R.E. Networking, Clubs, etc. Yay or Nay?

[Karen Margrave]

OK I've been in this business for many years, and have NEVER gone to any types of networking meetings (other than stuff with MLS) We lived in a small city, where our product was in demand, and there were no networking events to speak of. HOWEVER; it's a new day. We are in a new area (Southern California - Orange County to be exact) and basically starting from scratch in building a new business, though building similar projects as we've always done.

I can see the value of networking. However; many of the meetings like Investclub for Women tout "challenges" for which they charge $1197 for, and also have meetings. There are meetings where brokers network. I've heard of FIBI which seems more to what I would perceive a networking meeting to be (exchanging ideas, deals, etc.)

What meetings do you find are the most productive, as far as meeting people that are buying, selling, have useful information to share, etc., and aren't pushing their wares? @Will Barnard@Ellis San Jose @Tevis Verrett @Jake Kucheck others?