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.

Doncaster Chamber Business Networking

DS Operation Centre, Hayfield Business Park, Field Lane, Auckley, Doncaster, DN9 3FL DS Operation Centre, Hayfield Business Park, Field Lane, Auckley,, Doncaster,, United Kingdom

Doncaster Security Operations Centre (DSOC) will be hosting a big networking event in January, where attendees will have the valuable opportunity to strengthen their existing connections and forge brand-new relationships. If you are interesting in building your contacts in the region, then this is a must-do event. As an added incentive, you will get to [...]

Drop-in Coffee Morning

Blend Kitchen Wards Exchange, 197 Ecclesall Rd,, Sheffield

Sheffield Chambers 'Networking Thursdays' an informal business networking at Blend Kitchen - a monthly meeting on the second Thursday of every month. No need to book, simply come along, you can meet our Sheffield Chamber Team, see what we have to offer and of course meet likeminded Sheffield businesses. Relax with a coffee and a [...]

East Midlands Chamber Connect Online Networking – 19 January

ONLINE

This event will provide a forum for SME business owners and professionals who wish to network and build business relationships. The informal, yet organised, atmosphere of this event puts everyone at ease to provide maximum benefit for all attendees. The format for the event is designed to enable knowledge-sharing alongside developing new connections via a [...]

Drop-In Networking with Sheffield Chamber

Cubo 38, Carver St, Sheffield Cubo 38, Carver St,, Sheffield

No need to book, simply visit us at Cubo on the last Thursday of every month for informal networking. Welcome to Sheffield Chambers 'Drop-In Networking' an informal business networking at Cubo - a monthly meeting on the last Thursday of every month. No need to book, simply come along, you can meet our Sheffield Chamber [...]

Chamber Networking Thursdays

Blend Kitchen Wards Exchange, 197 Ecclesall Rd,, Sheffield

Welcome to Sheffield Chambers 'Networking Thursdays' an informal business networking at Blend Kitchen - a monthly meeting on the second Thursday of every month. 

Free

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

MY Network Wakefield

The Hop 19 Bank Street, Wakefield

Events are free to attend, they're fun to be at, and it's where ​business is done, so why not spread the word with @MidYorkshireNet using #MYNETWORK!

Free

MY Network Meeting – Huddersfield

The Media Centre Northumberland Street,, Huddersfield

Feel free to pop in for a short break or stay for the whole thing. It's totally up to you. Simply grab yourself a brew, and then say "hello" to fellow networkers. Date: Wednesday, 15th February 2023

Free

Drop-In Networking with Sheffield Chamber

Walkley Cottage 46 Bole Hill Rd,, Sheffield

Welcome to Sheffield Chambers 'Drop-In Networking' an informal business networking event- a monthly meeting on the last Thursday of every month.  No need to book, simply come along, network and build relationships with local businesses, as well as meet our Sheffield Chamber Team.

Free

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

Drop-In Networking with Sheffield Chamber

China Red, 3 Rockingham Gate, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4JD 3 Rockingham Gate,, Sheffield

No need to book,  on the last Thursday of every month for informal networking. Welcome to Sheffield Chambers 'Drop-In Networking' an informal business networking - a monthly meeting on the last Thursday of every month. No need to book, simply come along, you can meet our Sheffield Chamber Team, see what we have to offer [...]

Free

Drop-In Networking with Sheffield Chamber

Cubo 38, Carver St, Sheffield Cubo 38, Carver St,, Sheffield

No need to book, simply visit us at Cubo on the last Thursday of every month for informal networking. Welcome to Sheffield Chambers 'Drop-In Networking' an informal business networking at Cubo - a monthly meeting on the last Thursday of every month. No need to book, simply come along, you can meet our Sheffield Chamber [...]

Free
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