I was recently asked about networking group; and BNI networking in particular, which meet once a week (usually early in the morning) so members can refer business opportunities to each other. It costs around £600 for membership for a year, plus around £10/15 per meeting to cover your breakfast. So call that about £1,200 per year. Is it worth it?

I was a member of a BNI group. I did get business from the group (and business off the back of that) which did cover my costs, but worked out that it was not enough to make it worth continuing.

If you’re a local printer and can knock out small batches of business cards for the local start-ups then you’re on a winner, but for other services I’m not sure of it’s value.

Is networking worth it for professional magicians?

Actually, it did open my network up and put me in contact with people who’s services I have used. As I had only moved into the area a year or so prior it did have it’s uses, but in hindsight I do wish I’d allocated my time and money elsewhere.

I have heard some real horror stories about networking groups though, but these are probably from people that just think you rock up and expect that you are just handed business. It is a two-way street, and you do need to put work and effort in to generate leads I know some magician (particularly in the corporate sector), who pretty much use networking to generate a large percentage of their new business.

Most groups will let you visit once or twice for free (you’ll probably still need to pay for your food though) before you need to pay to join, and it’s possible that if you do a good enough job of making yourself memorable you may be able to make some contacts who can pass business your way.

There is a full lesson on getting the most from networking groups in the Sales and Marketing section of the full course, and it is included in some of the abridged courses.

Learning more

The How To Be A Professional Magician Courses cover everything you need to know to set up a business as a professional magician. The Full Course contains all the information (as well as 30 minute Skype consultation to help you get your business launched), and the abridged courses also cover business set-up.