I was the original member of Tracy's Bob Club when it launches in Rawtenstall 10 years ago. I am still a member, now at Burnley for IT support and also Haslingden for both IT support and website design. In the last six years, Bob Clubs has generated almost £120,000 worth of sales which makes a significant difference for a small local business like Bandicoot Ltd.

When I started 10 years ago, I was completely new to business to business networking. As an IT engineer, it wasn't something that came naturally. I preferred a room of computers to people.

However, if you are looking for a business network to generate leads but daunted by public speaking, 60 second pitches and 10 minutes presentations, I would recommend you give your local Bob Clubs a chance, or two.

It will not only generate the sales, which are the primary reason for getting up at six o'clock in the morning, but also introduce you to great, like minded business people that will become your clients, suppliers and friends.