Mastering the skill of great networking 

It’s early morning on a wet day, and I’ve just parked up at one of the networking events we attend across the month. This one begins before the work day with a structured yet informal session of the traditional ‘meet and greet.’ 

Attendees chat over coffee and breakfast before taking a seat to listen to the guest speaker or panel discussion. It lasts until roughly 9ish when we all part, exchanging business cards (or LinkedIn profiles) and head off to work. 

Welcome to your typical networking event. 

Lately, networking events have become essential for success in today’s interconnected world, whether looking to grow your business or simply expand your horizons. They provide a platform for knowledge sharing, building strong relationships and establishing a support system of like-minded professionals who can offer advice, encouragement, and feedback. This can be invaluable, especially during challenging times or when facing important decisions.

But they are not a one-size-fits-all and navigating your way through the networking noise may be a case of trial and error before you land on one that’s right for your business. We attend numerous events across the region, and they are all unique offering different expertise and experiences. 

Read on for our hints and tips on what you need to consider when choosing the best networking event. It’s important you have a clear set of objectives before signing up, as attending the wrong one could be a waste of time and budget. 

1. Virtual or in-person – COVID obliged us to engage in online networking meetings where meeting over a screen from the comfort of our homes became acceptable. Whilst many of us rejoiced to be back in the face-to-face environments, as a small business owner having the opportunity to connect with others without leaving the house makes a virtual option more financially viable and less time-consuming. 
2. Industry relevance – Look for events that are tailored to your industry or field of interest. These events will attract professionals who are relevant to your business objectives, increasing the likelihood of purposeful connections and ROI factors.
3. Size and scale – Consider the size and scale of the event. Larger events may offer a wider range of networking opportunities and attract a far-reaching pool of attendees. The Business Exchange and Growth Hub are known for their significant events across Bath, Wiltshire and the surrounding areas, reaching a host of businesses across various industries. However, smaller events may provide a more intimate setting for meaningful interactions. 
4. Location and time are key – Take into account the location and time of the networking event. Is it conveniently located for you to attend? Is it at a time that does not disrupt your working day? Will there be opportunities to network with professionals from your local area? Resolution has recently opened its doors in Bath, and we are regularly attending networking events in the city to meet new business connections, share experiences and expand our network. 
5. Reputation and review – Research the events you want to attend and read reviews from past attendees. Look for events with positive feedback and a track record of delivering value to participants. Take the time to research and identify events that align with your goals, and be proactive in making meaningful connections while attending. 

Lastly, it is important to note that it isn’t always about who is ‘in the room’ at that specific time, but who your new contacts could introduce or recommend your services to in the future. 

Good luck – and don’t forget to have your LinkedIn profile up to date, as it’s often used for connecting with professionals before and after networking events.