Business networking events for startups - worth it?
conveneworks started this topic @ 11:40 on 28/05/2009
Hi all,
I guess this must be a pretty old topic now, plus different people would've had different experiences, etc.
As a startup, how have you found face-to-face networking events? As my business trades B2B, I can't see why upper to middle level management (i.e. decision makers that would want our services) of larger firms would go to these events but at the same time, I'd like to know whether people have had positive experiences of the networking process (i.e. BNI, 4Networking, etc).
All thoughts welcome,
Will Cheung
ConveneWorks Ltd.
Better IT for business cost management
07905 378906
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RE: Business networking events for startups - worth it?
jeconomides | 05/06/2009 09:59 PM
I regularly go to BNI networking events, though I have not managed to join yet. Networking is absolutely critical to business development, and BNI is great for that due to its structured agenda. I haven't been to other groups, but the more facetime you get the better. In your line of business, you need to build up trust. This will take time, and you'll need a supportive environment to do this. Networking groups provide this.
Hopefully this helps?
Regards
Jason
------------------------
Jason Economides - Rainmaker and Author of Marketing Newsletter "Low Hanging Fruit"
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RE: Business networking events for startups - worth it?
conveneworks | 07/06/2009 11:39 PM
Hi Jason,
Thanks for the reply - sounds good and it certainly sounds like I'll give it a go in complementing other forms of marketing. I've noticed several discussions both here and otherwise with mixed reviews but it certainly sounds overally positive for my industry.
With thanks,
Will
ConveneWorks Ltd.
Better IT for business cost management
07905 378906
RE: Business networking events for startups - worth it?
jeconomides | 07/06/2009 11:55 PM
Excellent. Don't forget though, networking and referral is just one of the six marketing strategies you could use though to get clients.
Regards
Jason
------------------------
Jason Economides - Rainmaker and Author of Marketing Newsletter "Low Hanging Fruit"
For lots of FREE stuff on marketing and business development visit:-
http://www.eco-services.co.uk
Free Tips on Twitter: Http://www.twitter.com/jeconomides
Licensed Facilitator of Get Clients Now!™, the only 28-day marketing program for start-up professional services businesses. Get Clients Now!™ is a trademark of Wings for Business LLC, and is used under license. www.getclientsnow.com