Choosing the Right Networking for You and Your Business

Boost Your Business: How to Find the Right Networking Group

How do you feel about networking?

As a small business owner, it’s likely you’ve heard people say that networking will support your business growth and success. It’s certainly something you’ll hear me say. But, with so many networking groups out there, how do you choose the right one for you?

I’m not just going to tell you to join up to one of our meetings, there’s so much more to it than that; filling a room isn’t what’s important, what’s important is making sure a group is the right fit for you and your strategy. Here are my tips to help you pick the right networking group for your business.

Finding a Networking Group for You

Let’s look at some questions which will help you find your ideal group.

Why are you networking?

You’ll find that different networking groups will have different purposes. Some groups focus on building relationships, while others are more focused on business development or generating leads. What are you looking for, and how does this group fit with that purpose?

Are you hoping that networking will bring your business or are you looking to build awareness of your organisation? Many solos find working alone is lonely, while for a business owner it can be equally lonely having concerns you can’t share with employees; peer support is an important role for your networking group.

Industry specific groups can support learning and sharing news of industry trends and developments. Similarly, at Your Business Matters, our groups all include an Added Value section which provides an element of learning to those who attend – these take a variety of forms, and our members are very positive about the business insights they gain.

Who is your target audience?

Are you looking for people within your industry or do you need a broader reach? In our recent post (Unlock Profitable Networking for Your Small Business) we looked at how networking can help you build different relationships to support your business – collaborators, clients, referrers and mentors. It’s unlikely you’ll find all these people in one group, so think about what you’re looking for right now, and try a variety of groups where you might reach a range of individuals.

What about industry specific groups? If you’re a marketing consultant, for example, looking for experts to collaborate with, an industry specific group might help you with that. Think about where your ideal client or partner might be and see who’s in the room.

When you visit new networking groups, also think about the quality of attendees. Look for groups that attract professionals who are serious about their business and actively looking for opportunities to connect and grow. The size of the group might also be important; a smaller group might offer more intimate connections and allow for more one-on-one time with other attendees, while a larger group might offer more opportunities to meet a variety of people.

When and where will you meet?

Networking groups can have different formats – breakfast meetings, lunch meetings, after-work events, or virtual meetings. It’s important to consider the format of the meeting and whether it fits your schedule and preferences.

Think about the frequency and length of the meeting, will it allow for enough time to connect with other attendees and do you have enough time to manage the requirements outside that. A weekly meeting is great for ensuring you build strong relationships with other attendees but that’s a lot of time to commit to the group particularly when you will need to allow for time to meet members outside meetings too. These separate one to ones are where you really get to know the people in your group ensuring you can have confidence when making recommendations and connections.

The location is also an important factor when choosing a networking group. Look for groups that are located near your business or home, or in a location that is convenient for you to travel to. Virtual, or online, meetings are a great option to allow you to reach further afield if your business isn’t geographically restricted.

Membership groups or open?

Some networking groups require a membership fee, this can strengthen the group with those attending often more committed to attend. Consider your schedule and flexibility, can you commit to the time and financial commitment required of a group like this? Membership groups often provide other benefits such as visibility on websites and other group communications, and support from group leaders. At Your Business Matters, we provide members with all this as well as a clarity call to get to know you better – so I can provide great connections across the whole community, and access to a membership hub with member and event details.

Membership groups are oftencan be more structured and formal, although this isn’t always the case. Are you looking for this structure and focus, where you’ll know what to expect from the meeting in advance? Or do you want a flexible, relaxed group where there is less formality and more freedom?

Some groups have a lockout, this means they restrict the number of members from an industry, so you don’t have any direct competition within the room. This can be beneficial, allowing you to establish yourself as the expert within the group, however sharing a room with others is in your profession can be great for building collaborations and referral relationships. I recommend people do a mixture of membership and drop-in groups; while your membership group builds stronger relationships and commitment, drop-in groups can be good for raising your profile and meeting new people.

What’s your budget?

Networking groups can have very different fees, while some virtual meetings are marketed as free, a membership group will likely cost you hundreds of pounds per year. Think about the cost of attendance and whether it fits your budget – bearing in mind that not all costs are financial – your time is limited and it’s important to be aware of how you are spending it.

With paid groups, consider all you get for your money, including access to events, workshops, and access to other resources. While these membership group fees may seem a big investment, it’s important to understand what you’ll get in return for this. The members in these groups are investing in businesses they take seriously, and they’ll take you seriously in return.

Is there anything else?

Check out the group’s social media presence. A networking group with a strong social media presence can be a good sign that the group is active and engaged. Look for groups that have a strong presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook.

Some networking groups provide other benefits – training and development, member discounts, social events, access to additional meetings and other connection opportunities. We’d encourage you to talk to the organiser – and other members – to understand exactly what is on offer.

You’ll find that some groups are run by individuals looking to promote their own business while Your Business Matters exists to support our members. Within these groups leaders will connect members across groups and there are opportunities for learning and skill sharing within meetings and outside.

Finding your networking group

Choosing the right networking group can be a key factor in your business growth and success. By exploring these questions, we hope you’ll find a group that fits your business needs and helps you connect with the right people. I always recommend attending meetings regularly, following up with new connections, meeting people one to one outside your group and being open to new opportunities.

I’d also suggest trying out groups with different formats and different audiences. While membership groups with a consistent attendance promote commitment and strong relationships, more flexible open networking groups can enable you to meet a broader range of people and businesses.

Of course we’d encourage you to visit one of our networking groups to see what you think. You’d be very welcome, have a look at what’s available here Networking Meetings.