You raise some interesting questions. Firstly, the being able to still do your work generated from networking meetings. Many people have commented, questioned and complained about not generating work and this was my reason for writing this blog.

Since posting it, many people have commented, questioned and complained. Yet, they seem to be reluctant to do so on websites. Instead the contact me personally!

Secondly, I’d really be interested to know which is the one, ONLY 1 network in Johannesburg that makes money? Also, do their members make money?

Finally, I agree that if networking was approached in a different way – there would probably be a different outcome.

I like your thinking about identifying strategic opportunities and then helping to develop them. This would “Grow” small and medium size businesses (SMME’s) and would enable “RONI” – Return on Networking Investment.

Surprisingly, many SMME’s use most of their marketing budget on business networking …

What do others think? “SPEAK” to me … Pearl

I am always puzzled about why there are so many networking organisations. Practically, how many networking organisations can you possibly be part of, and still do your work from the business presumable generated from those meetings?

The thing that really puzzles me: Why do people start new networking sites? What is it exactly that they feel is missing from existing options? Or is this driven by the fallacy that you can make money in the networking business? How many of these sites have actually made any money. I can think of one, ONLY 1 networking operation in Johannesburg that probably makes money.

Why don’t we get really, really successful people attending networking sessions? There are a few here and there, who were bored and are now on the path to their next million rand business, but on the whole, I find the participants are smaller businesss, still on their way to the top.

I’d be keen to see the following to improve my networking experiences:
- Successful, long established business owners involved
- people to be less selfish in their motives when attending networking meetings. Networking is not about making a sale. It’s about establishing your network. Trevor Nel famously says, “Who has come here to buy something?”
- I would like to see people help my business grow. I can assure you that I’ll tell everyone and anyone about someone elses business where I see a possible connection.
- Strategic minds at all sessions. Everyone at a meeting needs to work overtime to identify strategic opportunities, and then help those opportunities develop. If the idea is any good, the effort will pay off.

So in answer to your questions, my net isn’t working as well as it could, but there is lots of room to grow.