Many networking events (BNI, 4networking etc) will let you attend a few meetings for the cost of the breakfast only before you decide whether or not to join. This is quite a cost effective way of making contact with other business owners - I have never joined a BNI, but just by being a guest I have made useful business connections, and found new clients. So don't feel pressured into joining if it doesn't feel right for you, or if it's out of your price range, and don't put off not attending at all because you know that you can't afford the yearly fees!
Can I also suggest that you check to see if there are Business Biscotti events in your area: many are free to attend, or cost a minimal amount (generally £5 or less) with no commitments or membership fees. (I've been the Ambassador of my local Business Biscotti for the past 18 months, so I can highly recommend the events!) You can attend local events, or turn up at any event if your work takes you around the country. Go to http://www.Business Biscotti.co.uk to find your local group.
If you're new to networking, prepare yourself by writing (and memorising; or best of all, having a mental bullet point list) for your one-minute speech, which is standard practice at a lot of networking events. (Biscotti is different, they are informal networking events - just turn up and chat). And take plenty of business cards with you, but be prepared to listen to others rather than talking about your business all the time.
Relax and enjoy, mingle and work that room!
-- Edited by billabong47 on Monday 30th of September 2013 08:29:44 PM
Useful and encouraging advice, there, billabong. Thanks.
Wonder if this thread can be made a "sticky" (I think that's the term), and people can add their networking experiences for our entertainment or as a warning. It will keep the idea of networking to the front of people's minds, perhaps.
We only promote them to stickies though when they have gained considerable interest and have multiple relevant entries.
Provided that this one keeps coming up to the top with new input I see no reason why it could not be promoted. Lets see how the thread evolves and make a call in a couple of weeks as to whether to make it a sticky.
The only other two site input generated stickies are the "Convince me that I don't need Sage" thread (which really isn't about what it says on the tin) and the "Free Training Materials" one.
kind regards,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
