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>A <strong>great local networking community</strong>. <strong>Excellent membership benefits</strong> alongside the traditional networking meetings with access to all members, workshops and just <strong>great support</strong>. Highly recommended.</p>

A great local networking community. Excellent membership benefits alongside the traditional networking meetings with access to all members, workshops and just great support. Highly recommended.

James Blacklaws - JB Commercial Finance

<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>Been a member now for several years and really value the <strong>wide range of member benefits</strong> including the free training. There is <strong>great variety in the membership</strong> profiles, the meetings are <strong>informative, collaborative and importantly fun</strong> and now having an online meeting offer means you can get even more from your membership</p>

Been a member now for several years and really value the wide range of member benefits including the free training. There is great variety in the membership profiles, the meetings are informative, collaborative and importantly fun and now having an online meeting offer means you can get even more from your membership

Jo Thurman - Personal Career Management