Networking for small Business in Sheffield

[drivesagreen 10]

I recently attended a small networking group at Costco on the Parkway and not only was it free to attend it was, surprisingly, open to their members and non members as long as you are a genuine small business. The buffet they served was great and I saw several businesses like Eurocap, Sweet Greetings and Specialist Fire Safety which I found really useful. Is anyone interested? I have done some digging and found that they do a lot more for small businesses than I first realised. It is well worth my £23.50 membership fee. The next group is on 25th September between 3-5. You do need to register before you attend.

[indizine 10]

And you sometimes get some lovely freebies too. Ive only been to two Chamber events there so although I am a member of Costco I havent tried one of their own networking events as yet.

[ovationgroup 10]

Its worth going along to a BNI Breakfast meeting (Greens Gym on a Friday morning), its very organised ad designed to get business for small businesses - you can go twice before joining, so even if you don't join its really worth going along.

[looby lou 10]

where is green gyms? might be worth attending if the first 2 are free.

 

I like the sound of the costco one, I might have to book on

[indizine 10]

Ive been told BNI costs about £1k a year to join - is that true? I got told about £600 about a year ago, or does it vary between the different chapters?

[looby lou 10]

YIKES!!!!!!

 

£1K per year might give it a miss in that case

[sharpend 11]

the thing is with these type of events is that you are supporting someone elses business. That's what your £1k is

 

(never been to a BNI but been to a LOT of networking events) The only people who seemed to do well were the people selling training/coaching on.... networking...

[espadrille 10]

I have been to 2 and they can be good for the right business. It does work out cheaper than yellow pages and you can go twice for free to try it

[proofreader 10]

Does anyone have any more information please about the BNI networking events at Green's gym? Are these still running and if so when? Can you turn up without booking?

[kipper 10]

They run Wednesday mornings from 0630 so just missed that one. It is £500 membership for the first year and then £10 per week to book the venue & breakfast. The costs go down in the second year.

 

Networking should be close to the number one method for getting your company noticed.

[ImpInaBox 10]

I was under the impression you had to be invited to BNI chapters. I was invited to one last year but it turned out there were already 3 web designers there (2 disguised as something slightly different). That seems to tbe the way of it - overrun with web people, solicitors and yes - coaches!

 

They are very organised but seem to expect everyone to contrinute a regular supply of leads. You pretty much need to be a professional networker to keep up with them.

 

I don't know about costs - I thought it was only £10 or so per session but I sneaked out before we got to that bit!

[proofreader 10]

Kipper - thanks for the information.