Business networking clubs
Discussion
I'm in the initial throws of considering joining something like the BNI as a means to create more awareness about my new business as well as hopefully generating some leads. Do any of you partake in networking clubs and if so how do you find them? Do they work for you in terms of lead generation and which clubs would you recommend?
Cheers,
Phil
Cheers,
Phil
been a member of BNI for the last 12 months. Worked very well for us (we're in IT support/consultancy) but there are some 'trades' in our group who don't seem to get many referrals. You do have to work at it and play the BNI game to some extent. It's probably worth you visiting a few BNI groups to see what goes on and if it sits with you.
jimnic007 said:
Hi Phil,
Why ever would you want to join a business network club??
Seriously though, I have been looking at these in Manchester, probably for a very similar reason to you!!
Have you had many responses for drinks next Friday? Mind if I gate crash?
James N
Group20
Why ever would you want to join a business network club??
Seriously though, I have been looking at these in Manchester, probably for a very similar reason to you!!
Have you had many responses for drinks next Friday? Mind if I gate crash?
James N
Group20
James, *shock* How's it going chap?
Drinks next Friday will be just some of us local PHers. I don't mind at all if you join us as it'll be good to get together and have a wee chat anyway, clearly we'll need to do it prior to getting sloshed though.
Edited by Phil Hopkins on Saturday 13th January 16:48
RichUK said:
I tried a BNI group, but it didn't sit with the type of business I was and the people that were in the group. I also found the one that I visited (Oxford) to be quite stifled. I get more out of IOD networking events myself.
I must admit, that was the impression I got from speaking to current and previous members. What would IOD networking events be?
ETA: Google is your friend.
Edited by Phil Hopkins on Saturday 13th January 17:03
My colleague in Bristol is a member of a local BNI Chapter. It appears to have worked very well for her.
I was invited along to the one in Bath and I am afraid to say it just wasn't me. My business turnover has increased from £30K to £320K in 2.5 years since I bought the business and I don't feel that I have missed out by not being part of a BNI Chapter.
I think a lot of it will come down to the individual.
I was invited along to the one in Bath and I am afraid to say it just wasn't me. My business turnover has increased from £30K to £320K in 2.5 years since I bought the business and I don't feel that I have missed out by not being part of a BNI Chapter.
I think a lot of it will come down to the individual.
catherinej said:
I don't feel that I have missed out by not being part of a BNI Chapter. I think a lot of it will come down to the individual.
Quite right - it all depends on you and your business. A big factor is the other businesses represented at your local BNI chapter. Either you're comfortable with the BNI 'thing' or you're not and I wouldn't blame anyone for feeling that BNI isn't their thing. Yes it is rigidly structured but we've found it works for our business and there are a lot of other businesses within our BNI chapter that sit nicely within our 'contact sphere' so the referrals do flow.
Each to their own and all that....... but BNI is definitely worth a visit if you're remotely interested in the concept.
In our experience, most organised Networking Clubs are generaly attended by sellers and few buyers.
The most effective networking opportunities we've found are conferences and seminars (particularly if you can get a speaking slot).
Also, many years ago when I was "Johnny Print Rep", I booked myself into a seminar with the title: "How to buy Printing Services". Lunctime was a business card fest and yielded many orders!!!
The most effective networking opportunities we've found are conferences and seminars (particularly if you can get a speaking slot).
Also, many years ago when I was "Johnny Print Rep", I booked myself into a seminar with the title: "How to buy Printing Services". Lunctime was a business card fest and yielded many orders!!!
steviebee said:
In our experience, most organised Networking Clubs are generaly attended by sellers and few buyers.
The most effective networking opportunities we've found are conferences and seminars (particularly if you can get a speaking slot).
Also, many years ago when I was "Johnny Print Rep", I booked myself into a seminar with the title: "How to buy Printing Services". Lunctime was a business card fest and yielded many orders!!!
The most effective networking opportunities we've found are conferences and seminars (particularly if you can get a speaking slot).
Also, many years ago when I was "Johnny Print Rep", I booked myself into a seminar with the title: "How to buy Printing Services". Lunctime was a business card fest and yielded many orders!!!
That's the problem I perceived with it. I'm really aiming for something that's attended by director level & senior management.
The Institute of Directors looks like it's ticking the boxes so far.
Depends on the business. I found printers, software developers and caterers at such events but never made a penny myself because our client bae isn't small businesses, and the larger businesses tended to send junior personell staff or business development people who had no direct procuremnet role.
Going back now I recall:
the local Audi garage corporate manager
Barclays BD manager
A lady who made gift cards/crafty things
A guy who steam cleaned grafitti/chewing gum
A number of alleged 'head hunters'
Printers, taxi companies, caterers and balooon sellers galore
IT consultants (who did quite well)
Travel agents
Insurance people (who did very well)
Financial advisers
Edited by Leftie on Tuesday 16th January 18:01
I had half an idea to suggest that Ted create some kind of 'networking' forum where members could post a little bit about themselves and their business. I didn't bother though on the basis that it would probably go against the advertising rules.
I tend to just post in the relevant section and usually someone in the industry will respond and do me a deal.
In this way I've managed to get some great webhosting sorted, my 0845 numbers and my public liabilty insurance.
I'm a big fan of giving mutual business where these things are concerned and i'll continue to buy off (and attempt to sell to) PHers.
I tend to just post in the relevant section and usually someone in the industry will respond and do me a deal.
In this way I've managed to get some great webhosting sorted, my 0845 numbers and my public liabilty insurance.
I'm a big fan of giving mutual business where these things are concerned and i'll continue to buy off (and attempt to sell to) PHers.
Personally I think its a poor idea getting together a forum then positively encouraging people to "network" their businesses and advertise their wares for free.
I wouldn't think that was a good idea at all and should be taken as far away as possible. Alternately, give Martin, the guy who runs Brunel Couriers of Kingswood, a ring and he will do it at a reasonable price.
No job too small.
I wouldn't think that was a good idea at all and should be taken as far away as possible. Alternately, give Martin, the guy who runs Brunel Couriers of Kingswood, a ring and he will do it at a reasonable price.
No job too small.
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