For many top business coaches, they might go to 20 or 25 events every month because they know networking is the best way to build a client base, and a strong business.

Sure, some networking events can be dry and even boring, but there are ways to make networking more fun, and more productive.

July’s Entrepreneur magazine had an interesting article about the best bars for business across the United States.

These aren’t places where drunks are strewn throughout, but local establishments where the movers and shakers of the respective community go to relax.

You won’t find a bunch of college kids downing shots at places like The Lobby Bar in Louisville, Kentucky or The Purple Pig in Chicago, but you will find people who are in business, like to talk business and may even need to work with a business coach.

While reading this article, I got to thinking about all the places where business is done and all the opportunities that might be missed in generating leads and contacts for your business if you aren’t looking in the right place.

It takes multiple touches before a lead turns into a client and, especially in our business relationships are the key to success.

So if you can find places to meet people, learn about what they do, what their motivations are and why they might need your help, it can only help you in the long run.

Who’s to say if that place should be your local Chamber of Commerce meeting, or the cool new pub downtown?

One of the great things about being in the business coaching business is that there are opportunities literally everywhere.

Bar-hopping on a Friday night is certainly not the best place to look for clients, but picking the right places at the right times to go out can help you find clients and grow your business.

So what are the best local “business bars” in your area? Have you tried to network in any of them? Have you had any success?

What is more important to a business … building a brand?

 Or getting more leads?

I’ll give you my take on this in a later post …

In the meantime, I’d be interested in your thoughts …

Jodie Shaw