Does anyone know of any business or professional networking groups in sheffield?
Somthing along the lines of a group or likeminded professionals meeting every week for a few drinks and to network etc?

Have you tried the freemasons in Tapton/Dore?

Or the Chamber of Commerce?

Will look at both of those thanks! Just out of interest, is anyone else interested/looking for a similar thing and having trouble?!

Does anyone know of any business or professional networking groups in sheffield?
Somthing along the lines of a group or likeminded professionals meeting every week for a few drinks and to network etc?

Alcoholic Annonymous perhaps?

There is one - cant remember the name - chaired by Robert Addy of CRA consultants

Business Link South Yorshire have events and networking events

I think someone off here was looking to set up a networking event with other people in business off the forum, if you do a search you might find the post.

I dont think there was enough interest at the time to make it worth while but possibly something that can be looked at again if people are interested. A few pints .. oops half pints would be lovely after a long hard day.

Or have a look here:

http://www.jcisheffield.co.uk/

Ok, Well just out of interest, is anyone interested in something similar. Not too formal, but a group of professionals, a nice pub/bar/venue (or a different one each week/month) and a few drinks on an early evening after work?
I am willing to set something up with a website to inform everyone of the location and theme and so forth.
I would rather not have a 'member' system, but rather state exactly what it is all about and leave it as an open event where anyone can register an interest and be updated via e-mail.
Could be good for new businesses as well as existing ones! (Failing that just a few beers after work as previously suggested!!!)
Discuss...

Networking in bars and pubs is for Walter Mitty's. Get off your bum and make some appointments.

But isnt the whole point of informal networking to be 'informal'??
If i wanted to make an appointment I would do and do already as do many others. Something a little more relaxed and enjoyable is a little bit different.

What's discussed over a beer and what's delivered in the cold light of day are usually miles apart. Use your leisure time to recharge for the next day's business. An old boss of mine once told me, when I was working late to try and impress, ''If you can't get done what you need to get done twixt 9 and 5, you're either under staffed or incompetent''. Now, I realise the world has changed a bit since 1968! but to a large extent I would still stand by that. Others would have you believe that, '' More deals are done on the golf course than in the office''. Don't believe it! While you're out there, someone is nicking your business. When you're young, work hard- play hard, don't mix it you'll become a bore and no one likes dealing with a bore.

How about joining Round Table, the social group with a concience.

Fun, Freindship and Fundraising, clubs all over South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. 2 clubs in Sheffield.

roundtable - dot - co - dot -uk

I totally agree with you, I work along a very similar line. However the intent behind the networking would not be to set deals, but mearly to network, with all the detailed discussions and so forth to be done during working hours. The evening drinks is more of an interest level. I think there is a lot to be said for involving yourself with other businesses on an informal level as well as a professional one. Sometimes its nice to find out what others are up to and how they are doing things without wearing the 'at work' hat, as it often helps people to look at their own situation from the outside as such.

I guess being in events its up to you to organise such meets ;-)

We do design and print fyi.

I guess so!!! :-)
Do you happen to print clothing as well by any chance Vanos?

Not really us.

Thanks Simon, will keep you in mind!

If you need short runs of tshirts then I can put you in touch with someone Andy. Pm what you need.

I might be interested in this. :) Always good to meet new faces in the business world. I'm in Market Research.

We'd be interested in a get together in October if anyones up for it. Anyone care to name a date / Venue?

I would be interested, I have been to networking events over the years and they are usually full of solicitors, accountants It companies etc, business to business kind of people. I am an online retailer and I would like to network with people who have similar issues and problems, either other retailers or those with newly formed businesses.

There are hundreds of local networking events around South Yorkshire. We are members of both Rotherham and Sheffield Chamber who hold lots of different events. For ladies there is also Forward Ladies which is the women's networking arm for Yorkshire Forward (their events are fab and always have great food).
The latest thing seems to be UKB2B which is a regular networking event held at various venues on a monthly basis.
We are always on the lookout for opportunities to network with new businesses and would be willing to try out a Sheffield Forum based event if one was organised.

Anyone up for a Speed Networking type event? a bit like speed dating only business pitches not smoochy smoochy (not that it can't happen)

Would a Forum Business & Entrepeneurs Group be of interest to anyone?

Have a look here to get a flavour for the Groups. http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=68

I think that would be a very good idea tony......

Would a Forum Business & Entrepeneurs Group be of interest to anyone?

Have a look here to get a flavour for the Groups. http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=68

Sign me up for that 1 Tony.
Cheers

Yep. Go for it.

OK, that's a start. We need quite a few to commit to a group so if anyone else is up for it please shout out.

We'll also need a couple of Group Leaders to help manage the day to day drudgery. ;)

how long will the drudgery take each day?

I ignore networking events like the plague because in my experience they turn into a testosterone fuelled coffee mornings and I have encountered far to many sychophants.

However, if it is for the forum I will give it a try.

Stick my name down cheers!

Would a Forum Business & Entrepeneurs Group be of interest to anyone?

Have a look here to get a flavour for the Groups. http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=68

Great idea!

Would a Forum Business & Entrepeneurs Group be of interest to anyone?

Have a look here to get a flavour for the Groups. http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=68

That's a fantastic idea Tony.

I would be interested. But usually I am working in London on contracts so would not want to commit to being a group admin.

Being a Group Leader isn't really much of a time commitment if you're already using a Group but I'll ask Medusa to take a look in here because she looks after the Groups day to day. It can take a bit of time for us to organise the techie stuff for a group so patience please ;)

Meanwhile please continue to register your interest.

Hi Tony. I think a Business Group is a fantastic idea. +1

I'd be very interested

I would be interested.

Most of the groups mentioned previously are trying to sell you something (their services..) so they aren't going to really give you "help" as such.

What I need is a couple of people I can trust to bounce ideas off & vice versa. If work comes from it then fine.

Earlier post about testosterone fueled coffee mornings was spot on

Most people just go around - deliver their speed pitch - decide if the person they are talking to is going to buy - if not then move on.

If you let me know what is involved in being a group leader, and if you thought I was capable, I am interested :)

Sharpend i think you hit what i was trying to say spot on - a group of people to bounce ideas off and so forth!
think you have a good idea there Tony, if i can help i will.

I'll take on some of the drudgery and help out as much as I can.....

Could I suggest we firm this up as there seems to be a critical mass.

Not sure what to firm it up to but in a few short weeks time we will start the slippery slope into christmas

id be interested in something like this let me know if u need ne help will try and help

anything happening with this?

there is a monthly social networking event for anyone in the Sheffield & South Yorkshire area interested in green issues and the environment - it is called Green Drinks (google will find it)