Thread: Business Networking!

A couple of points. There's a definate business 'apartheid' in Spain. Spanish business / networking circles and associations keep themselves to themselves. No big deal. Just thought I would mention it.
Second point. Business networking is very important. I know of businesses that generate all or much of their business by networking.
There's the Business Breakfasts BGE which are fine but as there is an annual fee and they work better for some businesses than others they do leave a vacuum.
There are business associations like TIBA but they admit only registered businesses. There wasn't (until I came along) a no-fee, non-profit networking/social business circle. Its popularity shows there was a need.
During a recession it is more important than ever to liaise with others. These are great because the only criteria is the obvious one. You are in business - and want to stay in business.

Michael I enjoyed reading that post!

The main philosophy of this forum is "networking" and just like you say, in times like these that is the ultimate way forward!

As for the Spanish assocations and business networks, I can second that: Here in Barcelona the situation is similar if not the same.

I am moving to Spain soon (hopefully!) and I will definitely be more active then on this forum, hopefully able to network with other members.

Does anyone know if there are any networking groups on the Costa del Sol?

Networking in the Sol? Try e-mailing the Sol edition of Euro Weekly News paper. They published (used to at least) a magazine for a networking group down that way. A bit of a closed shop though: 'head up their a**** ' as we used to say. If you track 'em down, or anyone else, let us all know. Good luck!

I'm new here, but I think networking is something any serious business professional should be doing as a matter of course. You won't always develop great friendships, but you will be on the pulse of what's happening in your area.

In Ronda, the small city where I live, networking with other expat business owners means that we are able to keep each other informed of developments and since we have the disadvantage of not being Spanish this helps.

I agree biz networking can be invaluable and such groups provide a platform for individuals to get together, knowledge share and at time collaborate and enjoy synergistic benefits due to said collaboration.

@ Sonnytom, the Euro Weekly News sponsors the Networking Costa del Sol and they do have a website, can't remember the exact name... just google and you'll find it.

There are several business networking groups on Costa del Sol. You would have to pay a membership to join most of them. The most helpful for our business were British Chamber of Commerce, B2Bespana. It all depends whether you need to build a business or just want to meet people to socialise.
Women in Business (obviously for women only), meetings at Black Cat through B2Bespana as well as Toast Masters, and, and, and ...

We ask all clients where it is that they first heard about us. As a result I think that we have probably gained as much if not more business through 'word of mouth' and 'recommendations' than we have through any form of formal advertising.

Just liaising regularly with other ex-pat servicing businesses have proved absolutely invaluable, not just in terms of generating orders, but also as has already been said, because you definately feel you have more of a 'finger on the pulse'.

Plus (and this seems to be much more pertinent in Spain than in the UK) it really does seem to be a case of "who you know", rather than "what you know" that separates the successful businesses over here from the struggling ones.