If you're part of a networking group, what value have you found from it?

I am lucky to be part of a networking group where the membership shows up to the virtual meetings each week and are all very proactive!! Also, it really helps to make your asks very specific, so the entire membership knows exactly what kind of business you are hoping to get a referral for. The clearer you make your ask, the more referrals you get!

I have found little to no value in networking. I offered free advertising on my web site...not one accepted it. However, I did get a lot of "How can we work together?, if you come across anyone who needs my business tell them to call me".

Maybe I had other expectations of networking but as an advertising company I tend to promote who actually advertises with me 1st, not who wants me to promote them otherwise.

I have nearly 30,000 contacts on LinkedIn and it has provided me with nearly 100% of my work assignments and script sales -- hundreds of thousands of dollars worth. The trick was that I cultivated it carefully and over a long period of time and then maintained it, which was difficul with that many people to contact and chat with, mention their birthdays and career accomplishments, etc.

Have not had much luck with networking from Chambers or BNI and maybe its just the groups that I have belonged too. Do not want to get into my opinion other than it just did not work out for me. If anyone wants to connect to discuss I would be more than happy too.

When governed correctly a networking group provides the benefit of a mastermind group. If not careful a networking group can instead become nothing more than a hyped up social event. The best type of networking group is one that not only exchanges referrals but also ideas, concepts and resources one can use to grow their business and help others do likewise. 

My very first networking group was BNI in Alexandria VA. One of the members taught me all about having an online presense on social media. I was clueless as to what is was. He told me to Google myself and from there he taught me the networking ropes. It was well worth it and I was able to assist them with their needs. What he taught me still is very helpful today. Networking for me has been more about learning from others and sharing what you know with them. Once they know who you are if they need what you have to offer they will always come back to you. There's no need to try to sell them. I also like referring business to people who work in areas that I do not focus on even if it is within my industries

I've recently joined a BNI group and am thrilled at the energy and support the members have for helping one another grow our businesses. The concept of "Givers Gain" has us truly looking for referrals for other members. Within the 1st 3 weeks, I've received both closed business and numerous referrals.

Depends on the networking group. I used to be member of the Chamber of Commerce but it seemed like it was all about them instead of us. Little to no networking. All about government and making sure you are compliant. I haven't been a member in over 20 years. A network should grow close like a family. You do business with people you trust and that should be the goal of any network group... to get to know others so they will trust you and do business with you.

Yes Indeed! I am the cohost for Oregon chapter for one of the best networking events I've seen. Its called the Happy Neighborhood Project(HNP) that has 50 weekly free networking events nationwide and in 4 different countries. I have found HAPPINESS and built relationships with random people who have become friends now, are valuable and resourceful with their referals and connections. I am glad to have found this group. Edwin Edeberi, "The chief happiness officer", as we call him started this group in the negativity of COVID and wanted to spread positivity and happiness around him when he started this group in 2014. Today this group has grown to 50 different chapters around United States and 4 countries Internationally. I am so happy to be a part of I am Happy Project becuase I am a connector and love meeting people in businesses and learn from them everyday to grow into a happier human being and a successful business owner.

I am part of a BNI group and at 1st I thought, there is no way this will lead to business. But I loved the people and I stay will it, never expecting anything, But soon my relationships turn in a strong stream of Business and makes up 20% of my overall sales. So I say, you get what you give but you need nurture your relationships.