Networking in Dublin

kitesurfingbum

I am Looking for networking in Dublin.

The majority of the networking I have found you need to pay for and have found the the only thing they networking events are interested in is the organizers fees.

I joined the Pluto network run by the enterprise board, but did not find it helpful at all, as you ended up meeting the same people every month (20 people).
And this cost €1000.

I am looking to put sweat equity into a company in expansion or startup. I have just sold a company I launched in 2008 and would like a similar challenge.
Hence looking to meet like minded people!

fiscalstudent

I have mentioned this before in another post, but if your looking to network with like minded people http://www.bizcamp.ie/ organise great events that are free of charge to attend.

Fiscalstudent, run me through a typical day at bizcamp will you ? Just curious to see if I'd be interested.

Donagh_mc

BizCamp is the biggest upcoming event and a must. However I think it's full at 499 people and they aren't offering anymore tickets. Maybe sneak in?

We'll be there so keep an eye out

fiscalstudent

@TheEntrepreneur

My experience was the following...

arrive receive name tag, schedule, note pad and pen.
I decided on which speechs I would attend based on topic
I saw presentations on SEO, email marketing, how to receive government grant, what to do when unemployed and one or two more from budding entrepreneurs and their experiences.

In between presentations there is more than enough time to chat to other attendees and make meaningful contacts.

Finally at the end of the day there is a discussion panel with successful business people/academics and they discuss current issues and take questions from the crowd.

thecleverone

I was going to mention Bizcamp myself. I missed last years one but have signed up to go this year. Feedback from last year was great

janullrich

Folks, is there any networking event that a person can visit who is trying to get a new business of the ground. I don't want to go to some event which is attended by very experienced people who are a long time in the business and a new person may not learn much. Hope I am making sense!

RUDOLF289

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1844680&trk=hb_side_g

another free event, every 1st wednesday of the month. Organised all over the country

RUDOLF289

http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&gid=1808090&discussionID=6807973&goback=%2Eanh_1808090

another free event

RUDOLF289

janullrich wrote: »

Folks, is there any networking event that a person can visit who is trying to get a new business of the ground. I don't want to go to some event which is attended by very experienced people who are a long time in the business and a new person may not learn much. Hope I am making sense!

what part of the country are you in ?

RUDOLF289

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=85170&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

Another one !!!

RUDOLF289

kitesurfingbum wrote: »

I joined the Pluto network run by the enterprise board, but did not find it helpful at all, as you ended up meeting the same people every month (20 people). And this cost €1000.

I am meeting JJO'Connell, Director of Plato tomorrow in Cork as I am interested in joining the program. I have spoken to quite a number of people who have a different perspective on their participation (some were mentors, some were participants). My take is that whilst networking is a part of the program, it is primarily a mentoring program for people who run their own business or are in senior positions. Would be interested to hear more about your experience.

I am a member of BNI, the most succesful referral organisation in the world. Granted it is fee based (Euro 600 per annum, plus a once off Euro 130 admin fee) but it is a weekly meeting and a proven, well thought out concept. Although I am based in Cork, I can put you in touch with a number of chapters in Dublin and get you an invite to one or more chapters to have a "look see".

Regards,
Rudolf289

Locamon

Just interested to see the enterprise board run a networking group and mentoring group -but they charge €1,000 for the service?

I approached my local officer when I was starting up but got no help or advice of note and have not darkened their door since - they never mentioned Plato but maybe didn't want to tap me for a few bob when I was asking them questions they couldn't or wouldn't answer?

Bit off topic but has anyone had any service of value from the enterprise boards and if so what was the best they had to offer -might revisit them:)

OT I see some recommendations for linkedin anyone got a positive recommendation for joining this service and any hidden charges?

Mr Biz

Good evening all.. Summer has finally arrived!! :cool:

I've tried a few network groups over the years but there seems to be more takers in them and the initial buzz soon dies off as well as the groups.. A shame really as there are some people who are great at networking but end up losing out to under performers as well as a yearly fee.

Just a though here.. Obviously the name of the game these days is networking.. I always found it the best way to generate business as long as you yourself have a good reputation in what you provide/do..

How about setting up a private "Networking Section" within these boards.. Members could choose a new "Networking Name" (as not to disclose who they currently are etc) and build a business profile. Personally I feel this would add to the current buzz of people helping each other out in the "Entrepreneurial & Business Management" section..and most importantly, it would be FREE!!

Thoughts?

janullrich

I am based in North Dublin.

Columba Rad

Mr Biz wrote: »

How about setting up a private "Networking Section" within these boards.. Members could choose a new "Networking Name" (as not to disclose who they currently are etc) and build a business profile. Personally I feel this would add to the current buzz of people helping each other out in the "Entrepreneurial & Business Management" section..and most importantly, it would be FREE!!

I'm up for that, I had the same idea myself http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=61310676&postcount=18

-Patrick

joolsveer

I am based in Dublin 15 and interested in joining a business network group. I was previously a member of BNI but the chapter collapsed due to lack of a sufficient number of members. It cost about €800 per year plus weekly contributions for venue and refreshments.

Columba Rad

My bank financial manager was trying to get me to go to one of the BNI meetings a couple of weeks ago, saying there was no one in the group offering the services I did, although I'm sure this could be true, I'm not going to fork out €800 to be part any group and I'm sure he just wanted some sort of commission for getting me in.

I don't think much of these business groups to which you have to pay into... If your in business, and you're of any use, you'll make your own business group, ie people you deal with during your time running your business.

Would the Mods/Admins be interested in setting up a Boards.ie Business Group?, cause I'd like to be part of it please.

-Patrick

RUDOLF289

Columba Rad wrote: »

My bank financial manager was trying to get me to go to one of the BNI meetings a couple of weeks ago, saying there was no one in the group offering the services I did, although I'm sure this could be true, I'm not going to fork out €800 to be part any group and I'm sure he just wanted some sort of commission for getting me in.

I don't think much of these business groups to which you have to pay into... If your in business, and you're of any use, you'll make your own business group, ie people you deal with during your time running your business.

Would the Mods/Admins be interested in setting up a Boards.ie Business Group?, cause I'd like to be part of it please.

-Patrick

Hello Patrick,

1st of all, there is no commission paid to BNI members for bringing in a new member. That is not the way it works. Secondly I can confirm that there is only one trade / profession in any BNI chapter, once the positing is filled, you have locked out your competition. Lastly, you missed out on an opportunity to see what BNI really is about.
The cost is Euro 600 per annum plus VAT and a once off administration fee.

I think if you do some research you will find that BNI is a very successful referral organisation and in my view an opportunity to develop business.

Regards,
RUDOLF289

Columba Rad

RUDOLF289 wrote: »

Hello Patrick,

1st of all, there is no commission paid to BNI members for bringing in a new member. That is not the way it works. Secondly I can confirm that there is only one trade / profession in any BNI chapter, once the positing is filled, you have locked out your competition. Lastly, you missed out on an opportunity to see what BNI really is about.
The cost is Euro 600 per annum plus VAT and a once off administration fee.

I think if you do some research you will find that BNI is a very successful referral organisation and in my view an opportunity to develop business.

Regards,
RUDOLF289

Hi Rudolf,

Ok, my bad. It was my assumption that BNI members are given a commission for getting new members to sign-up, as I was sent an invitation before from a BNI member in the post about 3 months ago, the invitation arrived in the post the same day the meeting was on, the meeting was on at 7am that morning :pac:.

The invitation came from a local Printing company which I've never had any dealing with, so I assumed the company done a mail shot to local business in a last-ditch effort to generate some commission for themselves as the invite was only sent the day before the meeting.

Thanks for clearing that up for me . I may become a BNI member in the future.

-Patrick

smartaform

Mr Biz wrote: »

Good evening all.. Summer has finally arrived!! :cool:

I've tried a few network groups over the years but there seems to be more takers in them and the initial buzz soon dies off as well as the groups.. A shame really as there are some people who are great at networking but end up losing out to under performers as well as a yearly fee.

Just a though here.. Obviously the name of the game these days is networking.. I always found it the best way to generate business as long as you yourself have a good reputation in what you provide/do..

How about setting up a private "Networking Section" within these boards.. Members could choose a new "Networking Name" (as not to disclose who they currently are etc) and build a business profile. Personally I feel this would add to the current buzz of people helping each other out in the "Entrepreneurial & Business Management" section..and most importantly, it would be FREE!!

Thoughts?

I agree MrBiz...My father in law and myself were thinking a non-endorsed network group would be the way to go.
6 or 7 members, each have to bring a lead for the other members at each meeting. Meeting's could be once a month or once a fortnight. Say an early morning breakfast??

Networking i think is a vital element to Small Business survival and it's a shame the 'endorsed' groups cost a fair bit to join.

How do we progress from here??? I'm interested in joining such a group!

joolsveer

I had a look back on my records and the first year in BNI cost me €800 plus €360 in venue/refreshment fees. I got a couple of jobs from the other members but not enough to justify the cost and time put in. It is run as a business which is a franchise and is very American in its ethos - you are just short of pledging allegiance to the flag at weekly meetings. I could not recommend it. There is a great deal of pressure applied to bring in new members.

meep

http://www.the730businessclub.com

A new networking group in the North East. Not free but low cost to cover venue & refreshments. Launching next Thursday morning.

Peter

smartaform

I forgot to mention my business is based in Tallaght, however i'll go to one anywhere in Dublin/Kildare.

Boom Boom

Hi guys,

Two things.

Firstly, I'm up for a Boards network group i think that would be great particularly for those of use in the EBM forum.

secondly, that Bizcamp event is on this saturday and sold out if there are any boards members holding tickets but not able to make it, maybe you could post hear and another member could make use of them


thanks
boom boom

Trojan

I went to a couple of BNI sessions, didn't like it at all. Depends on your personality and work style I think. The good news is there's plenty of other options.

I recommend checking the CEB websites (DCEB.ie etc) for networking events, they're usually quite inexpensive.

There are also Open Coffee networking events all over the country. A couple of years ago they tended to cater to web geeks (like me) but more and more there are non-internet folks at the events.

Barcamp events are completely free and highly recommended, they happen approximately once a quarter.

Get onto LinkedIn and look for business networking groups.

Get onto Twitter, it's a great way to find out what's going on, where.

You'll find that once you get into one network, you'll quickly find out about other things that are going on.
Google everything I mentioned, you'll find info there (choosing "pages from Ireland" helps).

StuartC

Citylocal Networks is on tonight in the Clarion Hotel IFSC €10 in and supposed to be very good

is_that_so

BNI very much depends on the business area you are in. It certainly has its merits but does not suit everyone as posted above. In some of the larger chapters there is also a lot of pressure to deliver referrals which is not ideal for companies starting out.

What you do find is that certain business accountants, solicitors etc. naturally gravitate towards each other and swap business. For other more niche businesses it may not always be as useful. Be aware also that the €600 is a bit of a misnomer. Someone involved with BNI suggested to me that the total cost per year is really €5K, when you cost the hours etc involved and that that is the minimum business value you should hope/expect to get out of it to justify membership. That said they are definitely worth a visit anyway.

dbran

Hi guys.

A very interesting thread.

I have done a lot of networking events since going out on my own last May.

The local enterprise Boards have some good start-up networks that you can join for a small fee. I think it is €100 for 6 months. The Dublin Enterprise Board one is called "The Link Network" and meets in the Mont Claire Hotel every month.

There is also the "Business owners network" which holds speed networking events in the Bewleys Hotel in Dublin 4. These are free to attend but you need to reserve your place so they have an idea of the numbers.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce hold network events also, but they are expensive to join for startups and tend to be attended by more established businesses.

There is "Open Coffee" networks which are free and also good to attend. They tend to be very informal with lots of young entrepenuers and startups.

I am just about to join a BNI chapter and hope that it will prove successful. It is very expensive to join but it is geared to gaining business by referrals whereas the other network organisations are just about making contacts and forming business relations. I believe it is true that the BNI suits some businesses better then others.

When attending these events it is frowned on to be overtly selling. You dont want to be seen as the cheesy sales person throwing their cards at everything and everyone without taking the time to be polite and courtious to other people.

Linkedin is a great tool to complement networking and I would definatly recommend joining. There are no real disadvantages to it that I can see.

Hope this helps.

Dbran

If I went to these events and people tried selling me stuff, I'd leave straight away. What a waste of time that would be.

Mr Biz

Good evening all..

I think a networking group with boards members could work really well. . .especially with like minded people being attracted to this EBM forum. I have been chatting with people who are involved in various networking groups at the moment but are not having much luck as members are not turning up and /or are not motivated etc..

Maybe someone could cast a view over this.. At the start of the year I was considering setting up a professional online, non profit, networking group showing company profiles, genuine customer reviews/feedback etc.
Get-togethers could be casual, only a few times per year, in the City, Friday evenings maybe..

What I found with networking groups is that there are let’s say 20 members. Members are out and about during the month doing their business and obviously it’s very difficult for them to remember all members (especially if they are members of more than one networking group) let alone carry/hand out business cards for other members.

With an online group - (I was thinking of iNetwork.ie – still available) – We would design a business card template for iNetwork.ie members.
Each member would have their own personal iNetwork.ie business card
This way, when they are doing business with their clients, they hand out one card only, recommending to their client, that if they require any other services to check out the members of iNetwork.ie. This gives all members a fair chance of gaining business, while at the same time assist in helping their clients in finding reliable and professional services/companies.
Minimum effort is required from each member by handing out only one iNetwork card at a time.
An email could also be sent to members clients/family/friends approving iNetwork.ie members/companies.

Other features could include:
*Live News - Members could post latest on business/products for all to view including public
*Private members forum to discuss business/request new members
*Special Member/Company feature – rotating on a monthly basis

Obviously companies would have to be vetted before joining etc..

Thoughts and suggestions?
(iNetwork.ie used as ref only)

Mr Biz

Mr Biz

I think a networking group with boards members could work really well. . .especially with like minded people being attracted to this EBM forum. I have been chatting with people who are involved in various networking groups at the moment but are not having much luck as members are not turning up and /or are not motivated etc..

Maybe someone could cast a view over this.. At the start of the year I was considering setting up a professional online, non profit, networking group showing company profiles, genuine customer reviews/feedback etc.
Get-togethers could be casual, only a few times per year, in the City, Friday evenings maybe..

What I found with networking groups is that there are let’s say 20 members. Members are out and about during the month doing their business and obviously it’s very difficult for them to remember all members (especially if they are members of more than one networking group) let alone carry/hand out business cards for other members.

With an online group - (I was thinking of iNetwork.ie – still available) – We would design a business card template for iNetwork.ie members.
Each member would have their own personal iNetwork.ie business card
This way, when they are doing business with their clients, they hand out one card only, recommending to their client, that if they require any other services to check out the members of iNetwork.ie. This gives all members a fair chance of gaining business, while at the same time assist in helping their clients in finding reliable and professional services/companies.
Minimum effort is required from each member by handing out only one iNetwork card at a time.
An email could also be sent to members clients/family/friends approving iNetwork.ie members/companies.

Other features could include:
*Live News - Members could post latest on business/products for all to view including public
*Private members forum to discuss business/request new members
*Special Member/Company feature – rotating on a monthly basis

Obviously companies would have to be vetted before joining etc..

Thoughts and suggestions?

Seriously thinking of starting such a group..
If anyone is interested in contributing please reply or PM..

Best regards,
Mr Biz

smartaform

Mr Biz,

I think you've pretty much summed everything up - i want in!!

PM me and let me know how we can proceed or how i can help in any way.

bluemoo

PM ME MR BIZ

Mr Biz

Its probably best to get approx 15 members/companies on board first, with their suggestions etc.. Understanding that boards members will want to keep their boards and business status seperately, its probably a good idea to send business details from business email addresses to a new (networking) gmail account for now, which 4-5 users (mods) would have access to..

Obviously members/companies would have to be checked out first and maybe limited to two of similar companies within the group.. One southside, one northside maybe.

Thoughts?

Mr Biz

jetsonx

Here are some observations about networking.

The ingredients of a good business networking group are as follow:

a) Complimentary Business Grouping -For example,having builders and webdesigners together will not produce much business. But having complimentary groupings like web-designers and photographers the chances will be better.


b) Business owners that are doing ok. Business owners that are currently struggling to find customers for themselves are unlikely to be very concerned about helping other business owners. There is nothing worse than a roomful of struggling business people meeting other struggling business people. It never works.


c) Owners who genuinely understand how networking works - Its not just about platitudes over canapes and handing out business cards. Its about about genuinely going out of your way to make connections and introductions for your fellow networkers to other relevant parties in an intelligent and tactful way. Its a bit like matchmaking but in a business context.

d) Long Term View - True networkers thinks in terms of years, trust and relationships. Bad networkers think in terms of days, mistrust and whats-in-it-for-me.


Forming a sucessful network group is extremely difficult. Like in any organisation, there will be the "ok people", the "hangers on" and the highly-motivated "rain makers" that make things happen. Unfortunately, the rainmakers eventually get p1ssed off with the other members of the group and leave. This can then leave a gaping hole in the group,the group implodes and then dies. This is a common "life-cycle pattern" I have witnessed in several networking groups, time and time again. Therefore, draft out our leadership plan and try to get your recruitment policy right from the start. Good luck.

Sonnenblumen

Deleted User wrote: »

If I went to these events and people tried selling me stuff, I'd leave straight away. What a waste of time that would be.

What do you sell?

priscilladeegan

Hi there,
There are tons (well a good few anyway) free networking events and most are advertised on linkedin events. I understand as a startup you have to cut costs. The bizcamp is on twice a year also.
Some I know about:
121 Marketing - first Wed in Westin - standup speed networking in bar
10 min street network - first sat of month (this sat 3 oct, meet outside stephens green park - opp sc - and walk to gallery - a fun unique concept)
Free business owners network - once a month in bewleys ballsbridge, next one 7 oct - recommend it - speed networking format. (@bondublin on twitter or look up on linkedin)
Open Coffee - first Thur and Third Sat in town (there is also north dublin one I believe)
There are lots of other once off events also.
Link or Women in Business network (if you're female!) from dublin city enterprise board. The fingal one might have one too - not so expensive, about 100 per year i think.
Good luck in your new business!

Spinnaker

I've read the posts here (all good) with interest and have taken this first simple and immediate face-to-face initative to run with:

I have today booked a small intimate conference room, Terenure Enterprise Centre, 9-11am, Fri Oct 16th. I am an experienced facilitator and have set up much larger tech forums in the past.

Purpose/format are simple for now however:
> 5-10 boardies posters meet. Max 20.
> 9 O'Clock kick off
> "Who I am, why I am here" , yes embarressing
> Short warm up discussion to say three topics (optional)
> Break out i.e. stand up, coffee, mingle openly
> Short discussion on next steps, format for a second event
> e5-10 each to cover room cost.

It's southside, rush hour, parking questionable I believe, no DART, no luas but it's a REAL start.

If I get 5 FIRM, "YES, WILL ACTUALLY TURN UP" votes here, I will start a new thread and shoot for 10-15. Otherwise I will cancel and get my money back :-)

mayhem#

http://www.greenhouselimerick.com/camp/
The upcoming one is not in Dublin one but is worth attending anyway.
I will be organising one in Dublin in the next few month.

For a regular thing I can recommend the Dublin Open Coffee Club highly. Informal but productive (and FREE): http://www.opencoffeedublin.com/

E.

Spinnaker

Spinnaker wrote: »

I've read the posts here (all good) with interest and have taken this first simple and immediate face-to-face initative to run with:

I have today booked a small intimate conference room, Terenure Enterprise Centre, 9-11am, Fri Oct 16th. I am an experienced facilitator and have set up much larger tech forums in the past.

Purpose/format are simple for now however:
> 5-10 boardies posters meet. Max 20.
> 9 O'Clock kick off
> "Who I am, why I am here" , yes embarressing
> Short warm up discussion to say three topics (optional)
> Break out i.e. stand up, coffee, mingle openly
> Short discussion on next steps, format for a second event
> e5-10 each to cover room cost.

It's southside, rush hour, parking questionable I believe, no DART, no luas but it's a REAL start.

If I get 5 FIRM, "YES, WILL ACTUALLY TURN UP" votes here, I will start a new thread and shoot for 10-15. Otherwise I will cancel and get my money back :-)

I have received one YES but in a PM for now. Any others ....?

mayhem#

You should put a mention on Twitter or if you want I can tweet about it to generate some more interest.

E.

Spinnaker

mayhem# wrote: »

You should put a mention on Twitter or if you want I can tweet about it to generate some more interest.

E.

Thx for comment and offer. Tweet to what audience ? a boards list ? Maybe we could chat about it. Feel free to drop a PM

Bikerbhoy

Spinnaker wrote: »

I have received one YES but in a PM for now. Any others ....?

Hi all that was from me, I am up for trying to get this off the ground aswell ,really intrested hope it goes ahead.

Cumon guys and girls we need the numbers for us to try and make this work.


Cheers.

joolsveer

I have sent Spinnaker a PM expressing interest too.

Mr Biz

Here are some observations about networking. context

The ingredients of a good business networking group are as follow:

a) Complimentary Business Grouping -For example,having builders and webdesigners together will not produce much business. But having complimentary groupings like web-designers and photographers the chances will be better.


b) Business owners that are doing ok. Business owners that are currently struggling to find customers for themselves are unlikely to be very concerned about helping other business owners. There is nothing worse than a roomful of struggling business people meeting other struggling business people. It never works.


c) Owners who genuinely understand how networking works - Its not just about platitudes over canapes and handing out business cards. Its about about genuinely going out of your way to make connections and introductions for your fellow networkers to other relevant parties in an intelligent and tactful way. Its a bit like matchmaking but in a business .

d) Long Term View - True networkers thinks in terms of years, trust and relationships. Bad networkers think in terms of days, mistrust and whats-in-it-for-me.


Forming a sucessful network group is extremely difficult. Like in any organisation, there will be the "ok people", the "hangers on" and the highly-motivated "rain makers" that make things happen. Unfortunately, the rainmakers eventually get p1ssed off with the other members of the group and leave. This can then leave a gaping hole in the group,the group implodes and then dies. This is a common "life-cycle pattern" I have witnessed in several networking groups, time and time again. Therefore, draft out our leadership plan and try to get your recruitment policy right from the start. Good luck.

Totally agree..
It can be difficult when the majority of the group basically sit on the fence waiting for work to come to them. I was part of a group where one member was doing extremely well from others yet gave zilch back.
Also with people joining more than one group nowadays it's difficult for them to network for everybody. Example: a member has an accountant, a graphic designer, a printer outside the group.. They join some groups which have the same three trades.. They're going to be loyal and network for their original contacts who help them throughout the year.. I noticed this especially with a member who was an accountant.

That's why I felt if you had a group website with members BIOs..when a card or email was distributed to members contacts promoting the group, every member had an equal chance to gain work ..

Just my two cents..

Mr Biz

Spinnaker

Spinnaker wrote: »

I've read the posts here (all good) with interest and have taken this first simple and immediate face-to-face initative to run with:

I have today booked a small intimate conference room, Terenure Enterprise Centre, 9-11am, Fri Oct 16th. I am an experienced facilitator and have set up much larger tech forums in the past.

Purpose/format are simple for now however:
> 5-10 boardies posters meet. Max 20.
> 9 O'Clock kick off
> "Who I am, why I am here" , yes embarressing
> Short warm up discussion to say three topics (optional)
> Break out i.e. stand up, coffee, mingle openly
> Short discussion on next steps, format for a second event
> e5-10 each to cover room cost.

It's southside, rush hour, parking questionable I believe, no DART, no luas but it's a REAL start.

If I get 5 FIRM, "YES, WILL ACTUALLY TURN UP" votes here, I will start a new thread and shoot for 10-15. Otherwise I will cancel and get my money back :-)

I have started a seperate thread on this specific item . Go to http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055698608

Bikerbhoy

Mr Biz wrote: »

Obviously members/companies would have to be checked out first and maybe limited to two of similar companies within the group.. One southside, one northside maybe.

Thoughts?

Mr Biz

Will all due respect it can only be one rep from each trade for it to work and be worthwhile.....My opionion anyway.

Spinnaker

Plugging this event once more. . . next Friday morning, Terenure, 9am...

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=62472373#post62472373

redwindowdesign

I have been in the process of setting up I Network for some months now and I have nearly got the website up and running (www.inetwork.ie). I still need people to contribute on the website if anyone is interested?

Thanks

Dakor

I have also been looking at networking and trying to keep on top of all the different free ones out there, I decided to put it in a calendar and share it.

Hope this helps: http://dakor.ie/news/irish-business-events/