Networking is evolving and with more options than ever available across Berkshire, it’s never been easier to find opportunities that genuinely support your business goals. Whether you’re looking to build partnerships, attract new customers, or simply boost your motivation, the right networking event can unlock real value. In this article, Business Adviser Sara Charlesworth shares practical insights on how to choose the right groups, make meaningful connections, and turn conversations into lasting business growth.
There is now more choice than ever when it comes to business networking in Berkshire.
We’re often asked,
Is networking right for my business? Which networking event is worth attending?
Here, one of our Business Advisers Sara Charlesworth explores both questions.
The best place to start, is to ask yourself: What am I looking to achieve from networking?
Here are seven ideas for you.
1. Find partners for reciprocal marketing? If you meet someone who is good at marketing, and has the same target audience as you, you could:
- write a guest blog for their website
- provide a paragraph and photo for their e-newsletter
- arrange a joint event
2. Receive valuable support on social media?
3. Find new customers in the room?
4. Receive introductions to potential customers connected or related to those in the room? (The accountant next to you may just be married to exactly the contact you need)
5. Get a boost to your wellbeing and motivation?
6. Find a new supplier, saving you money or improving the quality of what you offer?
7. Learn something valuable you didn’t know?
Deciding on your goal for networking will help you to choose which group is a good fit, and how much time and budget to allow.
Choosing your group
This is where it gets exciting.
There are now groups held at sports clubs, like the Newbury Race Course. Netwalking. Free groups at banks. Communities where you can network and co-work at the same time. Networking over a game of golf. Groups for women, groups for parents, and of course specialist events for those in film, marketing, many other sectors.
The best way to find out which group suits you is to visit once or twice. All groups welcome this. If you would like a list of Berkshire groups, or an introduction to the group leader, join our community at Register with the Growth Hub – The Skills and Business Hub and send us a request.
Top 3 Networking Tips
Once you’re there, relax and try to enjoy the experience. Three golden rules from experienced networkers are:
· Be kind. Ask open questions and show genuine interest in others.
· Prepare a short explanation of what you do and who your ideal client is.
· Follow up well.
It’s all in the follow up!
The value of networking can go way beyond the event itself. Here are some tips for following up after a networking event, to get the best results:
- Link on social media, with everyone who was in the room. Remember to send a personal, genuine note. Nobody responds well to feeling they are being sold to!
- Post straight away about the networking event, tagging attendees and thanking the organizer. If you didn’t take a photo, use a
- An image of the location or venue.
- Support your new contacts’ posts on social media. Comment on them or share on your feed, adding your own thoughts or opinions.
- Email those you met. Not a lengthy or generic email. Invest time in making it personal to them, it is well worth the time.
- Ask for a 1:1 meeting so you can find out more and discuss whether there’s a way you could work together for mutual benefit.
Happy networking! And if you would like to talk through any other sales and marketing ideas or explore how networking fits with your overall strategy for business development, request a 1:1 with an experienced business adviser here: Contact – The Skills and Business Hub
Sara Charlesworth Berkshire Business Adviser
