Massachusetts Business Network’s Post

I was chatting to someone recently who asked me to elaborate on the Business Buzz - Local Business Networking 3-2-1 principle - and it made me think! The 3-2-1 principle is something we cover at every event up and down the country, but we blast through it fairly quickly, so here for your deliberation is a breakdown! 3 = At a Business Buzz (or any other networking) event, aim to meet and talk with three people you haven’t met before. It’s very easy to gravitate to the people we already know, but networking is all about making new connections, finding out more about people and their businesses and expanding our knowledge - we can only do this with new conversations! 2 = Aim to have at least two 1-2-1’s with the people you meet between events. It sounds cliche, but this is really where the real magic of networking happens! This is where you really get to know the person behind the business, this is where you find common ground, really connect, find ways to collaborate and build an incredible bond. 1 = An incredibly important factor! Bring along a contact who may not have attended a Business Buzz event before! The very idea of business networking absolutely terrifies some people, the fear of the unknown, the fear of being left on the sidelines, imposter syndrome, or just a fear of public speaking or spotlights! Business Buzz Leicestershire & Rutland events are nothing like this, it’s inclusive of everyone that attends, no one is ever left on the sidelines as we believe networking is for EVERYONE, we never put a spotlight on anyone, we give you the ability to have organic conversations that matter to you and your business at your own pace in your own time. It’s friendly, informal yet still fabulously effective networking where no one is ever under any pressure to ‘perform’. I’d love to meet, greet & welcome you when #LeicesterBuzz returns for our 10th December event!

New Monthly Gateway2Business Networking Events Are Here! Join Us at Brown Brasserie and Bar in Ruislip, We’re thrilled to announce that in 2025, we’ll be hosting monthly networking events at Browns in Ruislip, Middlesex! This is your chance to build meaningful connections, share ideas, and create opportunities, all while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere. Food and drinks will be available too. Here are the details of the first event of 2025! 📍 Location: Browns Brasserie and Bar, The George, Bury St, Ruislip HA4 7SX 📅 When: Thursday 23rd of January 2025 ⏰ Time: 9.15am to 11am The cost £15 per person but we are offering a special offer for January of £10 per person!! Whether you’re a small business owner, start-up, professional or an entrepreneur and are looking to expand your network, these monthly meet-ups are designed to help you grow and thrive in 2025. Let’s make connections and join us each month or whenever you can, no monthly commitment. Save the date and be part of this fantastic journey with us. Look out for updates on dates and details of future events for Gateway 2 Business. We can’t wait to see you there, let’s network, collaborate, and achieve great things together! Any questions do get in touch or if you are wanting to join us January 23rd 2025 get in touch. #Networking #MonthlyEvents #RuislipNetworking #ProfessionalConnections #GrowYourNetwork

💥 What Are Your Networking Plans This Month? 💥 This week, I’m getting back to the networking by attending two fantastic networking events. I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces, connect with new, like-minded people and absorb some of that New Year motivation 🤝✨ Networking is such a powerful tool—whether you’re looking to grow your business, make new connections or simply learn from others. It’s all about being visible and staying open to new possibilities. 🌟 First up is a local business networking event, Greenwich Connect hosted by Warren King l Corporate Photographer and Nicolette Ford . Around 30-40 local businesses meet up every month at different venues around the Greenwich Borough. We often have a guest speaker and always get to enjoy croissants! 🥐 Next up is London @PartnersInProperty hosted by Sue Sims and Jessica Macaulay. Set in the historical building of the Dickens Inn, St Katherine Docks, we have a full day of speakers, networking, lunch and round tables followed by a drink or two in the bar downstairs. This week we have PIP founder Adam Lawrence as well as Michael Bristow sharing their thoughts on the year ahead. I haven't always looked forward to networking though - I used to dread it! I'd get really nervous and would actually avoid chatting to people if at all possible! But I guess as with most things, if you do it often enough, you just get used to it and can actually start to enjoy doing it! So, I'm really glad I persevered with being uncomfortable as I've met some amazing people along the way and many who have helped me in so many ways. 🙏 Do you avoid networking? If so, take that leap, book that event, step out of your comfort zone and attend a networking event this month! You never know who you might meet or what doors it could open! Perhaps you've already got some networking events booked? Do you have tips for making the most of them? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to join us at PIP London this Thursday, just drop me a message. #BusinessNetworking #NetworkingOpportunities #GrowthMindset #PropertyInvesting #Connections

There are so many great opportunities to meet with leading local businesses at upcoming events 👋🏼👋🏼 When attending an event remember your ‘Return of Involvement’ 🚀 Don’t just rock up and hope for the best!! 👎🏽 When I attend Chamber or wider events here are my top 5 tips 👇🏽 🚀 The delegates list are provided couple days before the event. Take some time out and research the businesses attending on the day. Have a clear end in mind! Speak to one of the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce team and don’t be afraid to ask for an introduction. 🚀 During the roundtable networking try to position the benefits of using your business. Provide a case study on how your business resolved a challange or ‘pain. You will be surprised how many businesses in that room are most probably experiencing the same challange. 🚀 Remember to connect online! LinkedIn is a great platform to continue the conversation. No business gets done on the day - your follow up activity will support your sales pipeline. 🚀 Be authentic! Have fun! Don’t be overly serious. People buy into people. Don’t pretend to be someone you are not because this doesn’t come across authentic. The great thing about networking is we all have something to bring to the table. Bring your best self, bring your real self and don’t feel the need to ‘blend in’. 🚀 It’s not rude to simply say thanks but no thanks. Don’t expect every business in that room to be a potential customer or supplier. This is difficult for many to do yet vital you don’t undervalue your time. #ROI Return of involvement. 🚀 Don’t fall into the cycle of staying with the same group. Yes relationships take time to build and it’s great to continue a conversation. However, push yourself to expand your network. Work the room! I could add so many more however remember…. Successful networking takes time! Don’t give up after one or two events! I have been networking for over 15 years and have development thousands of opportunities and even life long friendships ❤️ #abc always be connecting #abc always be communcating

Want to be a part of an four star business excellence event? Want to build credibility, knowledge & worthwhile connections? Want to be a part of our friendly, constantly evolving 'family? Want to build your own visibility whilst helping others build theirs? Are you a business owner, that fully appreciates and understands the complexities of business? Are you empathetic with people and always happy to help where possible? Then you're exactly the sort of person I want to become one of my Ambassadors at the #LeicesterBuzz event from Business Buzz - Local Business Networking. Our event regularly attracts 30-40 people each month as more and more people find the numerous benefits of networking with us - so much so, that we regularly welcome attendees from outside the Leicestershire & Rutland boarders as well. Everyone is always welcome to attend from wherever they are based. Business Buzz is an networking organisation with over 50 events up and down the country, of which Leicester is currently the most northerly event. There's NO memberships, NO professional lockouts, NO single seat policies & NO scary spotlights are ever shined on you! It's just very friendly, informal, mix & mingle networking where you have the conversations that matter to YOU! Our Ambassadors are an essential part of our team and are often the first point of contact for people as they arrive at our events, and assist with checking people into the event and ensuring no one is ever left on the sidelines. Full training is offered which benefits you not only in this role, but your business as well and helps you to get the best out of networking for yourself as well as others. It's a voluntary role, but benefits you and your business in many ways (too many to mention here), If it's something that may be of interest, please do speak to Emma Smith or myself.

Do you attend business networking and professional development events? Even on this snowy, wintery day it was great to get out of the house to connect with other business owners and community members at the first Parkland Chamber of Commerce Lunch event of 2025. I admit it. I sometimes take it for granted that I can walk into an event like this in our community and know at least 90% of the people in the room (if not all of them). If you're attending an event for the first time and don't know anyone there, here are some tips: - Go alone, even if it feels uncomfortable. - Practice your introduction before the event. - Introduce yourself to people at your table or in the food line. Don't wait for them to introduce themselves as they may also be there for the first time and feeling shy. - Have a couple of questions prepared that you can ask people so that you don't have to stress about talking about yourself. Two examples for you are: Have you attended these events before? What keeps you busy these days? - If you connect with someone that you really enjoyed meeting, reach out to them on LinkedIn (if they're on this platform) and keep in touch for upcoming events. If you're local to me and would like someone to sit with at an upcoming Parkland Chamber of Commerce event, message me and I'd be happy to be that person. Any other tips that you would share with people who may be intimidated by attending events like this? Include them in the comments below.

Join Us for a Speed Networking Mixer! We are excited to invite you to a Speed Networking Mixer for event professionals, graciously hosted by Colleen Patten and her team at the picturesque Paradise Ridge Winery on Tuesday, October 8, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Light refreshments and lovely wine from Paradise Ridge Winery will be served. This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow industry colleagues, share ideas, and expand your professional network—all while enjoying the stunning views and ambiance of the winery. Please plan to arrive on time so we can kick off the event smoothly and maximize everyone's opportunity to meet and mingle. Tips on How to Prepare for Speed Networking Before arriving, decide what you’d like to get out of the event. Are you seeking new business partners, clients, or simply expanding your network? 1. Bring Business Cards or be prepared with digital options! 2. 30 Second Summary. Prepare to shortly and succinctly tell people about yourself. Consider including: What Do You Do, How You Help People and What’s Your Goal 3. Be ready to LISTEN and engage. Networking is a two-way street! Show genuine interest in others by asking questions and being a good listener. 4. Be on Time. Arriving promptly ensures you won’t miss any introductions and allows for smooth participation in the event. This way you make the most of the event and your time! 5. Follow Up after the event. A quick email or message thanking them for the connection can go a long way! We look forward to seeing you there for a productive and enjoyable evening!

Join Us for a Speed Networking Mixer! We are excited to invite you to a Speed Networking Mixer for event professionals, graciously hosted by Colleen Patten and her team at the picturesque Paradise Ridge Winery on Tuesday, October 8, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Light refreshments and lovely wine from Paradise Ridge Winery will be served. This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow industry colleagues, share ideas, and expand your professional network—all while enjoying the stunning views and ambiance of the winery. Please plan to arrive on time so we can kick off the event smoothly and maximize everyone's opportunity to meet and mingle. Tips on How to Prepare for Speed Networking Before arriving, decide what you’d like to get out of the event. Are you seeking new business partners, clients, or simply expanding your network? 1. Bring Business Cards or be prepared with digital options! 2. 30 Second Summary. Prepare to shortly and succinctly tell people about yourself. Consider including: What Do You Do, How You Help People and What’s Your Goal 3. Be ready to LISTEN and engage. Networking is a two-way street! Show genuine interest in others by asking questions and being a good listener. 4. Be on Time. Arriving promptly ensures you won’t miss any introductions and allows for smooth participation in the event. This way you make the most of the event and your time! 5. Follow Up after the event. A quick email or message thanking them for the connection can go a long way! We look forward to seeing you there for a productive and enjoyable evening!

A lot of people have asked me why I started putting on these networking events, and I wanted to take a moment to share the “why” behind it all. By the way, if you enjoyed this video/post I'm glad! I also couldn't have done it without the talents of Jesse Schewchuk from Modern Muse Media to create that video. When I attend networking events, I want to feel comfortable, knowing that the people I talk to are there to genuinely help—not just to push a sale. I don't always want to feel like I’m being pressured into joining a membership or signing up for something. Sometimes, I just want to show up, enjoy the atmosphere, and make real connections—without feeling like I need to be on the defensive. There are a few things I personally look for every time I go to a networking event, and that’s what I aim to bring to my events: 👉 New Venues: I love checking out venues I haven’t been to before, or places that have been recently updated. It makes the event feel fresh and exciting. 👉Supporting Fellow Business Owners: I want to make sure I’m doing my part to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. And as a bonus, it’s always great when I can either learn something new from the experts presenting or even be the one sharing my perspective on leadership and business. 👉Meaningful Conversations: I aim to go beyond the usual “Hi, what do you do?” I want to know why someone does what they do and, more importantly, how I can help them. I want my events to be different. It’s not just about making sales (although that’s always a bonus, of course), it’s about educating, building trust, and showing how I can really make a difference in the businesses of those who attend. I’m building a community that’s aligned with what really matters to me and my business. Ready to join? Don’t miss out! Register now for our next event—spots are limited, and I’m offering a 15% Early Bird Discount if you sign up now! Plus, if you bring a friend, you’ll get even more discounts. ✅ Secure your spot today at https://lnkd.in/gBthFkXY. #Networking #BusinessGrowth #CommunityBuilding #Leadership #BusinessDevelopment #CollaborationOverCompetition #TrustAndTransparency #HumanResources #EntrepreneurLife #SupportSmallBusiness #LearnAndGrow #LeadershipDevelopment #YegBusiness #Connections

What exactly is a trade show and why should you care? Discover the ins and outs and how these events can skyrocket your business networking. #TradeShows #BusinessNetworking #MarketingStrategy