| I also run a successful consultancy, and I wrote this in a similar comment before in 2017. This is how I do professional networking. "For me to join a network the network has to match these criteria: * It markets itself as exclusive * It costs money (say $2k/y for small businesses and scaling prices depending on number of employees) * Participants are owners or at C-level The networks are often dinners where the participants get to know each other in friendly settings. I aim for networks with high middle age where I stick out as the younger (am mid-thirties) professional which connects tech with business needs (my niche). While at a network, do not talk about yourself. Ask about others businesses and interests. These sells take between 6-12 months and are based on trust. You also need to come prepared. * Dress as expected. * Have a web page with referrals so when leads get a bit nosy and Google you you're #1 in search and the page provides the lead with info about great work you've done. I have about 100 visits / mo to my page (my weird name helps for the #1 pos). 90% are primed leads. * Know your oneliners. Prepare examples of things you can provide. Make them sound natural. Say it without selling in an informal way. It's about being systematic and selecting only the networks where your dream leads go to. Hoping to get into invite only networks further on." It's still going strong and we double our billing each year. |
Given that they market themselves as "exclusive" I suppose I won't find them in meetup.com but still you need to get started somewhere...