[AshWhite]

Last night I attended an informal business club meeting which was run by the local council.

There was about 20 people there, I spoke with a few (artist, PR, HR, portable toilet hire) who had all recently (within the last 18 months) gone self employed, so were in a similar situation to me.

All the people I spoke to attend various events of this type, including 4Networking and the like.

Now, I don't play golf, I don't drink down the pub, and I don't attend football matches etc - so I've got a small group of friends, and it's quite difficult for me to raise awareness of my company outside Facebook, and customer referals. Does anyone find networking events/groups useful - or does it end in high pressure on you to get leads for other peoples companies?

I'd be interested in hearing anyones related stories (good & bad). If you don't want to post on here I can be contacted by e-mail Ashley@Floors2Show.co.uk

Thanks in advance

[wynne jones]

I know it really works well for some and I think what works even better is creating your own informal network group. It's extra work and you need to feel up to it, but I think the one who is running the show is never short of leads.

[Colin Day]

I go to one occasionally, but only cos there's a reet fit burd that goes too

[Richard Basey-Fisher]

I go to one occasionally, but only cos there's a reet fit burd that goes too

are you sure colin   its cornwall

[Richard Basey-Fisher]

these networking groups vary some cost a fortune to join on the promise that next year we will all be millionaires  ha ha .  there are a few that at free to attend you just pay for meals as and when you go to. 

Get loads of work from my golf club  members

[Andrew Briscoe]

I go to one occasionally, but only cos there's a reet fit burd that goes too

Not lost your Cumbrian sense of humour then Colin.

Andrew

[AshWhite]

Richard,
Joining a golf club is definately one for the future I think, but I was thinking about this in the immediate future.

I don't like the idea of being pressured into getting 10+ leads for others every month or being frowned upon. The one I went to last night was run by the council so there was none of that - but a few people said the others were more productive.

I think I'll play it by ear and see how they play out, could be a good thing I suppose.