HUB Networking

There are two primary types of networking – traditional and HUB. This module is focused on HUB Networking. We went over traditional networking in a previous module. HUB Networking is a much better on-going lead source than traditional networking because with traditional networking you are going somewhere that a large number of people congregate but only a small few would potentially be ideal clients for you. With HUB Networking, you are surrounded by ideal prospective clients, and when you follow the how-to guide below, you will be a visible expert and respected community leader within the HUB(S) you choose.

​If you’re wondering what exactly a HUB is, a HUB is simply an assembly point for people with common interests or needs. With this strategy you simply get involved with and contribute to local hubs of people who could benefit from your services. This lead source is perfect for you if you…

Below is a how-to guide to HUB Networking.
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​Step 1: Identify potential HUBS. Research potential HUBS online using Google, Meetup.com, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Below are some examples of potential HUBS. Think about what HUBS your dream clients are in (not your peers, your ideal clients). What are their hobbies and interests – and of course choose hobbies and interests that align with yours. You need to choose a HUB, or HUBS, that you are excited to be part of and contribute to.
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​Professional Associations

Trade Associations

Social Groups

Foodie Groups

Personal Development Groups

Women Entrepreneur Groups

Business Professional Networking Groups

Dance Communities

Singles Groups & Events

Tech Groups

Charities & Fundraisers

Book Clubs

Cooking Schools

Running Groups

Iron Man Groups

Yoga Studios

Fitness Groups

Entrepreneurial Groups

Mommy Groups

Guitar Store

Rotary Clubs

Elks

Masons

Country Clubs

​Non-Profit Professionals

Step 2: Join a HUB! Choose a HUB in your area that sounds interesting and fun and is a place where your ideal clients are hanging out. Then join in the fun! Start showing up to meetings, contributing, and being involved. Make sure you have your OMS nailed before you attend, and we recommend that you have some gorgeous bookmark business cards printed and keep them in your purse or brief case.

When you go to events and interact with people, keep 80% of the conversation focused on them. Get to know them (authentically!). Ask them about trips they’ve taken, trips they would love to take, the work they do, their family life, and so on.

When they ask you what you do, give your OMS and offer them a bookmark (and make sure you get their business card!). If they seem intrigued and like a good connection, invite them to a “get to know you” coffee date or phone chat. You could say something like “I would love to continue this conversation over coffee or a phone chat. I have some more ideas I’d like to share about your XYZ. Or I’d love to hear more about ABC.” If you’ve been connecting with them and asking questions, then they have most likely shared with you things that are going on in their life.

Whether or not they are not a good fit as a client for you, think about ways you could still help them, for example, can you refer someone to them? Maybe they are a CPA and you know someone looking for CPA services. Maybe they would be a good JV Partner, or referral partner, or networking ally. Maybe you’ll become best friends (Heidi met one of her besties in a HUB over a decade ago!).

Within the HUB(s) you join, always look for ways to be a contribution to others.

​In most cases, inviting them to do a free consultation with you comes off as too sales-y. There are times when it works, so you need to feel it out. But most of time you should be focused on establishing relationships with people.

Step 3: Follow-Up! If you weren’t able to schedule a coffee date or phone chat on the spot (maybe other people interrupted or the event started), then follow-up with a quick happy phone call to get it scheduled. If the coffee date or phone chat doesn’t end up happening (or even if it does!), send them a handwritten card.

In today’s world, handwritten cards go a LONG way because we are so used to everything being digital. Write a personal note that is a follow-up to the conversation you had with them. And if you can, include something in the card that will help them. For example, I met a gal named Carla in a HUB group years ago. Carla sold skincare products and at the time I was a professional organizer. A few days after we met, Carla sent me a beautiful handwritten card in the mail. In the card, she included an article that she had ripped out of a magazine. The article was giving helpful tips about a dietary problem that I had mentioned to her I was struggling with. How cool was that? I was so impressed. She and I became friends, and we became each others clients. Now we live on opposite sides of the country, but we still send each other Christmas cards and stay in touch.

​A very cool alternative to handwritten cards are PunkPosts – an artist hand writes your cards for you.

Step 4: Leverage your HUB(s). After you have gained some experience with HUB Networking, you can then start to leverage the time and energy you spend with HUBS to create higher level relationships and visibility. This leads to more people coming to you to learn about you, your services, getting more opportunities, and getting more clients. Here are four ways to leverage your HUB(s).

#1: Connect with Centers Of Influence (COI). In every HUB there are people who are COI’s. They are typically the leaders of the group. Sometimes they are not leaders but are well-known and well-connected. Get to know these people and find ways to contribute to them. These relationships can lead to fruitful new connections and opportunities for you. Instead of networking randomly, identify the COI’s.

#2: Network with Referral Partners. HUBS are a fantastic way to start getting referrals from people outside your existing network and client base. Identify the types of professions that would naturally be in contact with your ideal clients. For example, if you book honeymoons, one great referral partner for you would be a wedding florist. If you book luxury River Cruises for people ages 55-75, a great referral partner for you may be a jeweler – most likely your ideal clients are buying jewelry from time to time.

#3: Get Involved. Being involved in your HUB(s) will increase your visibility (and it’s generally fun!). Volunteer to help out at events. You could work the registration table which will allow you to meet everyone who attends. You could help plan the event, or decorate, or whatever you enjoy and have the skill set for.

​#4: Speaking. Speaking is probably the best way to attract clients within a HUB. Approach the organizer/leader of the HUB and ask if you can contribute to the group by speaking on a topic that addresses a key need or desire of the group. This is a great way to get known by everyone! And often times you can grow your email list as well. Generally, they will allow you to offer your IFO to the group and pass around clipboards.

Step 5: Lead your HUB(s)! After you have some experience with HUB Networking, considering leading one or more HUBS. You will be a visible leader in your community for your contributions, and you’ll be the go-to person for the services you provide. You will stay top-of-mind for many people in your community, and you may be surprised how many referrals flow your way when you are a visible leader.

​After participating in different HUBS in your area, you may spot a unique need that is not being met, in which case, consider starting your own HUB. Keep in mind that starting your own HUB can be a lot of work, so only do it if you are really excited about it and can take on the workload. Participating in HUBS is simple and easy, starting them is not.