When I go networking I try to come across as a friendly individual who people will want to do business with. I try to explain what makes me different, how can I help my target niche, whilst being a cost effective solution. Not always easy, but as Stuart says, I try to do this in a fun and friendly way. I've used a wide variety of props, marketing material and incentives to get this across over the years.

Networking for me has always been an important part of my marketing mix. Not the major one, but certainly a key one. The important thing for me has been to keep at it and keep attending. There are no short term solutions, and I've had to keep attending to get my name known.

4N is one I attend and without doubt is more effective for me than any other. Would certainly recommend it.

4n works really well for me. It I'd all about sticking with it and building a name for yourself. Cost are more expensive than mentioned when.out of trial period but still good value. The forum is also good and lively as mentioned.

I'm a 4ner - I actually joined as I was networking for a client at the time, but have since joined as "myself" and found myself being co-erced into becoming Marketing Assistant for our local group. I would question how much work I have picked up directly from 4N, but what I do have is a group of people that I can rely on for advice, support, friendship. One of the reasons I didn't like working from home previously was due to fact I didn't know that Networking groups existed and found it quite lonely. If I'd known then what I know now I would have stuck it out a lot longer previously - it really is an all round support service, and with the forum you get the "office" banter that you may feel that you are missing out on by not being in an "office" environment.
That's my view anyway.
Karen

There are many groups out there for Networking. I have never been to 4N but each group depending on who chairs makes a difference to how the group is run. I run networking groups for Viva Business Networking and have networked a lot in my business. Viva is by far the most supportive group I have ever been a member of. You really should visit a few before you commit to joining one as they are really a preference. Networking takes time as it is all about building relationships with people so they begin to know you, trust you like you and will then refer work to you. Trades do very well in networking because they are selling a product however a service based company is very different and for bookkeepers particularly as it is something based on trust so don't expect to go twice and pick up work. Consider yourself very lucky if that happens. You need to invest time into networking to get to know your fellow members and their business and start to build relationships with them. Networking is about giving not receiving and it is not selling. Do not try to sell while you are there. That may sound strange but believe me it is true. Viva runs groups in Herts, Beds & Bucks areas and we have 3 groups down in Bristol. If you want to know more let me know.

PaulC wrote:

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Are the networking events always breakfast meetings? Fair enough if they are but for me personally I'd much prefer evening meetings. Are there any evening networking events out there at all?

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Paul, there are loads of different meetings out there. Your good friend Google should help you out if you are looking for evening meetings. 

Viva Business networking has lunch time groups, morning groups and evening groups. They even have a mums group with a creche for the kiddies. Depends what area you are in? They also have a 6 month membership costing £145.

www.viva-networking.co.uk

Quick question, it seems to me most of the networking groups mentioned are focused on the South East. Is there anything for those of us a little further north?