How to make the most of your visit

Business networking is not the easiest or most natural for some, especially if you have never been to a networking meeting before.

If you are nervous or anxious, don't worry - you will made to feel welcome and be put at ease. Everyone in the room had to go to their first networking meeting at some point in time, so they can relate and appreciate what it is like to be a virgin networker! Over time, like developing a muscle, you get stronger and feel more comfortable.

Give it go.

To help you make the most of it, here are a few pointers:

Be prepared - make sure you know what you are going to say in your elevator pitch (it is fine to write it down and read it out; particularly if you are new to all this
Bring business cards (and any other marketing material you have including banners - there are no restrictions or extra costs for promoting your business at an event
Have at least one goal you want to achieve from attending the meeting e.g. meet 2 new people, get a 1-2-1 meeting with another person in the diary, share a top tip and so on
Come with a positive outlook and a smile!

For more pointers, download this free guide.

Book a meeting now

<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>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

<p>The Business Community has been <strong>extremely helpful to my business</strong>. The <strong>meetings are well run</strong> - they have<strong> a well-defined structure</strong>, but have a <strong>good mix of formality and informality</strong>. I enjoy meeting other members, have made some <strong>good connections</strong>, got <strong>great business advice</strong> from Paul and the wider group and, last but not least, <strong>gained work whose value is several times the cost of membership</strong>.</p>

The Business Community has been extremely helpful to my business. The meetings are well run - they have a well-defined structure, but have a good mix of formality and informality. I enjoy meeting other members, have made some good connections, got great business advice from Paul and the wider group and, last but not least, gained work whose value is several times the cost of membership.

Mark Coster - Pixooma

<p>I have done lots of networking over the years, and I love The Business Community. It hits <strong>just the right mix of being structured and organised</strong> while still being a <strong>friendly and relaxed</strong> place to be. The business world would be a lonelier place without it.</p>

I have done lots of networking over the years, and I love The Business Community. It hits just the right mix of being structured and organised while still being a friendly and relaxed place to be. The business world would be a lonelier place without it.

Paul Marks - Michael Paul Accountants