Below are some tips which you can use to maximise your business networking experience.

A)     Bring along plenty of business cards - make sure everyone in the group gets one.

B)      Come prepared – Draft a 60 second description of your business which you can read out during the meeting. Keep it clear and concise and concentrate on what your business has to offer, you’re USP (Unique Selling Point) and which contacts you need to drive your business forward.

C)      Make an impression - Don’t sit quietly in the corner, make everyone in the room aware of your business, your products and your future aims.

D)     Don’t rule anyone out – Every contact is a good contact, no matter how unrelated a particular member may seem – they may already be dealing with your next client!

E)      Take advantage – Each group contains members from many business sectors, use the groups as an opportunity to gain valuable business advice from relevant members.

F)      Follow up – After the meeting, contact the other members and arrange a one to one. Meet outside the club and make sure each member is fully aware of your offering, whilst learning about your fellow members business.

G)     Present yourself – Speak to the group chair and ask to book in a ten minute presentation. Make your presentation as informative as possible and keep everyone talking about your business.

H)     Help the Group – Try to make it to every meeting, send apologies when you can not make it, or even better send a sub! Try to refer your fellow members whenever possible and bring guests if the opportunity arises!

I)        Stay Connected – Use social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin. Follow the Shout Network groups and those of your fellow members so your always up to date with the latest group information.