To ask - how the hell does one 'network'

[Goingslowlymad1]

I've started up my own business out of circumstance to some degree rather than careful planning, and though I'm building up a few clients I've found that generally the "best" ones are people that I've come into contact with in "real life" - such as , met through friends, socialising etc.

So am thinking that actually meeting local people face to face is the way forward- but how on earth do I go about doing this on a larger scale.

My business is marketing so am fine with all the online stuff- but am stumped when it comes to finding places to actually "meet people".

There are paid networking groups- but I find that a bit of a turnoff as imagine a load of handshaking, business card swapping and not much else.

Does anybody have any ideas!?

Does your local council have a chamber of commerce?

They do actually and am going to a meeting next week. Are they any good?

Try out some of the networking groups. You might be surprised. I have my own business and the thought of networking when I first stated was horrifying but it doesn't faze me at all now( 6 years on). Have a look at WIBN (Women in Business Network) - assuming you are a woman of course!

Sorry but I think the paid networking groups are probably the way to go. I'd find this hard work too, but al local small owners I know are members of various networking groups.

Also online networking, Linked In for example, is really important.

You could set up your own networking group maybe? Perhaps organise a coffee morning in a nice local cafe and invite people who might also be interested in networking. You might not get any business out of it immediately but someone you meet might get into a discussion with someone they know at a later date who needs X (whatever your services are) and pass on your details.

Use instagram/facebook and other local businesses to find potential invitees.

Worth a go?

Networking groups have different personalities. I tried a few, some were exactly as you describe, and then I found Athena - for women only, completely different vibe. I’d try that and WIBN

My friend goes to a breakfast group once a week. The way it works is that they only have one person who does each role. So for example, you may have John the accountant, Carol the solicitor, Claire the web designer, David the financial advisor, etc .

So you would be the go-to person for marketing for all these people and their businesses. If you're good you'll find they'll then refer you to their contacts, etc.

Usually one person each week is given the opportunity to present to the group, so you can build your profile as an expert in your field.

My friend says the group is also a good place to download and discuss problems. Being self employed can be a lonely place sometimes.

Thanks all- so. As I suspected the paid groups are the way to go- there are around 3 in my area - chamber of commerce, bni and some others- it's so tough to chose which one to go with! The bni costs are around £1200 per year which- of it works- great- but if it doesn't is a hell of a lot of money to waste!

The bni costs are around £1200 per year which- of it works- great- but if it doesn't is a hell of a lot of money to waste!

Get in touch and ask if they do a free introductory session so you can visit and see if it's relevant to you. Many organisations do, and if they don't you're no worse off.

@altwoo I haven't heard of Athena - what type of group is brat?

*that

Get on twitter. There'll be an hour in your subject :)

this might help too?
www.futurelearn.com/courses/effective-networking/

It’s networking for women, but with training and an emphasis on support too. It’s a membership one, but operates a lock out system - so you’d be the only profession in the group. They meet once a month, 12-2pm. You can try it once as a visiyor too. I’d say 60% of my business comes through Athena, but I also just love the women i’ve met there.

I don't do much formal networking, but there are a couple of monthly events that I go to regularly. One is a 'social media breakfast' which has hundreds of attendees, and is full of people desperate for some reasonably priced freelance help or advice. It's a great place to get a few initial clients. I can hand out dozens of business cards at those.

But most of my work has come through doing a couple of free jobs to get my name out there, then personal referrals.