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

I would love to feel so optimistic as my other colleagues: I have a very local business still word of mouth and got three new clients by weaving through my own community. I invited a "pod" to my backyard  (doggies) and from there got new contracts.  I am just starting building my own website hopefully this will grow into the need of a more serious networking group membership once I produce online courses, but at this point no need to expand until I create the content needed to earn a wider scope of business.

The networking group I belong to has been absolutely useless. No help at all!

It just really helps with referral business

Absolutely I am!  You can never go very far on your own. You need a team of people of like minds to reach your highest goals.  A mastermind of people is way better than a single mind.  Even athletes that get to great heights never get there on their own. They have a team of people teaching and steering them along the way.  I want others to win on the way to my wins.

It’s more of a referral than a networking group. My best success has been working with other businesses similar to mine who cannot provide service to clients in the areas We cover. We also refer clients who we cannot service in their areas. To access Messages through alignable is difficult for me. It’s another email access system. It’s too time consuming

Not specifically. The participates which has requested my recommendations have basically been due to knowing me. Other than that I don't have anyone in my line of business to group with. Not only that this program is showing how many people you can accept for your page. It was my hopes this program would help businesses grow, make referrals, provide information as how to put our information out.

Networking with other pharmacy owners is priceless.  When ever I have a "great idea" I always will reach out to several other pharmacy owners who may have already tried the same idea or something similar and can prepare me for any pitfalls before they occur.  Having their insight is one of the most valuable tools I have access to!

Networking can be a powerful tool. It requires a commitment from all those involved to support one another in achieving their goals. It is interesting that I have been active in Alignable for a number of years and never gained a client from it. That's all right since my being on Alignable is about helping others in any way I can. 

The best networking for me for many personal and professional reasons has been our local Chamber of Commerce - the Greater Sunrise Chamber of Commerce. They are my business resource directory, contacts for home improvement needs, new friends, advice and business.  Wish I would have joined years ago. Such outgoing and friendly people who I have come trust since they know we will see each other again!!

I belong to 3 networks (BNI & 2 Expo) and 2 Chambers of Commerce and I not only get support and comradery but we are all concentrating on supporting each other.  It is motivational to get going in the morning and helps with development of your presentation and explanation of what your business is and the services you provide.  The philosophy of BNI is "Givers Gain" and the expo is "If you are not networking you are not working".  

Contact me if you want any information on networking locally. [email address]