Is there any point in joining

Boom Boom

Hi guys,

I recently started my own business 1 sept this year after becoming a casualty of the "big R"

Since starting I have been to a few different networking events since starting and have to say so far found the best to be a free one set up by Linked in, in the bewleys hotel.

Anyway, just wondering what peoples thoughts are on joining the likes of;

Dublin chamber of Commerce
ISME
SFA
IBEC

and any others there might be out there. What I really want to know is the pro's, Con's & most importantly cost of each and are they value for money regardless of the price.

Thanks,

Boom boom

Andy_Black

Hi boom boom,

I've not joined any but have found that you pick up good contacts, referrals, and sometimes customers from the subsidised County Enterprise Courses.

Andy

kenbrady

Boom Boom wrote: »

Hi guys,

I recently started my own business 1 sept this year after becoming a casualty of the "big R"

Since starting I have been to a few different networking events since starting and have to say so far found the best to be a free one set up by Linked in, in the bewleys hotel.

Anyway, just wondering what peoples thoughts are on joining the likes of;

Dublin chamber of Commerce
ISME
SFA
IBEC

and any others there might be out there. What I really want to know is the pro's, Con's & most importantly cost of each and are they value for money regardless of the price.

Thanks,

Boom boom

Don't know about the chamber of commerce, but ISME/SFA are a complete waste of money. IBEC is only for the big boys I think.

If you like the networking join a BNI other business network.
There are lots of free networking events around nowadays, like the ones you mentioned by the linkedin groups.

keefg

kenbrady wrote: »

join a BNI other business network.

I'd advise you to stay well away from any BNI network, they are not much more than a pyramid scheme in my opinion.

You will be pressured into getting more and more members to join the network (and pay the fees ) and spend very little time on any worthwhile networking.

I get 3-4 "invites" per week from businesses who are tied into various BNI networks who just happen to be looking for someone in my line of work to give loads of sales leads to :rolleyes:. These same business owners soon become less friendly toward me once they realise I'm not interested in joining their BNI chapter and despite "desperately" needing my services I never hear from them again (surprise surprise).

Your local Chamber of Commerce is well worth a look though, I have made some great contacts, and more importantly sales, through my local Chamber of Commerce.

They are non-profit and much more above board and will have plenty of fun events for you to attend throughout the year.

Boom Boom

Thanks lads for the replies.

I think for the time being i will stick with the freebies that are on around the city and maybe look at this again in the future.


cheers

Spinnaker

Maybe finding a network that works for you is like looking for a bride...you gotta keep looking and looking till you find whats right for you -big or small, costly or cheap :eek:

Networks can be wasteful so before attending, think about each audience and the match to your offer/ needs.

Many networks fall down cos ppl/ company interests are not out in the open. . . You've drank a lot of coffee, spoke with one person all morning, figured out mutual friends and relatives, clubs. Very Irish but ... a good use of networking time ?

I used to network in silicon valley; ruthless, effective networkers -conversations no more than a few minutes: "my/our products specialities are and my/our issues/needs are ...Can I / you help" . They would hoover up business cards to make phone calls later i.e. always "speed-networking" whatever the occasion.

Like social media in business give and give value value at events rather than just hunt leads. Just better in the long run and less pressure on yourself.

In the meantime consider this boardsie one below ...

tombull82

maybe someone could setup a boards video networking event, it would probably have alot more attendies and could be ran at a time to suit most people

Dakor

keefg, I have heard the same from both non-members and ex-member of BNI. A lot of pressure to bring in new members and leads. I find it hard enough to bring in my own leads, never mind someone else's. I agree the Chamber is well worth a look. I am a member of the Naas Chamber and they are brillant, not too expensive either.

Spinnaker, I also lived in the U.S. for a few years, ran a business over there as well. The Americans have a different view of business than the Irish. I found I had to change my business outlook completely when I moved back home. The American style will not work here. I have found the Irish don't want to pay for quality, and put a way too much emphasis on friendship. Maybe this is why the American market is coming out of recession before us.
Anyway, rant over, what I have found is that these network meetings have to approached with the view of making contacts, not sales. You will need to meet the same person about seven times before they open up to you and let you know what their real issues are. Only then will you be able to provide a possible solution.

Spinnaker

Yep Dakor, networking=contacts, not sales.