Networking options in South West Herts

We are blessed with a range of networking choices in this district of South West Herts. Community focused, business focused, free, pay-as-you-go and membership based. Which is right for you? That often depends on what you want from your networking... and how deep your pockets are...

You might find this blog post useful (there is some useful links on the post too)

For the Networking page on the community hub... Click here

Networking should be considered your doorway to meet new people. It opens the door only. Not everyone you meet will be 'best in class'... so recommendation and personal introductions still work best.

Different Networking approaches

Most paid for Membership Networking follows a similar approach. The model was created back in 1985 by BNI (Business Network International) the Grandad of networking. The model is simple. The networking organisations are there to make a profit from running networking events. You pay to be a member. There is an obligation to go, sometimes that is financial (why join if you aren't going to attend) and in other cases penalties apply if you fail to attend. Each meeting is normally accompanied by food which is also paid for £15-£25 per event is normal.

Paid for Networking tends to follow a predefined structure. It starts punctually, there is a script and a process for the meeting and the whole event is mapped out. Some swear by this type of networking, whilst others loathe it.

These groups have different sections to the events with presentations from members or invited guest speakers as well as a chance to briefly introduce your business to the group within a 40-60 second window.

There are flavours within this group. For example 4Networking members are called Passporters and they can attend any 4N meeting around the country not just their 'home' group.

Organisations operating this genre of networking locally include BNI, 4Networking, SB Alliance, Athena (womens networking). You can find these listed on the Community Hub in the Networking area... link is here

Paid for but very small membership or no membership

This group tends to be very much more flexible. They are still aimed at business people, but tend to be more relaxed. There may or may not be a scripted format, but tend to have more open networking where you are able to 'freestyle'.

These events also tend to be more varied and less prescribed. They do vary as a group significantly, so there are a few additional notes next to each of them.

Watford Weekly Business. Low cost membership (although not enforced). No lockout (people from the same industry permitted). Varying format (sometimes scripted). £10 to attend (£15 if non member). Friendly group with lots of support. 2 groups (Wednesday / Friday). Weekly

Business Buzz. No Membership and just £5 to attend each monthly event. No format... roll up pay your £5 for refreshments and start talking (4th Friday of the month in Watford)

Good Business Group. Low cost membership. Hunton Bridge. Business Lockout (people from the same industry not permitted). Scripted. £10 to attend. Friendly group. Weekly

Link4Business. Low cost membership, that enables access to all Link4Business events nationwide. No cost to attend the actual events. Run twice monthly Rickmansworth and Watford in SW Herts (more over the border in NW London too). Sometimes scripted, sometimes themed. SW Herts Link4Business focuses on "innovation & Creation" working as a team to grow members businesses and the local economy. Once a month we play BIG... the "Business Innovation Game" ... this has it's own website [... coming soon]...

Free Community and Business Networking events

Often times people are unsure about networking, don't want to be pressured into joining something and just want to talk and get their feet under the table. This type of event is perfect for this.

These events are free to attend. Very often you can just show up although normally there is an event booking page either on Facebook or on something like Eventbrite.

Link4Growth events are unique in that they are not aimed at Business they are aimed at Community (which includes business). Literally anyone is welcome whether in business or not. The aim of the events is to provide a space for people to have conversations and get to know other local people that live close by. Meet, talk, listen, learn, connect, share and inspire. Events run for 90 minutes at different times of the day and evening at different venues around the district, currently 9 hosted each month. Link4Growth is inclusive and seeks to enable everyone to be able to attend at least one event.

Bushey Business Networking Held once a month a free evening Business Networking event in Bushey. Totally free to attend, a freestyle open networking event that literally anyone can attend and all are welcome. 8-10pm