What to expect

Not all business networking groups are the same and there is a wide variety for you to choose from.

Here's what you can expect from your visit to one of the BusComm groups.

The meetings are welcoming and friendly; particularly if you are new to networking and feeling a little nervous about attending your first event. There are no rules about what you can and can't do - you can sit anywhere you feel comfortable and bring any marketing material you have (including banners).

You will get the opportunity to introduce yourself to the other businesses in attendance via a 45 seconds "elevator pitch" - your chance to let people know what you do and the type of customers you are interested in being referred to. And the only other "have to do" is partake in a 10 minute 1-2-1 meeting with another attendee.

Unlike a lot of other groups that tend to be "at you" meetings, the agenda (below) is engaging and interactive, helping you to share your knowledge, experience and advice; helping you raise your profile and develop rapport with the group - oh and they are fun too!

Arrival - open networking
Introductions - these are timed, but not strictly - but you should stick the time limit
Video review - a video on a relevant business topic that is discussed in the meeting (current video above)
1-2-1 meetings - 10 minutes to get to know another attendee
Member presentation - a 10 minutes presentation of an educational nature
"Hot Seat" - a chance for anyone to bring up a business question or request some help/advice on a business issue
Acknowledgements - an opportunity to thank someone for a referral or act of support
Close - open networking

This agenda may vary for some of the sector-specific groups.

You can attend up to 3 meetings before having to consider membership; at no point will you be pounced on to join up! (Some of the sector-specific groups do not require membership - you can attend as often as you like).

Unlike some membership groups, there is...

...no annual fee
...no contract - cancel any time
...no joining/admin fee
...no lock-out - all businesses welcome*
...no obligation to attend
...no pressure to refer
...no tie to a single group – you can visit as many of the groups as you like
...no application form to apply
...no approval process

*A little bit of healthy competition doesn't hurt and often, seemingly competing businesses, can work collaboratively.

Find out who typically attends these meetings

<p>I've been part of this business networking group since first stepping out into business on my own in 2016. It has been <strong>a fabulous group</strong> to be part of not just because of the referrals I've had but also because of the <strong>fantastic support</strong> you get from the other members. <strong>Highly recommended</strong>.</p>

I've been part of this business networking group since first stepping out into business on my own in 2016. It has been a fabulous group to be part of not just because of the referrals I've had but also because of the fantastic support you get from the other members. Highly recommended.

Russell Parker - QRB Management Consulants

<p>I’ve been a member of the Business Community for many years now. I’ve got to <strong>know & develop relationships</strong> with a wide range of business people in that time. Networking is not a quick fix but it is <strong>supportive, encouraging and mutually beneficial</strong>. If you’re looking for somewhere to grow, not only your business, but yourself then I highly recommend you come along to these groups. They are <strong>exceptional value for money</strong> too.</p>

I’ve been a member of the Business Community for many years now. I’ve got to know & develop relationships with a wide range of business people in that time. Networking is not a quick fix but it is supportive, encouraging and mutually beneficial. If you’re looking for somewhere to grow, not only your business, but yourself then I highly recommend you come along to these groups. They are exceptional value for money too.

Heather Petty - UW

<p>A <strong>great group of people</strong>. Meetings are <strong>well structured</strong> and the <strong>format is helpful</strong> to meeting a number of people. The additional features of being a member with having access to all members and <strong>lots of other features too numerous to mention</strong>.</p>

A great group of people. Meetings are well structured and the format is helpful to meeting a number of people. The additional features of being a member with having access to all members and lots of other features too numerous to mention.

Paul Simpson - TaxAssist Market Harborough

<p>This is the <strong>only business network I've stuck with</strong> for the duration of my 9 years of self-employment. <strong>Developmental, supportive and friendly</strong>, I would recommend this group to anyone looking to <strong>get business, give business and learn and develop</strong> whilst doing so.</p>

This is the only business network I've stuck with for the duration of my 9 years of self-employment. Developmental, supportive and friendly, I would recommend this group to anyone looking to get business, give business and learn and develop whilst doing so.

James Tarry - Cheyne Walk Club