Never did one. Was it worth it for you?

One of my buddy wants me to go to Toastmasters to try it out.So I said meh, might as well go.

First one I went I got a client. Far easier than pounding the phone all day.

Weekly BNI meetings. This is my third year and will renew my membership for a fourth.

If you really want to know, I went to a 5linx Business meeting in Brooklyn New York, because of their stable record. It's a rather Advant Garde organization based upon integrity. They deal with the new energy take over. You may be familiar with the energy regularization (gas, electric, oil) That's the type stuff is quite vital.

Most networking meets are done solely for the benefit of the organiser, it is them that makes the money . Sure if you go along to three or more you start to get to know who the valuable ,connected and influential people are, by then of course you've had to pay the yearly subscription fee and commit so its a win for the organiser who does very little for you in all honesty.

See open networking is great when you know who the people are ie after X meetings , when its your first show up ,who are the people you want to connect with, you go with a solid strategy in mind but when you get there there are multiple groups of 2's and 3's chatting away, who are the people you want to connect with, where is the organisation in place to ensure you have the best chance of connecting with those you want to rather than taking the chance and speaking to maybe 10 people none of whom are well enough connected or switched on to make it worth while continuing the relationship.

I have only been to one networking event that was truly run for the attendees and that was on a cruise by Mike Filsaime , run for people to connect with the right people, not for his own bank balance. eg we all wrote on two postcards what we were offering and on the other what we were seeking, these were placed on our own 'area' with our own business cards. Then we all went round visiting all the areas, reading the cards and leaving personal messages and cards to connect there and then or later (OK easier as we were all on a cruise to on the same ship for the next X days, easier to connect at some point )

The organisers of networking events should always discover what you offer and what you are seeking, then attempt to make the connections, none ever do, they just take the credit and the money for holding the event .

This isn't answering Chris's OP but never mind.

Networking EVENTS have been OK for me, but not great. They take time. You have to put up with BS from some of the ego-maniacs who are attracted to these. BUT - if you are just getting started, you should absolutely to to every meeting you can.

You will benefit greatly by telling your story over and over and you will get some business from it.

Personally, I think the networking GROUP idea has kind of hijacked the true value of networking.

Real networking has nothing to do with groups or meetups.

Real networking is about meeting more and more valuable people. You can network your way into a very valuable and influential circle very quickly by targeting your contacts and reaching out. The goal is to make as many introductions for people as you possibly can.

LinkedIn is great for this. You pick your target and then get introduced. Try to meet for coffee. In big business circles, this is just how it's done. These people don't go to Meetups.

In any given week, I am sent 4 or 5 powerful email intros. I get to decide who is worth meeting with. In that same week, I make intros for people.

The trick is to always, always, always, followup with the people who are in a position to help you. You can find your way into some very powerful and wealthy groups pretty quickly this way.

How does it start?

Step#1 - Find someone who is very successful and is living how you want to live. They have done what you want to do.

Step#2 - Email them. Yep. Just email and ask for a few minutes of mentoring.

Step#3 - Tell your story and where you want to go. Let them know the types of people you want to meet and ask if they can introduce you to anyone who can help.

I've done it several times. It almost always leads to long-term beneficial connections.

I have gone to several networking events I have found on "Meetup". The problem I have had with every single event is that people are looking for handouts.

The last event I went to was a meeting with about 50+ local business owners. We went around one at a time and introduced ourselves and gave our elevator pitch. I had about 10 business owners request to speak with me during the meeting. I set follow-ups with all of them only to find out that every single one was a broke startup looking for someone to do the legwork for them.

I love networking events. There are some big groups here in San Diego I have attended over the years. Landed a chain off 200 Massages Franchises from one of the groups.
I have also had much success with the Chamber of Commerce. There is also one call Network After Work Network After Work - Business/Professional Networking Events

They are in most major US cities. Here is one of my best opening lines.

Them: "What do you do?"
Me: "I generate leads, sales and new clients for businesses that have web sites"

I then be quiet, answer questions and normally walk out with 10-15 solid leads to follow up with.