How to find business networking groups

So, you know that networking can be the lifeblood of business success, but how do you find the right people and the right events? There are lots of different ways to find groups and events near you.  This guide introduces you to the main organisations who organise and list networking events, and suggests the best ways to find the networking groups that will most suit you and your business:

• Organisations aimed at business networking
• Organisations that list or organise events
• Finding networking groups online
• Other ideas

Organisations aimed at business networking

Business Networking International (BNI) has groups known as "chapters" all over the UK.  It's good for getting referrals, but not for meeting other people in your profession as it only allows one representative per profession in a chapter.  You also have to pay and commit to weekly meetings. The Business Referral Exchange (BRE) is much like the BNI, but they don't mind if you're in other formal networking groups.

• Check out the BNI and the BRE

Organisations that list or organise events

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the biggest lobbying group for small businesses in the UK. It organises local networking events that are well-attended by small businesses. Your local Chamber of Commerce will usually run networking groups, which include bigger businesses. Business Link normally lists events in your area, and your local Regional Development Agency and local council can be useful resources too.

• The FSB organises small business events
• Your local Chamber of Commerce and Business Link will usually run groups and events
• Ask your RDA and council about localised groups and events

Finding networking groups online

Try www.findnetworkingevents.com - it does exactly what the name suggests, and splits groups regionally.  Meetup is good for finding specialised groups. Ecademy organises events, as well as being an online network, while Facebook has loads of groups and events for everything you can imagine.  And check out Smarta's own event listings - covering a whole range of different businesses and sectors.

• Try Finding Network Events, Meetup, Ecademy and Facebook for groups and events
• Check out Smarta's event listings for networking oopportunities

Other ideas

Always keep your eyes peeled - places like your local library or cafe usually have adverts posted in the window, which might provide some gems in your local area.  Talk to people you know and from businesses you're interested in about any events they've heard about of attended. And subscribe to newsletters and trade magazines for the sector you're in - these almost always have events listings.

• Look at ads at your library and local cafes
• Ask people you know and businesses you're interested in
• Subscribe to trade mags and newletters

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