Where to network?

[Andrew Newman]

Hi All

I am interested in attending networking events in Melbourne to meet other soloists.

Does anyone know of any events which are relaxed and fun?

Kind Regards

[kathiemt]

Relaxed and fun. mmm, guess it depends on what type of people you want to meet? Most of the events I go to are business breakfasts. Some are more serious than others. Some have guest speakers and others don't. All have a different feel about them and I enjoy going to them all. There is a site called Networking World that lists events in Melbourne.

[Burgo]

Australian Anthill magazine has a Pit club which is a great networking event

[Andrew Newman]

Thank you Kathie and Patrick.

I looked into your ideas.

The Pitch club looks interesting: PitchClub - WELCOME TO PITCH CLUB!

Does anyone else know of other networking events?

Kind regards

[Astrid]

Hi Andrew

Try Xing.

Xing.com is an international online networking platform with various special interest groups. You'll find an Australian Networking Group with a team in Melbourne as well.
The Sydney event (once a month at the Ueberbar/Rocks) always draws between 30 and 60 people from all different areas.

Take the virtual tour on www.xing.com as it takes a bit of time to go through everything.
There is no need at the beginning to take a premium membership which is at around 10 dollars/month. I'm still a non-premium member and found some good business contacts through the network.

Cheers
Astrid

[MissieK]

I was also going to suggest you have a look at Networking World

Also, have you contacted your local council? Most councils run networking events for local business people.

Melissa

[Lucki]

Most councils have a networking group for small businesses and most would also offer training at nominal costs.

I'm part of the SE networking group and have met some great people there. Networking is definitely the way to go for generating inspiration and sharing ideas.

Small business Victoria usually have seminars annually (can't remember exactly when) and that's a great opportunity for networking.

[KRW Finance]

Hi

I am a member BNI (Business Networking International). Check out www.bni.com.au.

BNI meetings are structured yet somewhat relaxed. You are always welcome at chapter meetings as a visitor/guest.

My chapter is BNI Melbourne and we have vacancies in a number of business categories.

Feel free to give me a call if you want to discuss this in more detail

best regards

[JodieR]

sounds interesting, I need to look further into things like this as well. Our local business network fell in a heap. But I'm also located in a smallish town which doesn't help.

Although just recently our local business centre (which is separate to any council groups) and is paid membership... held a speed networking night which apparently went quite well.

[KRW Finance]

Hi Jodie

BNI has chapters in Ballarat and Bendigo. Check their website www.bni.com.au for more info

Good luck