Paid $600 for that 'exclusive' Atlanta networking group and got zero contracts

Honestly I fell for the hype around one of those private Atlanta business groups that charges a fee to 'connect you with decision makers.' Spent 6 months going to their mixers and breakfasts and all I got was a bunch of people trying to sell me their own services. Nobody actually referred any real work my way. Has anyone else found a solid networking group in Atlanta that actually delivers real leads instead of just collecting membership fees?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_rowan13d ago

Oh come on man. You get what you put into those groups. I've pulled three solid contracts from mine just by showing up early and actually following up with people one on one. The real value isn't the mixers it's the smaller connections you make outside the events. If you just show up and expect leads to fall in your lap you're gonna leave disappointed every time.

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corap6113d ago

Wait, so you're telling me I've been doing it wrong by standing in the corner with a nametag and a sad cup of coffee? @the_rowan you're making me look bad with your actual effort and follow-through.

dakota_miller9313d ago

Did you try the one-on-one follow up thing? I was pretty skeptical about it at first (thought it would feel too pushy, you know?) but I started sending a quick email the next morning just saying "hey, nice meeting you" and maybe referencing something we talked about. Honestly that small step turned like half my random handshakes into actual coffee meetings, which is way better than standing around hoping someone remembers me from a nametag.