I wonder if anyone can help.I work for a small strategy consultancy, and have in my objectives to attend networking events and generate leads / new contacts.However, most that I can find online just don't seem that great to be honest. I don't know whether they simply don't market themselves very well, or are generally not very good. Basically, i'm not bowled over by them.Does anyone know of good networking events where I could meet some possible contacts (any industry / sector) in a relatively informal environment?Also, does anyone have any thoughts on the type of company / person that goes to these from 'client' side? i.e. are they interested in consultants trying to ingratiate themselves, or do they go to meet other industry contacts and actually hate people trying to flog them services (however subtley)?Thanks for picking through such a long post!

A couple of years ago I wrote a piece on how we&apos;d started using LinkedIn to generate new client leads - "<b><i><a href=http://news.top-consultant.com/UK/news_story.aspx?ID=3032>LinkedIn - How to win business in 5 easy steps</b></i></a>."The approaches I suggested in the above article have really opened lots of doors for us with major clients - the trick is ensuring you have something of value to approach potential clients with that will make them want to engage. The piece is still as valid today as it was back then - and I&apos;d recommend this as a more time-effective approach than hoping to meet some decision makers at events...Much better to target the people you&apos;d want to meet by researching them on LinkedIn and then putting to them a compelling reason for meeting for lunch, having an initial phone consultation, etc.Hope this helpsTony RestellTop-Consultant.com

Thanks Tony - an interesting approach (very 21st century!) to developing networks.I have now signed up to Linkedin and will give it a shot. However, my objectives are to attend networking events, and so I still need the old fashioned type too. So, if anyone has any thoughts they really would be appreciated.Have you ever thought of giving them a shot? (branching out of careers advice into business development) - could be interesting!

I&apos;d suggest picking an industry where you are interested in working or have enjoyed working in the past via projects, and search for industry-specific networking events. In my experience, industry-focused events tend to be a much better venue for making contacts, and they also allow you to build more expertise.