Anyone here attend networking meetings?

Depends on where you live and what industry you're in.

If you're new somewhere, find organizations in your industry and ask around work about what people are in. If you're in school, absolutely go to every networking event you can go to. Getting your name out there and making connections will help you land a job.

Getting a job is absolutely about who you know. Whether or not you keep that job and your managers/coworkers recommend you is based on how you work, but you can't prove anything without getting your foot in the door.

You sell a service. Sell.

Sorry

BNI = Business Networking I....?

It's so obvious now that you say it

Sounds like the some of the O&G industry spam I can't get Linked in to stop sending me

It could help. I would visit every single BNI and see which one you like best. The trainer in mine got referrals every now and then.

I've been visiting and from what ther tell me there isnt another person in my profession in any group in br. My prices are higher than average and that worries me, but at the same time 1 referal would cover the yearly cost.

I was in a BR group with an old job and that group was certainly good about referrals. I still use some of the vendors and refer to them even though I am no longer in the group.

I used to attend networking events a lot in DC... "Networking After Work" was a good LinkedIn group.

Also, Chamber of Commerce and Meet-up group events we're helpful.

Oh, and Inc. 500 always had legit events.

I've been in one for four years next month. It's not only the monetary commitment but you also have to dedicate a lot of time to get to know other members outside of your weekly meeting. Last year we did about $70k in revenue from bni. Not a huge percentage but pretty decent and the clients that were referred to me from seemed to haggle less and be more open to hearing what my recommendations are. Find a group that has a good dynamic and numbers. If you ever want to visit ours, we meet at Jubans on Wednesday from 11:30-1.

If you end up not joining a chapter, it will still be good exposure for you. I would also recommend identifying who could be good referral sources for you, nutrition specialists, smoothie stores, or even general practitioner doctors.