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

Our local Chamber of Commerce has been the best networking group in our area for many years.  They have a very active website that allows us to post blogs and keep in touch with our growing communities.  It is a great way to make contacts with new businesses and well established businesses in our area.

Two thirds of the people you meet networking may be just interesting people or they enrich your life. Kindly do not press them or go for the jugular. The final third, over the course of the next three years, may be relevant for leads and sales. Value may be found through an enriching and profitable life during networking. 

The value is that someone within the group will always have a better, possibly a more resourceful piece to your business puzzle, as even like you would to others. That's the beauty of being a part of a networking group! Each of you will always have each other's puzzle pieces in which is a form of successful financial fruition waiting to happen for all parties involved... Happy Networking everyone!

I have been networking for almost 40 years.  It was particularly useful when I was an independent contractor.  But, also useful when I worked in house as an employee.  Its a nothing to loose and everything to gain scenario.  And, its a simple philosophy.  You help people and they help you.  The people who take your help but never return the favor are not in your network and of no benefit.  The people that do follow the philosophy will both be friends for life and sources of opportunities for life.  An independent contractor goes from job to job.  On most projects the lead broker is generally looking for people to fill the project slots, especially the short term projects of 90 days or less.  When they hire you they may ask if you know anyone who might be interested.  Bingo.  You put the names of your fellow independent contractors who are also looking for work into the pot.  They generally get work too.  Its a win win scenario and is very effective.  Stay healthy.

Like others here, I have cultivated a couple of my biggest clients after meeting them at networking events. Overall, the biggest advantage is getting to chat with them about something other than doing business. This way, when you call or email, they know who you are as much as what you do. People don't buy from companies. They buy from people.

Since many businesses have their employees working from home, it is very difficult to meet with business owners face to face, as I often did my first two years in my business. Networking has allowed me access to meeting with business owners whom I would not have met otherwise, whether in person, or virtually. While many reps in my business have seen their business fall during the past 7 months, mine has grown in large part due to networking.

Most networking groups are ego facilitators. Social connections are fine but they are not guaranteed that you will get what you're looking for i.e. more business.

Enables us to connect with Parkinson's, care partners, families, and those engaged in Parkinson's research

A few referrals going both of ways. Mostly friendships. 

I belong to several networking groups. It's a fabulous way to make new connections and share in each other's successes. I will invite new connections to a one on one meeting to learn more about how I can help them and share what I do as well!