I think the type of networking will very much depend on the type of business, My main business is IT related so I can network via online sites as these are manly used by people in the IT world. One of my other businesses will be focused on market that is far less online so I will have to network at the local business association meetings or via networking clubs in the area. If you are looking at joining a networking club or breakfast club try to find out the sort of people that attend first as theres no point in networking if the people there are not of value to you.

I agree totally with Richard that some groups are better than others, but the big differentiator is how you behave at a networking meeting.

The more you interact appropriately, the better results you will get. So, what is appropriate?

"Seek first to understand, then be understood". I can't remember who said it, but start off finding out about the person you are talking to, then when you are explaining what you do, you can make it relevant to them.

Want to know if they are lying? This article will help:

http://www.nettsalesresource.co.uk/wp/?p=144

Hi all
im part of the 4n networking forum and i have had plenty of help with business but NO work at all from it

i have developed my business slightly with help from members of 4N

but like i sya no work,but then again i havent been to any meetings of 4N

Maybe i should go and get something done about it

There is a theory the more you help others, the more you receive in return.

Personally, over 90% of my business comes through referrals.

Popular networking groups work on the basis of having exclusivity within its membership, thus ensuring you have the right to promote your services without competition.

Some of the new breed have ignored this premise, and simply chased the numbers and by stint hope you will generate for your business. The problem here, a person with more charisma may gain business, but not deliver to the same standards as you.

So my suggestion, is to look to have 1-2-1s, to enable more people get to know you, and when known they will trust you with their business.

HTH

Laurence

Phil

I would have to say that when you weigh up the cost of a networking breakfast against having anywhere between 12 and 20 ambassadors for your business in the local area, its got to be worth doing, DEPENDANT on the nature of your business. I currently attend 2 networking breakfasts a week, and they couldn't be further apart in the spectrum. One is rigidly structured and I feel there is a pressure to provide a referral or indroduction each time, and the other is a relaxed environment in which people pass referrals about business.

In 5 months I have picked up enough business to cover not only the cost of both networking events each week, but also the travel time for each - and we have still got 3/4 of the atendees to target for our services.

It is a give and take situation - you pass on people who are looking for services that others in the group provide, but all in all I couldn't get the message out there about our services to as many people as the whole breakfast club could. It takes investment in time and money, but when the group knows and trusts you and your business, the business will come.

Perhaps this is why we have social networking.

It can act as that - first hoop i.e. you can get to know someone online first - and then go meet them in person.

Personally, I have been to many networking groups where the organisor and their pals make the most of the money.

The classic longtail that you find in most things applies here in face to face networking as well.

Depends which end of the tail you are in :)

it would win you more business more consistently but networking is more fun.

I love networking and have done loads in my time. I therefore feel able to give an opinion. The most effective networking I have done is with BNI even though it is against my normal culture and attitude. The least effective networking I have ever done is 4Networking which is often known as 4N.

Rather than going to classic networking events try to go to seminars and other learning opportunities. It is less salesy and therefore better for building relationships. You can also say that if you don't win any business you have at least learnt something useful. It also helps you target your audience if you search out learning events that your ideal customer would like to go to.

Alternatively, if you can't find a networking club that suits you then start one for yourself and see if others like the idea. Three years ago I started The Business Growth Club in Milton Keynes. It is the most relaxed and conversational networking anywhere around. There are no real sales pitches, it is more about advice and experience and getting to know people better quicker.

We have become known for our quarterly seminars on interesting subjects which are open to anybody. The next one is on Friday 26th November at The Mercure Parkside Hotel in Woughton on the Green in Milton Keynes, the fastest growing city in the UK for the last 15 years.

The seminar is on Emotional Intelligence or EQ

www.business-growth-club.co.uk

For over ten years now I have picked up most of my business from networking, offline and online.

I have over 12,000 people in my network and use it to help my executive clients to advance their careers.

My preferred are@

breakfast - BRX: http://www.brxnet.co.uk - relaxed no silly rules and very effective

day/evening: Business Scene: http://www.business-scene.com

online: ecademy, linkedin and viadeo

no doubt about it - networking works!

Have been a member for 11 years, and like, Ed, you can also find me on all those mentioned above, plus Twitter and Facebook