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.

Sustainability Netwalking: February

Hillsborough Park Parkside Road, Sheffield

Our second Sustainability Netwalking event of 2023 will take place on Thursday 23rd February at Hillsborough Park. We will meet at the Parkside Road entrance near the large car park. The session will begin with us introducing ourselves in one sentence followed by walking, mixing and talking. The walk itself will last around one hour and finish with a coffee and more chat for those that want to stay for some deeper connecting and networking.

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

Quarterly informal business networking

Hotel Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall & Spa Kenwood Road, SHEFFIELD

Quarterly informal business networking events in Sheffield. This is another great opportunity to meet new contacts and make friends from Yorkshire, where you can promote yourself and your business.

Free

South Yorkshire Business Netwalking Event

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Our popular South Yorkshire Business Networking event is back! The three South Yorkshire Chambers are delighted to welcome their members to a 'netwalking' event at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. This event is only open to Chamber members. To join membership click here. Enjoy a delicious breakfast whilst networking around a breathtaking walk through a wildlife [...]

£20

How to grow your business in 90 days

Aizlewoods Mill Business Centre Aizlewoods Mill, Nursery Street,, Sheffield,

A workshop for SME's who are struggling to know what steps to take next to improve their business. Tips, advice and Q&A . In this session Business Consultant Hayley Koseoglu will share some top tips to growth and the things to avoid when building a successful and sustainable business and then Marketing Consultant Abby Abrames will show you practically how to make your marketing really work...even if you are doing it on your own.

Free

NetworkBee March 2023

Burrows Toyota Sheffield 260 Penistone Road Sheffield S6 2FQ 260 Penistone Road, Sheffield

NetworkBee is designed to bring female business owners together to network, collaborate and promote themselves, in a supportive environment – the HIVE! Our monthly networking meetings offer the opportunity for BEE’s to meet - A time out to not only promote but also to learn, develop and have fun.

South Yorkshire Skills Celebration

Magna Science Adventure Centre Sheffield Road,, Templeborough Rotherham,

We are pleased to invite you to the inaugural South Yorkshire – Connecting People, Skills and Business event. Delegates attending will have time to hear from the local skills providers, Chamber of Commerce and policy makers and, of course, an opportunity to meet directly with local skills providers to find out how they can support your business. It is also an opportunity to network with other businesses from across the region. The event marks the culmination of a £2.5m investment from the Department for Education (DfE) in supporting local providers to meet the needs of local businesses. This gives businesses a lead role in developing the Local Skills Improvement Plan which is being developed by the regional Chambers of Commerce on the DfE’s behalf.

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

The Creative Collective ‘where collaboration is key’

The Business Village @BarnsleyBIC Innovation Way Wilthorpe Barnsley S75 1JL BIC Innovation Way, Wilthorpe Barnsley

It is designed to create a hub for creative businesses to collaborate and do business together in Barnsley and the surrounding areas. The creative collective will take place on the second Monday of the month at The Business Village in Wilthorpe, to encourage all businesses to continue the conversation after each event take place. So if you wish to collaborate or need direction from local businesses in the area in the creative space, we would love to see you at the event. What is included?

Free

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
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