Bni

Been to one as a guest, know a few people who swear by them and claim to generate some good business leads.

For me personally, (and the one I went to) I felt it was a bit full on, with everyone just wanting to sales pitch me to death, and there seemed to be a lot of rules, you must bring a lead etc. In the end, I didn't think it was viable for my kind of business, as we are a one off low cost product, so the membership fees and associated time commitment didn't make it viable.

Maybe your kind of work though you'd find it more beneficial? Wouldn't hurt to try it out as a guest and see what you think.

I tend to find most offline networking groups are a bit full on on the sales pitch front

I agree, they went at me like a pack of wolves wanting me to sign up straight away even before the event actually started.... they seem to want only 1 person per trade which means you monopolise the leads available but then you are encouraged to bring in leads for everyone else.... as a new start up its probably not going to be easy to get leads for everyone else when you want them yourself!!

I would do the 4N networks or some of the pay as you go, they are a little bit cheaper but still bring along over 20 people and they are a bit more laid back and easy going!

So was the continental breakfast worth the tenner then?

Ha Ha - full english and I am sold!! lol

Nope thumbsdown

Well, I think that then has finally put the nail in the coffin...

Ha Ha

As per your comments, BNI works for some people and not for others.

At the moment I'm trying 4Networking and have been with them for about a year now.

It's more relaxed than many networking groups and with probably a more heavier emphasis on social/fun than business.

The networking groups tend to be a mix of businesses and as it's not hard core referral drive some people might find it a bit like a "social club" rather than a business network.

However I've found that if you stick with it and build relationships it can be very valuable on many different levels.

My suggestion is try a few different groups and see how you go BUT be very clear about what you hope to get out of it. It's rare to join a networking group and suddenly find you have loads of leads & business. It always takes time and investment.

You can also find the pay as you go groups where you just pay your fee for that meeting without committing to a membership. I've not tried one of those yet and would be interested in anyone's feedback.

Cheers
Mike