networking

[flork1]

has anyone used women's networking sites? they are not cheap to join and i wondered if they were worth it.

I have been to women's networking groups (Athena & WIBN) but not just online networks. Personally if you are going to pay money I'd want to actually meet people. Depends what line of work you in, but I think it is better to see prospective contacts in the flesh to work out if they are actually that - a prospect. I did find that the above tended to attract sole traders, depends if that is a market that you are interested in.

I would keep searching as well, you'll be surprised how many new networking things spring up - I think that is the way to make money, run a network!!

Also Linkedin has a number of free groups that might connect you with the right sort of person.

Most groups (one and offline) will give you a free trial/first meeting without commitment. Try each one, collect the business cards and see where it gets you. They all "feel" different.

If you end up at one where you need to do your 1 min pitch, I saw this good blog entry - business-efficiency.theefficiencycoach.co.uk/index.php/featured-posts/business-efficiency/5-classic-mistakes-people-make-with-their-60-second-pitch/

Good luck!