SmartLeads.ie Irish Business Networking Survey

Business Networking in

Ireland

Survey conducted by

March 2010

Overview• Attitudes to business networking

• Irish Sole Traders & SMEs across all sectors

• Conducted online

• 135 completed surveys

CurrentNetworking

Activity

0 1 2 3 or more

49%

18%21%

12%

Membership of FREE Networking Groups

Number of groups

0 1 2 3 or more

60%

23%

14%

3%

Membership of Subscription-based Groups

Number of groups

0 1 2 3 or more

37%

16%13%

34%

Membership of ONLINE Networking Groups

Number of groups

Future Networking

Activity

Strongly Disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree

2%4%

12%

53%

28%

“In the next 6 months I plan to increase my participation in networking to generate new leads for my business.

Leads Exchange

Networking

“Strongly Disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree

2%

11%

17%

47%

22%

My business would benefit from being part of a networking group in which each member is required to provide leads or referrals to fellow members.

Strongly Disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree

2%

28%

18%

43%

9%

“It would be feasible for me to provide a new lead or referral to another member to match the number of leads or referrals I receive from the group.

Subscription-based

NetworkingGroups

“Subscription-based groups tend to be more productive and better attended because of the financial commitment members have made.

Strongly Disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree

5%

20%

28%

35%

12%

Strongly Disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree

3%9%

16%

52%

21%

“I feel that the cost of some subscription-based business networking groups is prohibitive.

Leads & Sales

27%Average

20%Median

20%Mode

For your business, what is the average proportion of leads or enquiries that becomes a sale?

=>1 Sale for every 4-5 leads

€2,183Average

€1,000Median

€1,000Mode

What is your average sale value per customer?

55%Average

35%Median

50%Mode

What is your average % gross profit per sale? 

Strongly Disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree

2% 3%

13%

59%

23%

“I tend to get repeat business and/or referrals from my new customers.

76%Average

40%Median

50%Mode

What is the minimum % return on investment that you would require from a networking group, in order to continue to invest in it?

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