What business networks do you use?

[moneymagnets]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about joining our local Chamber of Commerce (I've only been to one meeting so far) but I was wondering what business networks you've found successful.

I have a lot of contacts on Ecademy but not a lot of sales from there (yet!).

Regards,
Karen

[Slade]

I guess you could try a local clubs in your area as opposed to the big ones, maybe look and see if there are any in your local community, best place to start is on your doorstep!

[JamesGG]

You should always sit, meet and talk to someone new (especially if the one you usually sit with isn't spending any money in your business) at every monthly meeting and give them your card. if you are a retailer hand write a 20% discount on the back before handing it to them. personalizing it, if it's a service you own, handwrite a 20% off next work order. I can not tell you how much business I have written with people I met at a function, meeting or outing and after exchanging cards later I went to meet them professionally at their work.



Me too; I get a lot of business out of networking, particularly amongst my chosen niche market.

But, I never, never offer them a discount.

[Brendan]

James, I am guessing your niche is property investing..? Can you recommend any other networking groups in Melbourne?

[JamesGG]

James, I am guessing your niche is property investing..? Can you recommend any other networking groups in Melbourne?

Investment groups? There's a couple that I'm fond of. In particular;

Somersoft members meet up regularly for informal chats and such.
Positive Real Estate run a mentoring program that involves twice-monthly networking events.

For businesses, I must admit that I don't do a lot of networking in that area. I run my businesses my own way; a little unconventional at times, but it works for me.