I used to think that going to networking events was crucial for the survival of my business. No networking equalled no work. The idea of meeting people several times to build up a relationship. People buy from people they trust.

I have been on the networking circuit as a paid member for three years. I have met a lot of people and learned a lot of things. Specifically:

• Networking does not equal work.
• People buy when they need your service.

Today I quit professional networking. Because I now know that my business can survive without paying to chat to people.