stehaggan Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 I am just wondering if anyone has tried business networking meetings like BNI and if so what are your opinions and views? Im not sure about it but thinking of trying it to build up some more clients so opinions would be really appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 OH has - in the same line of business as you as well - he wasn't really interested in going but made himself do it and it was pretty much as we thought it might be ........ a back slapping exersize over a reasonable bacon butty My sister goes to a women only group and that does seem to generate some new business but the men just seem to talk the talk It might just be this area of course........it's always worth trying but don't expect too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 Some of our consultants go to local networking meetings, not all of them in construction.. I think the general opinion is that they are worth while and have generated some business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 We are always invited to business networking meetings & never been one yet! We just see them as men & women in suits saying I am..I am...I've got & so on. We don't wear suits & at the end of the day we are in business for one thing..kerching! Although we get on with people, we think we would feel a bit sick at these meetings with all the power dressing and bulling up! Just my opinion. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 Ahhh, but they're not at all like that Emma - trying going along to a few; you have nothing to lose and I think you'd be surprised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stehaggan Posted May 27, 2011 Author Share Posted May 27, 2011 hmm thanks guys... i think i might have a look at going along to one then - if i dont like it i can always say i tried it i suppose x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 I'd try some different ones as they all seem to have different 'flavours', perhaps one will suit you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 Remember - none of this is instantaneous; you have to work at it. Being part of a network isn't just about finding new business, its about developing relationships. I'd find a network with some purpose which is similar to your own interests, so maybe the same sector or a group concerned with a business issue, or the green economy or whatever. Depending on your line of business, you might find that professional associations and seminars/conferences are a better bet, but there of course you will meet a lot of competitors as well as potential clients! Personally, I don't find local groups which meet purely because they are local much use to me - the range of businesses is too varied and mostly they are 'sellers' rather than 'buyers' - but if I was an accountant or solicitor for example, they would be great. However, if you choose wisely, have an open mind and with a bit of luck (sometimes it just doesn't gel for you for whatever reason) you should either learn something, or be inspired, or tuck away some nugget of information or knowledge which comes in useful in the future. I've spent much of my working life in business support and now as an independent consultant and evaluator of business support programmes one thing I have learnt is that I get business from people I know. People like to buy from people they trust - given my service is essentially me and my experience its essential I get myself out and about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 Very well said Daphne! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
