When is the best time to go to networking meetings: mornings, lunch time, or afternoons?

I am a big fan of lunch time networkign meetings. I belive lunch time networkign meetings are the way to go because you allow for your memebers to put out any neccesary fires in the morning and be fully attentive during the meeting.

I believe folks that any time is a great time to network/connect with others. From the time you start working out at the gym on the treadmill to purchasing something in a store to meeting anyone - if you show genuine interest in others and just say hello its amazing how the doors will open for you. Never stop networking and showing a smile and most importantly show others that you care. Business will always be there but people will not and they will remember you on how you listened, smiled and acknowledged them = them wanting to know about you and your business.

The real question is, "When is the best time for YOU to go to networking meeting?" When are you at your best? Get me there in the morning and I am on fire! But if you are a night owl, a breakfast meeting may be self-sabotaging for you. Plus, what is realistic with your work day and flow? Will a lunch meeting be a welcome break or derail you for the rest of the day? The key is to work with your style and not let that be your excuse for never connecting.

If you are considering when would be the best time to attend networking meetings "for marketing," that question depends on your preferred client base. You need to discover who your clients are and then go when you can be in front of those clients. The other thing you should consider is how the different meetings (i.e., mornings, lunch time or afternoons) fits in your work schedule and affects y our work the least. However, to me, the most important is getting in front of the right people. Good Luck all....

The beauty of three different times - morning, lunch and afternoon - is that you can attend whenever you want. I personally dread morning/ breakfast meetings because I'm a night owl and I love to sleep in. I also don't like driving in rush hour.

Lunch meetings are nice, particularly one-on-one, as you can build rapport quickly with a potential client.

The early evening events generally involve alcohol, so people get a little more relaxed and more easily approachable.

We have enjoyed the mixers sponsored by the various Chambers of Commerce, and the San Diego Regional Chamber in particular. Also 6 Degrees has some interesting venues.

When choosing which networking meetings to attend, it's all about what fits into your schedule, whether you will enjoy the venue, and if you can potentially provide your service or product to any of the people you'll meet there. If you do not enjoy the time, the venue nor the people, why even go? Life's too short.

Some networking events are fundraisers for charities, like this one - the Home Start Bollywood-themed Gala. You can gather with like-minded fellow philanthropists. You may or may not even discuss business. These are great places to meet people you may not otherwise get to meet; a foot-in-the-door, so to speak.

Whatever best fits your schedule.

I think it really depends on the type of networking that you are doing. I've had experience with all times of day. If you need to be really attentive and there is a presentation of some sorts, I would say the morning or lunch, but if you are looking to have more time to mingle and talk to lots of people then the evening is better because you typically won't be in a rush to get somewhere else.

I do a little bit off all those times it's really industry specific for networking meetings. With every person comes a different schedule I know especially with working a business and having kids at home. My personal preference would be from 1-3pm for meetings just a little after lunch but right before that afternoon tired feeling hits. As always the evening times would be great for meetings as I am a night owl mostly! In all reality network meetings are about building the relationship with whomever you may be talking to if its an employee or a potential client so always be open to many different ideas even if that includes different time frames. 

I like the morning meetings from 7:00am to 9:00am or 9:30am. Everyone there is there for business, not socializing/drinking. ;-) Also, it is a great start to the day. Those have been the most productive for me. San Diego Business journal (SDBJ) has very informative panel discussions with successful Business owners.

Often the best time to attend networking meetings really depends upon the type of group. Some examples: a) church leaders often come together mornings and at lunchtime; b) granting organizations, such as foundations like to come together mornings and evening hours; and c) other types of businesses, for profit especially generally favor evening events outside of special outings. Hence, it’s important to know the business community you are apart of or desiring to network with