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.

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 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

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

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

South Yorkshire Expo – Spring 2023

OEC OEC Sheffield Penistone Road, Sheffield

The Spring 2023 event will be a packed programme of seminars and workshops, networking sessions and a fantastic exhibition to browse there are opportunities galore for attendees and exhibitors.

Free

South Yorkshire sustainability Support Consortium

Charles Street Building at Sheffield Hallam University Charles Street Sheffield City Centre S1 2ND Charles Street Building at Sheffield Hallam University Charles Street, Sheffield

The event will cover a range of topics, including: Choosing the right accreditation Greenwashing How to choose offsetting Finding sustainable suppliers We will also be welcoming three local businesses who will be sharing their sustainability insights and experiences through a series of short presentations and discussions. Provisional agenda: Arrival, refreshments and networking: 8.00am - 8.30am [...]

Free

Drop-in Coffee Morning

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

MY Network Wakefield

The Hop 19 Bank Street, Wakefield

Join us on the second Friday of every month at The Hop to grow your connections within the Mid Yorkshire region.

Free

Give it a go GreenTech

The Hallam i-Lab Aspect Court (Floor 6) Pond Hill Sheffield S1 2BG The Hallam i-Lab Aspect Court (Floor 6) Pond Hill, Sheffield

This is an open event for all those interested in discovering solutions that can assist with a more sustainable future. If you are an engineer, developer, marketeer, entrepreneur with a GreenTech idea, or are simply passionate about sustainability, this event is for you!

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 Chamber Networking (online)

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.

£10

Bluebell Wood’s Business Expo

Holiday Inn Rotherham-Sheffield M1,Jct.33 West Bawtry Road, Rotherham, S60 2XL Holiday Inn Rotherham-Sheffield M1,Jct.33 West Bawtry Road,, Rotherham,

Join Bluebell Wood's Business Expo, in association with Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber! We can't wait to welcome you to the Holiday Inn, Rotherham, on Thursday 15th June 2023 where you'll be able to make an exhibition hall's worth of contacts, hear from guest speakers and raise awareness of your products or services - all in [...]

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