Networking is a powerful tool that can support your business growth and provide you with support from likeminded business people. Whether you’re a seasoned networker or a newbie, this guide is all about helping you get the most out of networking events and finding the best opportunities around you.
Prepping for Networking Success
Before diving into the sea of potential connections, it’s smart to arm yourself with a few handy tips:
- Do Your Homework: Research the businesses and interests of speakers and attendees. This gives you the chance to tailor your conversations and make a lasting impression.
- Craft a Killer Pitch: Prepare a short business pitch (think 60 seconds) to introduce yourself effectively. It’s like speed dating for professionals!
- Stock Up on Business Cards: Always have a stash of business cards, your link to LinkedIn bio to scan or flyers ready to hand out. You never know when you’ll meet your next big client or collaborator.
Playing the Long Game
Building solid business relationships takes time, so have a game plan for following up with new contacts. A well-timed email or an invitation for a cuppa can work wonders for nurturing those budding connections. Remember, not all attendees will buy your goods or services, but they could become trusted allies, valuable referrals, or critical friends who offer constructive feedback to help you grow. Building these relationships can be just as beneficial in the long run.
Nationwide Networking Goldmines
There are tons of networking opportunities across the UK, and not all will suit everyone. This list is designed to highlight a range of options, helping you find the right fit for your needs. Here are some networks you might want to explore:
- : Attend educational seminars and networking events throughout England.
- : Connect with professionals in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
- : Join events tailored for women entrepreneurs.
- : Engage in women-centric networking events.
- : A global giant, BNI has local chapters everywhere.
- : Check out their vast event calendar.
- : Operated by the IoD, this network is all about cultivating influential connections.
- : Regular networking events across the UK and online.
- Business Networking Groups on Facebook: Join groups like the British Small Business Network and the Small Business Group UK for more local connections.
- : Offers regional networking opportunities.
- : Find networks available in Northern Ireland.
Regional Networking Events
For more specific region-based events, these options cover a range of locales and many include our beloved Lincolnshire:
- : A regional network with various events across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
- : Includes some speciality area focused ones e.g. construction and property networking.
- : Great for networking within the Humber region.
- : Host semi regular events led by members requests. They are often on really important local topics.
- : An active networking group in Lincoln often over 100 attendees.
- : Another fantastic regional option.
- : Networking events in Northern Lincolnshire.
- : Join their evening Receptions that take place at a different venue each month.
- : Participate in vibrant networking events.
- : Workshops and networking events.
- (organised by Roy Harper): Another great local event.
- : Network with growth-oriented professionals.
- : Part of Rutland Chamber events.
Hyperlocal Networking Opportunities
If you’re looking for something even closer to home, check out these hyperlocal Lincolnshire area events:
- : Connect with local business owners in the area. Meetings take place in Woodhall Spa.
- : Events in Peterborough, Notts, and Rutland.
- : Networking in Louth.
- : Meetings and events in Louth.
- : Another Louth-based group.
- : Connect with Grimsby businesses.
- : Events in Boston, Spalding, and Peterborough.
- : (organised by Lance Allcock): An Evening Group in Lincoln.
- : Workshops and events at this vibrant coworking space based in Louth.
Local events with networking opportunities:
- East Lincs Expo – https://www.eastlincs-expo.co.uk/
- Networking/Conferences at Lincolnshire Showground – https://lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/whats-on/categories/networking/
- The Big Business Event – https://www.queenbeeandco.co.uk/the-big-business-event/
- Globella – They do the build for the future event in Lincoln. https://www.globella.co.uk/events
- An offshoot of Globella focusing on hospitality shows Trade Show UK – https://www.tradeshowsuk.com/events/lincolnshire
Other events to keep a watch on:
- Department for Business and Trade – https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ehome/trade-events-calendar/all-events/
- Midlands Business Expo – themidlandsbusinessnetwork.co.uk/events/
- Small Business Saturday – https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour
- NEC Events (Birmingham) – https://www.thenec.co.uk/whats-on/
- Business Lincolnshire provides signposting to sources of business advice, support, events and funding for start-ups and established firms. www.businesslincolnshire.com
- NBV Enterprise Solutions provides business support and training to start ups and early-stage rms across the East Midlands. https://nbv.co.uk/start-up
If new to networking, might be interesting to read:
‘Sustaining Business Networks: Understanding the Benefit Bundles Sought by Members of Local Business Associations’, which is a research article published by Sage Journals.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0263774X15608850
Networking Tips, which is an online resource published by the King’s Trust.
www.kingstrust.org.uk/how-we-can-help/tools-resources/building-confidence/networking-top-tips
All about Networking in Business, which is an online guide published by CPD Online College.
https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/business/all-about-networking-in-business
This guide was created after Lindsay was frequently asked about local networking opportunities. She wanted to share her experience to help others looking to expand their own professional connections. If you have any networking groups or events you would like to share message us.