how they can help you so you can refer them most freely.
Next is the Basket Cases, you need to make an effort! You may not understand their businesses as well as you should right now, but they are in business and people use their services. By doing a recon with them, you can learn more about their business, and you will probably find it far easier to refer them as a result.
What you need to do is split the group up. Take a piece of paper, write the three headings of Close, General and Basket on the top and then from your perception of the members put each one into a column.
Once you have done this, you then need to work your way through your list and do them one type per recon. That means the first recon you do you select a close member, then a basket and then a general. The Closely Related and the Basket Cases lists will be shorter than the Business General so don't panic if your middle column is longer, you will get to them (Rome wasn't built in a day).
Each time you plan a Recon you use the list until you have met with every member. Be aware this process of to do Home and Away Recons with every member will take about 8-9 month, Business Networking is a long term commitment! And then, you start again!, Draw up your new list and plan your meetings. Next time you do your list though, you might find that there is less in the too hard basket than now, as you have learned about the other members effectively. Nothing is too hard when you educate yourself.
Business networking is not about turning up to a meeting once a week. It is a powerful way for you to build a solid and sustainable business, create friendships and to win new business for others, whilst making yourself, in turn, more referable. It takes time and effort on your half, but it is worth it.