One way of making sure you stay fully involved in your network is to start your own! Starting your own Trainer Network has many advantages:
1. It builds your profile – people may not always remember everyone who went to a meeting or is part of the group but they will always remember the organiser.
2. You are in control – you can arrange the meetings at a venue and time to suit you.
3. You can build relationships with a lot of people relatively quickly. Being the head of the group means that you will get to know more members than anyone else.
4. Creating and developing a networking group is incredibly motivating – it makes you feel good!
So, how do you go starting your own Trainer Network?
Write a list of all the freelance trainers you already know in your area. Then track a few others down. It’s easy to do on Linked In www.linkedin.com or Ecademy www.ecademy.com. Just do a search of trainers and then narrow your search down to the area/region you want.
Send out messages to guage their interest. Once you have enough positive feedback, source a venue. The venue doesn’t have to be anything fancy,it could just be a Starbucks, the foyer of a hotel or a local pub. Choose a date and time and send out some invitations. Don’t be discouraged if you only get a few people at first, go with it and you will find that it will build up over time.
As ever, let us know how you get on!
