Why I skip most big networking mixers and focus on tiny meetups instead
I used to go to every large networking event in town, thinking it was the best way to grow my business. After a year, I noticed I had lots of business cards but no real friends in the field. Most people just wanted to pitch their stuff and move on. Now, I only join small groups with five or six entrepreneurs in similar areas. We meet every few weeks for honest conversations, and I've gotten two solid referrals from this. Everyone says you need to be everywhere to network, but I think that spreads you too thin. By focusing on fewer, deeper connections, I save time and build trust. How can you help each other if you barely remember each other's names?