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><strong>Excellent networking group</strong> where I've met some really nice people. It has directly <strong>helped me grow</strong> my gym and I have numerous clients who go there. The group has the <strong>right balance</strong> between being <strong>friendly</strong> and actually <strong>help you grow your sales/business</strong>. I'd highly recommend going.</p>

Excellent networking group where I've met some really nice people. It has directly helped me grow my gym and I have numerous clients who go there. The group has the right balance between being friendly and actually help you grow your sales/business. I'd highly recommend going.

Darren Pyefinch - Vibrant Fit

<p>In the short time I’ve been a member, The Business Community has <strong>transformed my business</strong> and I’ve met some fantastic contacts along the way. Paul Green and Stephen Church are excellent hosts and bring <strong>great charm and personality into the meeting</strong>. Highly recommended to any business - whether starting out or established.</p>

In the short time I’ve been a member, The Business Community has transformed my business and I’ve met some fantastic contacts along the way. Paul Green and Stephen Church are excellent hosts and bring great charm and personality into the meeting. Highly recommended to any business - whether starting out or established.

Sam Sayer - DeType Limited

<p>Paul's Business Community <strong>combines all the best in networking</strong>. It's my <strong>number one place to keep up to date in business</strong> and gives me the personal support so necessary for the small business owner. Networking is also my chosen method of acquiring new clients and <strong>over 80% of my work comes from the wonderful people</strong> I've met across the different groups with the Community.</p>

Paul's Business Community combines all the best in networking. It's my number one place to keep up to date in business and gives me the personal support so necessary for the small business owner. Networking is also my chosen method of acquiring new clients and over 80% of my work comes from the wonderful people I've met across the different groups with the Community.

Jacky Sherman - The Consultants' Consultant

<p>Buscomm and the surrounding support and structure is an <strong>extremely valuable resource</strong> and method of finding new business. The various <strong>meetings are well structured</strong> and allow people to effectively network and meet new business contacts. I would definitely recommend BusComm to any small or medium sized businesses <strong>looking to find more work</strong>.</p>

Buscomm and the surrounding support and structure is an extremely valuable resource and method of finding new business. The various meetings are well structured and allow people to effectively network and meet new business contacts. I would definitely recommend BusComm to any small or medium sized businesses looking to find more work.

Phil Barnett - PJB Photography