David Maister wrote a post today about business networks, and how it's hard to make them work well. Down here in sunny Brighton we have a fantastic business network called The Hub 100. It's a club for Managing Directors of growing business.
Central to its success (for me anyway) is the regular programme of 'work groups'. These are sessions where 4 or 5 MD's get together, with a facilitator, and chew the fat about their businesses and the issues they're facing. Everyone really opens up and avoids the salsey "we're great and everything's perfect" front. Not only can you share advice, contacts, and ideas, but you get to build great relationships with other MD's.
I believe that this is the best sort of networking... forget mingling in a room full of strangers and swapping business cards with people you'll probably never speak to again. Far better to make fewer, but closer relationships.
My number 1 tip for getting the most out of business networks? The more you put in, the more you'll get out. Take the time to learn about everyone else and their businesses and offer up ideas and contacts. Turn up to the events. If you're a good member then good things will come to you.
P.S. If you run a business in Brighton and you're thinking about becoming a member then feel free to get in touch and I'll tell you more about it.
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