My take on all this networking stuff

Everywhere I look I see blogs or meeting type groups related to "networking", they appear like ants to sugar. My personal experience with networking is as follows: I was in several chapters of 2 different networking groups in the Triangle Area for 3 years with outstanding attendance. I also I acquired around 8 clients from this 3 year venture. I also learned that networking itself involves a LOT of time and most of the folks that are really into it have way too much time on their hands. That time spent SELLING, running leads, placing really good creative ads in the right places would net far better results. If they were doing these things they wouldn't have the time nor need to do all the networking. I DO, however recommend a couple of websites to get your business name out on, inside919.com, Craigslist.org, and Linkedin are my top 3. You don't have to attend silly meetings, you get results without a lot of time or money, and can monitor what others are doing to expand their businesses. When I was in all these weekly lunch meetings, I met some great people and ate a lot of good food, however to develop business my time would have been better spent elsewhere. Most of the really good leads I acquired were gotten outside these groups. I'm certainly not an expert, however I've been successfully self employed since 1990 and have bought and sold a couple of businesses as well as been successful in the corporate world back before I became self employed. People frequently come to me for advice when either starting a new business, selling an established business, or other entrepreneurial adventures. Inquire about my consulting rates if interested. I'm currently getting ready to start our second branch of our business along the North Carolina Coast!