Pay to play networking groups?

18. June 2009 by admin.

Chances are, your local Chamber of Commerce has several networking opportunities available whether they are business after-hours, breakfast gatherings or themed events. These are all great chances to meet new people and share your business with others.  The problem with these are when they become member-only, fee-based membership groups.  Paid networking groups tend to rely on referrals and really count the numbers rather than the relationships. 

Relationships take time and need to be meaningful before you can every truly pass referrals to each other. Referrals are only good if they develop new relationships, not just a quick sale to someone who may or may not be truly interested in your business. Attend the free or low cost networking functions and events but be mindful of paid groups just recruiting new faces to leech from…

Posted in ChamberTips | 1 Comment »