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>The Business Community is bringing me <strong>ever-increasing levels of business</strong>; as well as<strong> invaluable business support</strong>.</p>

The Business Community is bringing me ever-increasing levels of business; as well as invaluable business support.

Stephen Church - Copywriter Pro

<p>I have been a member of The Business Community for a number of years now. The <strong>unique mix of friendly banter</strong> with <strong>professional format and resources</strong> has been <strong>invaluable for my own business growth</strong>. I have made friendships, referred people and grown my client base thanks to The Business Community. I like there is <strong>no lockout, the meetings are a manageable size and no yearly contract</strong>.</p>

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

<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

<p>Since starting my business 18 months or so ago, I have gone from a networking novice to being a solid contributor through meeting and getting to know the <strong>wealth of business skills</strong>, <strong>knowledge</strong> and <strong>experience</strong> of Paul Green and the members of The Business Community. I mainly attend the Wellingborough session, but have plans to spread myself further afield in Northamptonshire during the rest of this year as membership allows this, unlike others.</p>
<p>The <strong>format of the meetings is fun</strong>, <strong>but has meaning</strong> ... and you can always be assured <strong>a friendly welcome</strong> (as I got recently when attending the Daventry session for the first time). I have made <strong>loads of good business contacts</strong> that I would have only made through The Business Community ... if you are starting or have recently started a business, book yourself on a session and find out for yourself ... breakfast is good too!</p>

Since starting my business 18 months or so ago, I have gone from a networking novice to being a solid contributor through meeting and getting to know the wealth of business skills, knowledge and experience of Paul Green and the members of The Business Community. I mainly attend the Wellingborough session, but have plans to spread myself further afield in Northamptonshire during the rest of this year as membership allows this, unlike others.

The format of the meetings is fun, but has meaning ... and you can always be assured a friendly welcome (as I got recently when attending the Daventry session for the first time). I have made loads of good business contacts that I would have only made through The Business Community ... if you are starting or have recently started a business, book yourself on a session and find out for yourself ... breakfast is good too!

Andy Sarson - APS Marketing Consulting Services