Networking...

Hi Guys

As a new member to this forum I would like to ask your advice on networking, somethng that you all feel is useful or you would not be on this forum.

Although online forums are great for instant answers to your questions, I am a great fan of face-to-face networking.

We did try BNI (Business Network International) for a couple of years and I did in fact serve as Chapter Director for a spell. Whilst I did build up some great contacts and still have regular contact with quite a few, it did not really add up financially for us as a business. Tradesmen (builders, plumbers electricians and mechanics) certainly seemed to find BNI fantastic.

Anyway, moving on, we have been approached by Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce to join them and my question is has anyone joined this, or any other chamber and found their networking events of use.

Your replies and advice would be welcomed.

regards
Geoff Ridden
PaceSetters
http://www.pacesetters.biz

Re : Networking

I do all my networking online, I guess it's a question of what leads you need and in what sector whether there would be more benefits from face to face networking.

Feedback I get on these events from others varies very much from person to person.

Sasha

Re : Networking

A mix of different sites and networking methods is probably the best in the long term - online, face-to-face, and building up relationships over time can lead to unexpected leads a long time in the future that come to fruition when you have all but forgotten about them! It's a long term thing.

Re : Networking

You're probably right Stephen - I don't know about you however but I find online networking so much more convenient, you can dip in and out when you want, and you don't get stuck in a boring conversation for ages thinking up polite excuses to move swiftly on

Sasha

Re : Networking

As mentioned above, take the time to assess each of the various business forums out there. Some will work better than others for each business based on product and personal style - some emphasise formality, some are more social, some geared to sectors/demographics and so on.

Give each place a couple of months trial then assess which is working best for you then stick to one or two...

Re : Networking

Glad you agree Sasha

Re : Networking

I believe the chamber of commerce is a great resource as well as any but with the chamber you get contact info. and meetings you can participate in and this to is a valuable resource especially to see whats going on out their...if you are creative you can get your name out there as well.

Though it costs to join it depends on your desire what you do with it.

The biggest thing on my mind about this is this:
Do you have a company that is worth it?
Do you have good people skills? Not hard to learn I learned this year that their are 4 types of personalities and how to treat them...it is very easy....

I like your idea because the business I am in is a relationship business and I love the relationship type businesses. Is yours?
Dan
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