Does anyone know any good networking events?

[marketing difference]

Hi,

I've just started out as a marketing consultant and I need to build my client base.

Can anyone advise of any good networking events? I am based in Bury and intend to cover the Greater Manchester and East Lancashire areas.

Regards,

Ian

[PointandStare]

4Networking is the current winner in that area - check the 4N events list (http://www.4networking.biz/events/).

[Shaun_Pearce]

Massive fan of 4N (http://www.4networking.biz/), if you would like any help with registering or introductions I would be glad to help.

All the best

PS - PointandStare, say hello why dont ya!

[Fernhurst Solutions Ltd]

Hiya Shaun

I've just joined 4N, so might see you on there ...

Andy

[Shaun_Pearce]

About time! I'll have a look for you fella.

Look forward to seeing you about and hearing your wise words!

To those of you thinking of registering or would like some help, give me a shout.

[InfiniteSafety]

Hi

Downtown Liverpool looks professional and stylish. I'm not a member but my insurance broker garratts insurance in Preston are members of the Preston branch (downtown preston) and they are doing well out of it.

Downtown are on twitter as well and tweet events quite often.

[Gillie]

Hi,

I've just started out as a marketing consultant and I need to build my client base.

Can anyone advise of any good networking events? I am based in Bury and intend to cover the Greater Manchester and East Lancashire areas.

Regards,

Ian

Get joined up with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, you get lots of events for nothing with lots of other great benefits, especially as this particular Chamber is the biggest in the country ...

[S4Computers]

S4 ICT in Leigh, we are in the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and do a lot of business with other members. The events organised are also very fruitful and fun.

We are also members of Business 4 Breakfast and have done a lot of business there and gained a good number of new clienbts through referal

Hope that helps.

Phil

[ForexPro]

Forgive me for sounding very stupid but could you tell me more about what goes on at these events. Take the greater Manchester chamber of commerce for example do you go to events/network with other businesses as a means of just getting more business or do you discuss ideas/techniques...I am new to this and would really like to increase my client base.

[Gillie]

Ok well the Chamber run many and varied events including Golf, breakfast, lunch, afternoon and evening meetings.

I headed along to my first meeting which just happened to be Golf and got chatting to a few I already knew from years ago when I was 'gainfully' employed. They then introduced me to others and so on. I get regular phone calls from various and to me the whole idea is to go along, chat and form 'relationships' so that you can work out means to help each other out, not necessarily getting you in particular any business.

I go for the long term scenario as short term means no gain in my eyes.

[NetConneXions]

I can never find any in the Carlisle Area, thats the north west too :(

[ForexPro]

Ok well the Chamber run many and varied events including Golf, breakfast, lunch, afternoon and evening meetings.

I headed along to my first meeting which just happened to be Golf and got chatting to a few I already knew from years ago when I was 'gainfully' employed. They then introduced me to others and so on. I get regular phone calls from various and to me the whole idea is to go along, chat and form 'relationships' so that you can work out means to help each other out, not necessarily getting you in particular any business.

I go for the long term scenario as short term means no gain in my eyes.

That sounds great. Would it make much difference because I am only 19 or are there already many people there who are 19?

Thanks Gillie.

Will.

[Gillie]

People of all ages attend these events. The thing about GMCoC is that you get sole traders through to large businesses who send half a dozen employees.

Being young or old doesnt matter in business, its how you present yourself and what you say that matters - tip - ask questions about the person you are talking to and what they do and wait for them to ask you questions, rather than hit them with a sales pitch!

[ForexPro]

People of all ages attend these events. The thing about GMCoC is that you get sole traders through to large businesses who send half a dozen employees.

Being young or old doesnt matter in business, its how you present yourself and what you say that matters - tip - ask questions about the person you are talking to and what they do and wait for them to ask you questions, rather than hit them with a sales pitch!

Thanks Gillie.

I am glad that age doesn't matter. Another question I have is whether these events are formal or social? Do you wear suites or just casual clothing?

Thanks
Will.

[S4Computers]

Will, most people wear what they generally do in thier business as they often come from work.. it doesn't matter, what matters is the way you present yourself and the knowledge and skills you have in what you do.

Phil

[Ader]

Interewsting - I've been wondering about networking events in my area (Shepperton in Surrey) - I was thinking business link and Chamber of Commerce as ways to find out & first port of call - But if anyone knows anything else I'd be very interested.

[GRDCredit]

I am also a huge fan of 4Networking and their breakfast meetings.

Map is here (http://www.4networking.biz/events/find-your-nearest-group.htm)if you want to check out a meeting near you - if there isn't one, start one! They are rapidly expanding.

However, as with all networking you should not go in to it expecting leads and introductions from day 1 - it does take time to build up the trust.

[Shaun_Pearce]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Simples...

[Ader]

Ok there's 4Networking all over the place and a few near me - Will have to do a looksee :)

Cheers

[templarmc]

Ian

4Networking is a bit sparse past Manchester, but have a gang in Bolton and Warrington I believe - how did you find the Denton bash?

Personally, I can't see the point in companies setting up big networking groups and then having lock-ins or geographical restriction, just seems too money-grabbing IMO. So, 4Networking may be viable on this level - I don't know TBH.

Gillie, whereabouts does GMCC generally meet up then? Do they have 'sub chapters' or whatever they're called?

[hendyphilhendy]

4Networking is expanding rapidly and you should definitely have a look. Try and speak to Brad Burton as you may be able to get involved setting up a group. Running or being part of the team definitely helps boost your profile.