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
The Business Community is what is says on the tin - a real community of businesses from a whole range of sectors. The support the group offer each other is second to none and the networking groups are always fun and a joy to attend.
Jamie Cochrane - PBC Business Recovery
I have been a member of The Business Community for a number of years now. The unique mix of friendly banter with professional format and resources has been invaluable for my own business growth. I have made friendships, referred people and grown my client base thanks to The Business Community. I like there is no lockout, the meetings are a manageable size and no yearly contract.
Marie-Louise O'Neill - Lovely Evolution
Paul's BusComm networking events are very friendly and welcoming. There are a great opportunity to meet with other businesses. The support and training that is offered along with the membership is incredible and great value for money.
Samantha Cameron - Samantha Cameron Social
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
