Valley Library of Networking and Events

Think about why you are going. There are so many events you could spend all day, every day at one event or another but look at the list of events and make sure there is a valid reason for you to attend. (And getting a free breakfast isn’t one of them!!!) When I started out I attended 3-4 a week to help build up my business. I now do 1 or 2, you have to find the balance that is right for you.

When considering events they usually come in 5 categories

  • Speed Networking – You will sit with other and do a 1-2 minute pitch, when everyone has done there’s you move on to the next table until everyone is. This can also be done online
  • Informal networking – Meeting with other business owners – can be less effective and more difficult for you to get across what you do as they can end up with people splitting off into groups of people they already know
  • Business lunches – very often organised by sporting organisations
  • Events – Golf Days – behind the scenes at …
  • Exhibitions and Themed programmes – These tend to be theme around a particular purpose and will go on longer than the average networking event so there is an opportunities to have good conversations

Top Tips

  1. Before attending, make sure you have an informal mini pitch prepared and think about how you are memorable. Don’t just list the services you offer, why should they remember you over your competitors.
  2. Don’t be too pushy, these events are ways to build your connections in the first instance not to make a sale.
  3. You’ll need to be prepared to be there 10 minutes before it starts and stay all the way through to the end. If it is an exhibition they are more flexible for you to come and go as you need to but with networking events usually it is expected that you will be there for the duration.
  4. If you can’t make it let the organiser know – don’t just not show up. You will get a reputation for being a no show.
  5. What can you bring to the table, remember this is a way to build your brand and being helpful is one of the best ways to be remembered
  6. Be Social – check in, tag, message or post. This is a great way to continue to build exposure before and after the event

I regularly search through the events in South and West Yorkshire Regions. I have created a “Valley Library of Events” below. These are the ones that I have found to be useful and have helped me to build connections, get support and ultimately find new clients.

I am not paid or asked to list the events below and have no control over the events, registrations and costs. Every listing has the organiser link within it, you will need to click on these to be able to book your place.

Whilst every effort is made to keep these listings up to date and accurate, they may be changed by the organiser at short notice which is beyond our control. Please ensure that you keep the details sent to you directly from the organiser for the most up to date info.

Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund

DMC 01, County Way, Barnsley S70 2JW DMC 01, County Way,, Barnsley

Please join us at one of our special events to mark the fifth anniversary year of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. This event, in partnership with TEAM SY will brief business advisers and the local business community on the funding opportunities available and on how businesses can access the £500m Fund. Join us on the [...]

Free

Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber Business Breakfast Networking – Table Shuffle

Barnsley College Business Centre The SciTech Building Barnsley, S70 2EY United Kingdom Barnsley College Business Centre The SciTech Building, Barnsley,

Membership of the Chamber is all about helping your business to grow and this event will give you the opportunity to meet new businesses and make new contacts as well as strengthen relationships from existing contact. This format of this event will be ‘table shuffles’, where each delegate will have the opportunity to promote their [...]

£26

South Yorkshire Chamber Networking (online)

ONLINE

Our popular City Region Business Networking Event is online The three South Yorkshire Chambers are working together to bring you a unique networking event. This event is free for Chamber Members and £10+vat for Non-Chamber Members. Membership of the Chamber is all about helping your business to grow and what better way to meet new businesses and [...]

£10

Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber Christmas Lunch

Wortley Hall 5 Wortley Village Sheffield, Sheffield S35 7DB United Kingdom Wortley Hall 5 Wortley Village Sheffield,, Sheffield

Why not join the Chamber in spreading the festive cheer? The Chamber will be hosting a unique Christmas Lunch. This will include our Members, Patrons, Chamber Staff and Directors. The event will be held at the stunning Wortley Hall and on arrival you will be handed a welcome drink and greeted by Chamber staff. You’ll [...]

£34

Meet the Buyer Expo – 2023

Barnsley Metrodome Queens Road, Barnsley

Barnsley & Rotherham Construction Forum are providing a great opportunity for other businesses to ‘meet the buyer’ at the next Construction

Free

Breakfast Meet up

DMC 02 County Way Digital Media Centre 02, Barnsley

Come join us for Breakfast Networking at DMC for a tasty breakfast, refreshments, and good conversation. This is a great opportunity to network, meet new people and build great new relationships.

Netwalking with South Yorkshire Chambers at Gulliver’s

Gullivers Mansfield Rd,, Sheffield

The three South Yorkshire Chambers are delighted to bring back the first ‘netwalking’ event of 2023. This time at the amazing Gulliver’s Valley Resort, Rotherham.

£20

Incorporating Cybersecurity Into Your Company’s Culture

Barnsley College Business Centre The SciTech Building Barnsley, S70 2EY United Kingdom Barnsley College Business Centre The SciTech Building, Barnsley,

An interactive presentation given by Ben Race and Anya Bridges. Educating you on the current threat landscape and how to reduce the likelihood of successful attacks to your business. Providing insights into what makes the information businesses hold so valuable, how it is used by attackers and how to make security yourself part of your business’ everyday routine.

Free

Business Breakfast Networking

The Ministry Imperial Buildings, Rotherham S60 1FF The Ministry Imperial Buildings,, Rotherham

Join us for an exclusive breakfast networking morning at The Ministry in Rotherham on Thursday 25th May from 9 am – 11 am.

£

South Yorkshire Chambers Networking

Northern College / Wentworth Castle Wentworth Castle Barnsley, S75 3ET Northern College / Wentworth Castle Wentworth Castle, Barnsley,

Join the three South Yorkshire Chambers for a joint Networking event in the fantastic Wentworth Castle, home of the Northern College.

Go to Top