Networking

Networking

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Hi,

Does anyone have tips on how to develop relationships with bank managers, IFA's or lawyers in the London area? I am specifically looking for networking events. The aim of this that hopefully I could get more clients. I know that I could contact them on LinkedIn but its a little impersonal so if anyone has any other suggestions it would be appreciated. 

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By marks
24th May 2015 22:22

give them a call

Give them a call and ask if you can pop in for a chat to introduce myself.

Never had any bank manager, IFA or lawyer say no as they are keen to build up relationships the other way.

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By Roland195
25th May 2015 10:52

Not sure it is worth the effort

Not managed to maintain any meaningful business relationship with a bank manager in a number of years now. Even if they are interested & have the power/gumption to actually make recommendations to clients, they move on so quickly you will likely never see them again.  

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Replying to paul.benny:
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By Roland195
25th May 2015 13:32

Impotent

MSD1968 wrote:
This echoes my experiences. Bank managers are keen to talk about their services but very rarely refer. New clients often ask "with whom should I bank" expecting you to open doors and miraculously overcome their poor credit rating. Unfortunately, clients expect accountants to know bank mangers.

For a position with "manager" in the title, I am often dismayed by how impotent these "Business Development Managers" or the like are at overcoming the slightest difficulties or standing up to their own organisation's infuriating bureaucracies. 

 

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By merlyn
25th May 2015 11:46

Right people

Bank managers might not be the right people to speak with, but will depend on the services you are looking to offer to their clients.

We get quite a few referrals from banks business development managers so they might be a better choice as they tend to know their clients better than bank managers.

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By SlipperyJimDiGriz
27th May 2015 11:56

Round table?

Years ago I quite enjoyed Round Table Club lunches, introduced by a colleague who was himself a bank manager. I didn't join though as I'd have been roped into too many charity fundraising events. Apart from their charity work they seem to exist as a network for local businesses. The Chamber of Commerce might offer similar opportunities. One of my friends once suggested that I join the Masons for this reason!

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By rawa363
27th May 2015 17:12

Banks Stopped Networking

I been networking for years with I have to say mixed results. Bank managers rarely go these days, they used to go and you could guarantee meeting 2 or more at any event you went to, but they stopped with 'the credit crunch' as the banks cut costs and cut staff. You will be lucky to find one at a networking event these days.

The type of 'manager' you need to meet is dependent upon the type of client you want them to refer, the business as opposed to personal managers tend to be split into turnover groupings, so they deal with businesses up to £100K t/o, £100K-£200K, £200k-£500K, £500K-£1M etc. It varies a bit but is broadly along these lines. So if you just want sole traders then you want managers who deal up to £100K or maybe £100-200K.

They are looking for you to refer clients to them and many will not refer unless you give them clients first. I have found many to be quite up front and say to me if you want me to refer then I need something off you first.

As someone mentioned above they also move on very quickly and much time and effort is swept away and you have to start again.

 

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