Mods - I promise this is not a "seeking work" post - please don't lock it. :) Anyone who has been self-employed or runs a small business will know the importance of networking. With people finding it increasingly difficult to get employment (judging by postings on these forums!) I imagine that many of us in the profession are thinking about raising our profile and simply getting to know more useful contacts just in case. So how are people doing it? What works for you? I am just starting a new "networking phase" and my initial ideas (other than personal contacts with and recommendations from past clients which are always the best IMHO) are: Website (mine is a single placeholder page at the moment, but that's about to change!) Twitter (yes I have just registered an account! Anyone else out there who is sad enough to want to exchange tweets then drop me a PM!) Local Safety Group meetings IOSH meetings (of course!) Chamber of Commerce and Local business forum open days There seem to be loads of other "social media" outlets, many of which I'd never heard of. Anyone used any of them with any success? Anyone doing any H&S blogging? Anyone bothering with the Expo in the NEC next week - is it any good for networking? Let's see if we can get some ideas going!

Heather, Before I was employed I was also self-employed - it is not easy. Networking and word of mouth worked best for me. I also employed a company to 'cold call' for me, some success but not enough to warrant the cost. I also worked as an Associate for other Consultancies, this does not always pay very well but can help to bridge a gap whilst you look for your own work. LinkedIn appears to be a good tool. I have taken time to build up my profile, groups and connections - in the last month I have had two approaches from companies looking to fill vacancies (neither are suitable for my skill set) not nevertheless proves it works. I am also about to go on to two hour social media session to get ideas on how to blog properly and use social media to its best advantage and not using it to document what I had for dinner last night!

Definitely LinkedIn, there are numerous Groups you can join and take part in industry discussions etc

I am a member of a breakfast business club (B4B) which meets fortnightly and whilst I have had some business from contacts made there it has not transformed my business. However, the main benefit as I see it is the regular social contact with local small business owners who have the same or similar issues to solve. And who knows- the next call I get may well be from a contact through that group wanting me to do a great piece of business! Also just starting to use a social media platform which feeds Facebook & Twitter but too early yet to measure results.

LinkedIn If you search on companies there is an IOSH page that you can follow but I couldn't find an official group. If enough members on here are registered on LinkedIn why not start networking with each other on there which will open up their connections to you, giving you access to more people to network with ? http://uk.linkedin.com/in/simonocc

Maybe that's your experience - how sad for you. I haven't found it to be the case and have indeed obtained several nice bits of work (including my most lucrative client) through networking with other safety professionals. I like to meet with other safety professionals to share ideas, not just to grab work. I find it useful, interesting and stimulating. Some of them even buy me lunch from time to time. As for your closing comment about sales leads, no of course I didn't, but then sadly the spirit of this thread seems to have eluded you. Why respond to a thread about networking if you don't see the point in it? No

Linkedin There is an IOSH group! it doesn't look official though? Can someone confirm if it is? I find groups result in lots of email and info, so want to join an official group really :) http://www.linkedin.com/..._1%2Egdr_1305030116830_1

This is the one you want http://www.linkedin.com/company/117339?trk=tyah

I have recently started a new role where I have gone from being one of several H&S people in a company to being THE H&S person in a company, and I am missing others to bounce ideas off. My "local" IOSH meetings aren't local to my workplace, and meetings are held during the day, which although my employer is willing to let me have time off to attend really doesn't fit in with my workload. Looks like cyber networking is the way forward

LinkedIn, best site, but I am biased, just got a new with help from there.