Networking

[numbnuts]

What do we think ,i have been to a local meet a couple of times now, but lets just say i am not much good at public speaking and to be honest its not a very relaxed atmosphere anyone attend any meetings.

[D-Angle]

I run some networking events, they can be really good or they can be a waste of time, depending on a lot of things. Truth is there are some businesses that don't benefit from networking, for example if you run a big factory and you're looking for someone who wants to order 100,000 size 11 widgets you're probably going to be out of luck.

Also bear in mind that there are different types of networking meetings. It sounds like you went to one of the early morning 'power breakfasts', which aren't for everyone. There are afternoon and evening events too, and some take the form of a conference where you can just have a drink and mingle socially. We run speed-networking events, which run like speed-dating and are pretty good fun, and very handy if you're not a good mingler or public speaker.

I'd take a look around at what's available if I were you, it can really get your word-of-mouth going if you do it right.

[PetrolTed]

I went to a Business Link thing a while back and it was like gate crashing a Moonie convention. Twas a bit weird...

[numbnuts]

Thanks for the feedback guys, i must admit it i thought i was joining the masons or something.

[john75]

Anyone ever got a deal out of these so-called networking event I have been to both BNI and Missing Link and all I got was a bunch of people trying to sell me thier product/services and very little interest in what I had on offer.

[bouffy]

I've just started a new job, where networking is crucial. Have been to a couple of events, but they've been a little cliquey - people all seemed to know each other, and weren't that keen to do any business - talked about non-work stuff which seemed odd. I can understand general banter being important, but to go to these things to catch up with mates seems like a waste of time.

Can understand that people weren't too interested in buying other people's goods as most seem to be there to 'sell' rather than 'buy'. I count myself in the former - I'm in the insurance game, and we're always looking for leads.

Has anybody been to any GOOD networking events in the South / South East? Interested to hear more about the 'speed dating' style one...

Guy

[golfman]

www.mas-east.org.uk

Been good for us, joined a network of about 8 other companies. We meet up once every couple of months at a different members site.

[simpo two]

PetrolTed said:

I went to a Business Link thing a while back and it was like gate crashing a Moonie convention. Twas a bit weird...

That'll be 'cos they're either civil servants who couldn't run a bath let alone a business, or are washed-up MDs from defunct 1980's businesses (he said harshly). If you've got half a brain, you'll run rings round them.

[dans]

I have found a few useful, but most of the good ones seem to have died. Now with most you spend the evening like Neo fighting off not Agent Smith but hoardes of bloody life-coaches. That or people with a new and trying means of selling Amway.....

[PetrolTed]

I had a chap round the other day. Did business with him when he ran a previous company so had some respect for him as a businessman.

He came to see me about a new opportunity he was involved with and reckoned I might be interested.

All sounded intriguing so I spent half an hour with him. Lots of diagrams and theory later I interjected and asked who was the company behind this business to which he'd bought the franchise. AMWAY was his reply...

[alunr]

I find the local chamber of commerce is a good place for contacts. Although we have just resurected ours so theres been no time for people to get cliquey yet.