Face-to-face networking in Midland (cheap or free)?

[Liz Broomfield]

Hello fellow-Midlanders

I'm going to be trying to do more networking and marketing as I'm adjusting my work (day job) - work (business) balance over the next few months.

I know the big networking organisations are in operation in Birmingham, but I can't justify the price of becoming a member (I know it's useful but I have a low turnover at the moment!)

I've heard of some organisations like Women In Business Network and Ladies Who Latte, a friend goes to those in Buckinghamshire, but they don't seem to be active here.

So, do you know of any other networking groups, that either have a low fee or are free (buy your own coffee etc), maybe a bit more informal?

I'm a proof-reader/copy-editor/copy-writer/transcriber so I fit in with the marketing and virtual assistant types of people more than creatives or franchise opportunities etc, if that helps.

Thanks!

Liz

[wecandobiz]

Liz, stick your psotcode in here (http://www.wecando.biz/search.php?tab=4) and we'll show you all the networking events we can find local to you. We don't mark which are free in the search results alas, but if you know the big network names then you'll be able to click on the others.

Sign up to our site (it's free) and we'll also put you in your own Local Group (https://www.wecando.biz/my_networks.php?tab=3) on the site so you can find other business owners online. You can even send a message them to all in one go using the Local Group buzz. This area gets aan extensive spruce up in a few weeks time.

By the way, most networks allow you to attend a couple of events without joining as a sampler, so you may want to try doing that.

[PerfectP]

I'm a member of http://www.synergy4business.co.uk/ - we're having an open event next week in Solihull and various other locations over the next few weeks.
All it will cost you is the fee for breakfast, after that it's upto you to decide if you want to join.
The joining fee is less than other groups and also there is less pressure to generate referrals. Let me know if you need any more information.

cheers
Craig

[5wire]

Hi,

You can try registering to the FSB and BNI.

I do some work with one of the main people that run BNI Nuneaton, basically if there is another industry similar to your own you're not allowed to join I believe is the general rule.

The FSB, Federation of Small Businesses on the other hand you are able to register to but does cost £150 I believe.

It's good to take advantage of free courses you can find out too whether you have much interest or not as again, it's another way to network.

All the best.

[Liz Broomfield]

Thanks everyone who's replied so far. Unfortunately I can't really even justify £150 memberships - I'm running this part time at the moment and I'm on a Certificate Of Low Earnings at the moment, so this would represent too much of my turnover right now.

Good idea on the courses, it's a sham business link etc are being eroded by funding cuts...

Thanks again though!

[5wire]

Hi,

Understandably £150 a year sounds a lot, but £12.50 a month isn't a lot I'd say, but it depends on the nature of your work and so forth when it comes to take of return.

Best of luck with the networking :)

[Geoff T]

Liz - BNI - av £20 per week... (in my area), which gets me av £60 per week (more come Jan)... speculate...

[Liz Broomfield]

I know you have to speculate to accumulate but I don't know that what I do maybe works like this, I'm not sure and I can't afford to gamble away my money like that. If I could work out if networking gets me added value first, then I can look at paid for stuff, if that makes sense?

So far the majority of my work has come through personal recommendations from satisfied customers, or from marketing myself on Twitter...

[Gill]

Hello Liz

I have PM'd you on a different subject but thought I'd add my twopenneth here! Contact a member of your local BNI chapter as they are encouraged to bring guests. Then, free of charge, you can see if this would be suitable for you. You can be invited twice and it gives you a good idea of what goes on (I would love to be a member but those early mornings just do not suit!). You could also put yourself forward as a 'stand in' for when members are unavailable to attend the meetings - these are fun - I was an accountant one week - oh the stuff dreams are made of!

Find your local Chamber of Commerce, they often have meetings and you can 'pay as you go' (obviously for a little more) but again it would give you an indication if this would be useful to you.

The FSB also operate on a similar basis and if I were you I would be looking to save up to join - my membership has paid for itself four times over in savings on insurances alone.

Good luck with it. I rarely network, I have a face for radio, especially at 6am!

Gill

[Liz Broomfield]

Thanks Gill - I will look into BNI as a guest, still can't justify fees of £80 per month at the moment other people who have contributed... Chamber of Commerce is a good idea and I've found a hyperlocal Business Association in my suburb which is £35 for a year!

Also went to Birmingham Social Media Cafe today which is an informal get together but I made some vg contacts there!

Thanks for all the advice everyone!