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

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

Doncaster Chamber Business Networking @ Bizspace

Bizspace Greasley House Ten Pound Walk Doncaster DN4 5HX Bizspace Greasley House Ten Pound Walk, Doncaster

An informal networking session with no set agenda, offering you the chance to pop along for a drink after work and meet up with existing contacts and make new connections. Networking sessions offer guests the chance to build new connections, long-term business relationships and knowledge share. Benefits of networking Strengthen business connections. Exchange & get [...]

£20

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

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

Calderdale Networking

Calderdale College Francis Street Halifax HX1 3UZ Calderdale College Francis Street, Halifax

About this event The event will include: • An update from MYCC regarding current activities and support • Guest Speaker Sarah Trufit, Commercial Manager at The Piece Hall • Relaxed and informal networking and the opportunity to meet other Calderdale businesses • Open to all members and non-members alike • Refreshments and light breakfast We [...]

Free

Chamber Business Networking at the Doncaster Dome

The Dome Doncaster Leisure Park Bawtry Road DN4 7PD The Dome Doncaster Leisure Park Bawtry Road, Doncaster, DN4 7PD

The benefits of attending a Chamber networking event cannot be overstated. After all, they offer a valuable opportunity to meet your peers, build up your business contacts and strengthen existing relationships. Of course, it also helps that a fun activity is usually involved. In the case of this particular networking event, attendees will have an [...]

£20

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

Sheffield Chamber Drop-in Coffee Morning

Blend Kitchen Wards Exchange, 197 Ecclesall Rd,, Sheffield

Chamber Networking Thursdays! No need to book, simply visit us at Blend Kitchen on the second Thursday of every month for informal networking. Welcome to 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 [...]

Free

Sustainability Netwalking: November

Norfolk Heritage Park Guildford Avenue Entrance, Sheffield

About this event Come and take full advantage of this great opportunity where you can meet new people, build relationships and expand your network whilst exploring nature! Our next Sustainability Netwalking event is on Thursday 10th November 2022. We will meet at Norfolk Heritage Park at the entrance on Guildford Avenue . The session will begin with us introducing ourselves in one sentence followed by walking, mixing and talking. The walk itself will last around 1 hour and finish with a coffee and more chat for those that want to stay for some deeper connecting and networking.

Free

Chamber Network with Rybrook Jaguar Land Rover

Rybrook Land Rover, Huddersfield Lindley Moor Road Huddersfield HD3 3TD Rybrook Land Rover, Huddersfield Lindley Moor Road, Huddersfield

About this event Did you know 10 November is Vanilla Cupcake Day? Join us and Chamber Patrons Rybrook to mark the occasion with a relaxed networking session where you can grow your network and get a sneak peak behind the scenes at Rybrook! If you would like to take a test drive, please email a [...]

£11.37
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