Networking good/bad ?

[elite123]

I have been trading 2 years and never really done any networking as i think my time is spent better in the office.

Anyone think networking works really well and any good tips ?

[Jayne]

Hi,

Not got a clue, never any networking events near me that I know of. I've been in business for 12 yrs and never ever networked :D

Wouldn't mind trying though, could be fun.

Jayne

[uksbc]

i have always had mixed views of networking. i have been to quite a few where i have ended up sitting with MD's of major banks - never in a million years will i do business with these people

i have also attended seminars for people starting in business or looking to learn about the internet - both areas we specialise in only to find that they are full of people attending for the same reason as me!!

this is a shameless plug but that is why we became involved in The UK Business to Business Network - http://www.ukb2b.org and eventually took over the company which ran it.

this was set up with the intention of being honest about why people attend the events - to generate business - everyone is on the same page - no hiding behind a thinly cloaked veil of training or just making money out of providing a lunch or breakfast to members

if you want to know more please feel free to pm me

[uksbc]

just one other point of interest - for those forum members who have seen UKB2B.ORG on here before it is because the former owner was a member which is how i heard about this site

:D

[YEM]

We do lots of networking and find it a great way to source new business.

I still feel a little uncomfortable walking into a room or upto somebody and start chatting, but that's what everyone their is for.

Try speed networking if you are unsure, as this will 'force' you into talking to somebody - you basically say who you are, what you do and what you are looking for - if that person doesn't want your services, they may know somebody who does and pass on your details.

Why not try free events (check with your local enterprise agency/chamber of commerce etc) for events happening in your regions and just go along and see how you feel about it and what benefits you get out of it

[DuaneJackson]

I find them really useful. I go to the same one bi-monthly.

Initially it was a good source of business but I've also made some good contacts.

The thing is, when you're running a business as a sole trader or one man band, you spend a lot of time on your own. It's good to get together with other people facig the same challenges you are.

[emubill]

Call me thick if you like




There was a pause for you all to oblige.


But aren't we all networking on here?

Nige

[Ozzy]

Yes Nige. we are all networking on here!

I am a great advocate for networking, and have been doing so for almost a year now. I wish I had started sooner too ;)

The important thing about networking is that you should not be networking to hard sell, networking is all about farming - building relationships and getting people to know you.
For those in the Northampton area Quick is sponsoring a chamber networking event in March where I will be speaking about networking - why not pop along ;)
A few years ago I would never have had the confidence to talk in public, now through networking I do. Networking forces you to come out of yourself and talk, which is good for you and good for your business. Networking is also a lot cheaper than traditional advertising :D

[wheelie2]

Networking is fantastic! When you work on your own it's great to get out there and meet people. I used to be really shy and wouldn't say boo to a goose but now I can talk easily to strangers. Do your research as to which event to attend as some do tend to be over-run by banks and solicitors, BUT having said that, everybody knows somebody - but to get to know them you need to first get to know the bank managers and solicitors....