Networking [Offline]

Discuss the benefits and challenges of small business networking in-person.

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Old 01-13-2009
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Default Do You Get a lot of business networking?
How do most of you network and do you feel it pays off? I joined Linkedin and Biznik. Right now I'm getting a lot of work from Guru but I'm looking for more opportunities.
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Old 01-14-2009
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Default Re: Do You Get a lot of business networking?
Tammy

Don't forget to network in person. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and go to their events. I am just starting out so don't have much experience yet, but I am going to make sure everything is connected together - website, twitter, blog. And also do a bunch of personal networking. I think it will be important to have a broad spectrum of networking. You don't know where your business will come from so you better hit all the basics.
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Old 01-14-2009
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Default Re: Do You Get a lot of business networking?
Tammy,

I do as much f2f networking as I do virtual and am getting business and inquiries from the many great business owners I continue to meet. Local folks need our services too. You may want to start with local meet-ups, chambers of commerce or do search on networking groups in your area.
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Old 01-14-2009
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Default Re: Do You Get a lot of business networking?
Networking definitely pays of in many ways. Like anything though, you need to put in a consistent effort. I personally network online more than in person...for me it works.
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Old 01-14-2009
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Default Re: Do You Get a lot of business networking?
After a year of serious face to face networking, my client list went from 9 total to 23 with another 9 prospects. The majority of my clients come from face to face networking and their referrals. Yes, it's the way to go and definitely worth it!
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Old 01-14-2009
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Default Re: Do You Get a lot of business networking?
I have to agree, networking does work. I'm an introvert and find its a lot easier for me to network online where I can be comfortable. I'm still working on finding the right circles to network in, but this one is a good start for information networking.
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Old 01-21-2009
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Default Re: Do You Get a lot of business networking?
for online networking I have searched places like facebook for groups, there a quite a few which are good opportunities to meet prospective clients. ofcourse join lots of different websites, the more the merrier!
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Old 01-21-2009
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Default Re: Do You Get a lot of business networking?
What business I have received online has been through forum participation (like this one), rather than sites like linkedin or biznik. I would say 95% of my business is from referrals.
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Old 01-21-2009
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Default Re: Do You Get a lot of business networking?
after reading through the replies on this thread, i looked up my local council for any business groups and there are quite a few that would be worth me joining. thanks very much for the tips!
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Old 01-21-2009
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Default Re: Do You Get a lot of business networking?
Nicky and the others,
If you are checking out new local networking groups, check to see if you can try out as a guest status to make sure that is the group that meets your needs. Some are rather costly and have lots of restrictions and rules.
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