They are apparently "Hertfordshire's leading business networking group", which is odd as I have never heard of them before. I'm not saying they aren't any good, just that it is a big claim to make in a Business Link email marketing campaign.

www.g9networking.co.uk/

£15 per meeting / no annual membership / single rep. per business area / expectation of attending 6 out of 8 meetings.

I hadn't heard of them Lisa but just had a shufty. Looks limited, and some of the information was inconsistent within their website but I might sign up for a meeting.  6.30 start though, you have to be dedicated!!!

Not in my area but did have a shifty at their website. Not sure about there limited rules, seemed rather complex in terms of attendance etc.

One comment that always annoys me - 'only one person from each business type can join'.

There is a similar group in my local town where I can't join because there is an accountant there already. Yet 3 people from within the group have referred me business on the basis of one guest meeting and attending their trade fair (as a visitor).  Why - because they have met me, like me and trust me!!! They have said that they don't get the same vibe from the accountant in the group!

The hot and bad tempered part of me wants to reply to the biz link email asking on what basis they are "Hertfordshire's leading business networking group" as I had unsubstantiated claims of that sort.  Do you dare me?

I dare you Lisa! If they claim it then they should be able to back it up!!

Done.

I can imagine you tapping your fingers on your desk Lisa, waiting for their response! lol

jeeshh! ... could their site be any more cliche and boring?

Lisa - I just emailed them asking why they have to follow the same tired old format and why they cannot be more original. My breath is not being held for a reply.

Those stock photos put me off going. If that's the kind of people they want to attend, they don't want me.

I've been to a few of their meetings and can recommend at least one visit.

"Don't knock it til you've tried it" springs to mind.

Absolutely Ian, I always say you should try everything once.  But extravagent claims, stuffy stock photos & a rule about no part time businesses do kind of put me off.  I'm sure that for some people it is worth doing - horses for courses always.

I got a reply!

saying.....?

TBH (without being vitriolic) it sounded very much like a cut/ paste from BNI handbook.

"last year we generated millions of pounds in new business for our members and guests"

"There's no benefit to be had by having three accountants or two bankers or five web developers at the same meeting"

I replied, invited him to 4N and wished him well.

That's a quote if ever i heard one