There are so many Business Network Sites...
So where do you begin?
‘Business networking’ means different things to different people. To some, it’s networking online, through membership sites or social media. To others, it’s getting out and about to make local connections.
The only question is, which type of network is best for you?
In this page, you’ll see a range of business network sites from around the UK: sites designed for women in business who want to connect, online or off. Naturally, every group has its own unique way of working – but most are based on one or more of these popular networking models:
Free for all Networking
Chambers of Commerce and other networking groups encourage all types of professionals to gather and share opportunities, referrals and introductions.
Pros: you’ll meet a wide range of local business owners.
Cons: local is local, and you might need to expand your horizons.
Referral Networking
Closed groups that meet on a regular basis to swap new business referrals. Membership is usually limited to one or two people in each category, so members can ‘lock out’ their competitors.
Pros: it can feel like having your very own sales team.
Cons: it takes a lot of commitment and time to establish your place in the group.
Training through networking
Members get to develop or hone their skills and make new contacts all at once – either at regular meetings or through online resources.
Pros: a great source of knowledge, and a chance to showcase your own expertise.
Cons: the training won’t always be helpful to you – and it can eat into networking time.
Virtual Networking
Networking websites allowing members to post a profile online and interact through messaging and chat tools, discussion forums and more.
Pros: build your presence online and meet people from further afield.
Cons: it’s hard to build trust in a virtual world – so meeting offline is still an advantage.
So what next?
It’s a good idea to explore most (if not every) type of network, to see what meets your business needs and fits in with personal or family commitments. You could start by checking the networking sites listed here – and if you find other useful networks, e-mail cewe@uel.ac.uk so we can spread the word.
*Legal Text Requiring Clearance:CEWE is not responsible for the content of external business network sites.
*Women’s Networking Sites
- The Women in Business Network - Women’s organisation holding monthly business meetings in London and across the UK. A chance to meet like-minded women and share in a wealth of expertise and opportunities.
- Women Mean Business - A networking and training forum for professional women working in and around the West Country.
- 1230 – The Women’s Company - A network of businesswomen in London and the South East. Regular events and meetings where women inspire, share experiences and strengthen business relationships.
- Women’s Grid - An online resource for women in business, featuring news, views and issues submitted by women from around the UK.
- Women Into the Network - Women Into the Network A women’s business initiative based in the North East of England, providing support and networking advice for women entrepreneurs.
- The Athena Network - Local business groups based in London and around the UK, helping women to develop new skills and build a network of contacts.
- The Women’s Business Clubs - A resource for business women in various UK locations, offering business support, training, news and regular network events.
“There are millions of business people to meet...and thousands of ways to meet them”
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