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.

GRANT finder – financial support: business & community Online

ONLINE

GRANTfinder is a database that allows you to search for sources of finance: whether that be grants, loans or business finance investment to support to your exact needs. This webinar aims to show you how to make the best use of the FREE access that is only available in Sheffield Central Library & Crystal Peaks [...]

Free

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

East Midlands Chamber Connect Online Networking

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 virtual platform: [...]

Free

East Midlands Chamber Connect Online Networking

ONLINE

Christmas themed networking - Prize for the best hat! 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 [...]

Free

Launchpad: Grants and Funding – Online

ONLINE

This course is for anyone looking for Grant funding from Trusts, Charities and Foundations who have never looked before or if you are an old hand at this. Wendy will ensure that you have a more systematic approach to managing your grant applications and tracking your research to make life a little simpler. Grant funding [...]

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 [...]

South Yorkshire Chamber Networking (online)

ONLINE

Helping your business to grow and what better way to meet new businesses and make new contacts from across the area than at the City Region Business Networking Event. Please come and join us to promote your business and grow your network.

£10

DN2 – High Growth Peer Network

ONLINE

Peer Networks are different to a traditional classroom development programme. Characteristics of a peer network learning environment include: Informal Agenda set by the group members Peers talk about their challenges and overcome them through conversational peer support rather than classroom teaching Real-life scenarios are discussed Group members realise they are not alone in the challenges [...]

Free

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