Virtual Networking – The New Way to Network
Is Virtual Networking a new way to meet people and businesses? As a small business myself it has always been important to go out and meet new people, build relationships with people you already know to encourage that trust factor for them to recommend you or even buy your own products and services.
With the restrictions announced from Prime Minister Boris Johnson everyone needs to stay at home unless absolutely necessary. The 4 main reasons can be found on the BBC News here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52012432
With businesses working at home as much as possible and not being able to go out unless it’s for essentials this has affected face2face networking events. Over the last week business owners and organisers of networking events have been testing out networking from your home using video conferencing software.
I myself have realised over the last week how important it is to stay in contact with people, it lifts your spirits during this unprecedented time, keeps you in touch with customers, contacts and potential new leads and it also helps with your mental health to talk to different people. I have had video calls with customers, my mastermind group, family and various networking groups. We are all in the same situation and it’s good to talk through ideas, concerns and have some reassurance from others.
Virtual Networking Events
Many networking groups are now taking their businesses online and offering ‘Virtual Networking’ if you would like to get involved you can find below a list of different ‘Virtual Networking’ groups that are taking place:
4Networking
DESCRIPTION: Over 30 meetings running each week along with online activities, workshops, auctions, seminars, and business marketplace
WHEN: Every day there is a different networking group across the country
COSTS: Visitors can attend their first 2 meetings before deciding to join
HOW TO BOOK: https://www.4networking.biz/4networkingonline/
Connect Online Networking
DESCRIPTION: Connect Networking is now running online meetings for their members and guests. They are keeping their existing lockout and there will be no minimum commitment. For the following 3 meetings: Stamford Breakfast Group Members, Peterborough Breakfast Group Members and Peterborough Lunch Group Members. Connect are also facilitating their monthly online meeting for the After Hours Group for all local businesses, this is not a lockout group.
WHEN:
- Stamford Breakfast Group Members – Weekly on a Wednesday morning
- Peterborough Breakfast Group Members – Fortnightly on a Thursday morning
- Peterborough Lunch Group Members – Monthly on a Friday Lunchtime
COSTS: £5 per meeting accessed for the member lockout meetings and FREE for the monthly evening online meeting
HOW TO BOOK: email info@connectbusinessnetworking.co.uk
Development Partner Network – Sofa Networking
DESCRIPTION: From the comfort of your own home on your sofa the Development Partner Network will be running sofa networking which will be industry and location-specific. More details will be announced on Friday.
WHEN: Dates and Times to be announced on Friday
COSTS: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: https://thedevelopmentpartnernetwork.com/sofa
Talk Networking
DESCRIPTION: Free webinar for business networking will take place every other Thursday for around 60minutes, there will be a maximum of 60 participants where you have 45 seconds to pitch your business
WHEN: Next virtual events are on 2nd April & 16th April
COSTS: FREE
HOW TO BOOK:
- 2nd April – http://talknetworking.co.uk/talk-networking-free-online-event-booking-in-form-2nd-april-2020/
- 16th April – http://talknetworking.co.uk/talk-networking-free-online-event-booking-in-form-16th-april-2020/
The Unique Mumpreneur Networking
DESCRIPTION: The Unique Mumpreneur will be taking their monthly networking events online. If you run your own business and you are a mum or a female and would like that support of women around you this is a great group to join.
WHEN: Their first online networking event will take place on Monday 6th April.
COSTS: TBC
HOW TO BOOK: Email theuniquemumpreneur@gmail.com
If you would like to get in touch about your marketing in general and finding ways to promote your small business please do get in touch http://littlemc.development-dashboard.co.uk/contact-us/
