Hi All,

In reading different threads, I've noticed that most of you mention "networking events" as part of your marketing strategy.

Can you offer some specific networking events you attend, i.e., Chamber of Commerce events, etc.?

I'd like to start researching and attending these types of events in my area and would like some good reference points.

Thanks for your help!

Jill

Look for anything that is F R E E or of minimal cost. OR there are several orgs that will let members invite individuals for events if they cover the price of the event without extending it to the membership responsibilities.

Check BNI and click on find a chapter. For the BNI I visited I could go twice to that chpater before commiting to membership and there are multiple chapters in my area.

There is another one I can't recall the name of and it is driving me CRAZY. It was for women and it was national with local chapters too...nothing big and not mainstream. UGH! I'll keep looking for it. I remember going to their website and they have two chapters in my area but for the life of me...

Another group I've been going to recently was started by three business women who just started bringing their friends and their friends started bringing their friends. It is pay as you go too and I love going there. It is like a bunch of girlfriends getting together but I have to admit has been the most promising out of all I've attended.

Make it a great day!

__________________
Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com

Try searching for local networking groups on Google. I attend several working women networking groups as well as Ask! Boulder and just joined "Colorado VAs"

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I attend a local entrepreneur's meetup which is free and I'm also a member of a local networking/referral group which is $5/quarter. I also attend various other free local events that pop up.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Thanks for all the great ideas. I love the idea of FREE... so I'm going to check out some local meetings in my area.

Jill

Hi Jill,

I went to my first networking event this past Thursday. It was local and a FREE event. I was so nervous! I had to give a 30 second intro in the front of the room. All went well and although I don't think I met any potential clients, I made a good contact with a data recovery specialist and a commercial printer. I will definitely continue to attend!

Good luck,
Dawn

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Dawn Lawson | At Your Service
http://freelanceadminsupport.com

Try http://www.meetup.com; there are meet-up groups for all kinds of hobbies and businesses - I went to one last month and the cost was $5.00.

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Julia

I've been part of referral Networking Group (BNI type) for the past year. I lucked out and in my first month got one client that paid for my yearly dues (which was over $600) and then any clients since then have been profit for me. You have to be careful not to join too many of these paying type of group, 'cause it can really eat into your profits at the end of the month. Even at $5 per visit, if you go twice a week, that will be 40-50 for the month.

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Bette Creek
http://bettecreek.blogspot.com/
www.ashbusinessservices.com

Originally Posted by Bette C

I've been part of referral Networking Group (BNI type) for the past year. I lucked out and in my first month got one client that paid for my yearly dues (which was over $600) and then any clients since then have been profit for me. You have to be careful not to join too many of these paying type of group, 'cause it can really eat into your profits at the end of the month. Even at $5 per visit, if you go twice a week, that will be 40-50 for the month.

I joined BNI last year and dropped out after 5 months as I saw no referrals of any quality. I considered using my credit to join another group recently but decided against it. People should be aware that it is more than just $600 per year, it is also the cost of the weekly meetings and time. The group I looked at charged $20 per week for meeting fees (including cost of lunch). It was also 2 hours of my time in the middle of the day. You have to count those costs too, that is time you aren't billing clients. I did a cost-benefit analysis of this group and came to the conclusion I'd have to get over 140 hours of billable referrals just to break even and decided it wasn't worth the cost.

I'm limiting my networking to evenings or mornings (with the occasional Chamber of Commerce lunch thrown in). That way networking doesn't interfere with my business day.

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Julia

I must have lucked out with my visit to BNI. Lunch cost me $12 and I got a client who paid me 5 hours in advance for a 1 and 1/2 hour project...in addition to making a very good connection with someone I can see becoming fast friends with! The yearly fees where I am are MUCH lower. Although they do charge monthly dues and you have to pay for the cost of your lunch. I don't plan to join but know I could be busy for a while attending two meetings per chapter in my area!

I do agree you have to be careful how many you join for a cost. As you start networking more and more you'll start to see patterns of the same people across the board. If that is the case consider dropping some of your groups if you aren't getting fresh exposure to new people. On the flip side of that, in the interest of reciprocity, if you do join a group try to bring guests when you can.

I still can't think of the name of that darn women's group! :prrr:

__________________
Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com