I have done all of the hard work for you, look no further, you will find most of the Business Networking Groups / Networks in Bristol detailed below, details of how often they meet and a link to their websites. I have focused on groups that provide networking opportunities at least twice a month, but first it is important to know what type of networking you are looking for.
What Type of Networking Suits You?
Networking generally falls in to 3 categories in my opinion.
- Structured Referral Driven Networking
- Structured Relationship Building Networking
- Social Relationship Building Networking
Let me explain:
Structured Referral Driven Networking – as the name suggests the emphasis is on giving referrals. This can be good and bad. If the referrals are genuine, then that is awesome, but if they are not, then that is a waste of everyone’s time. It all depends on how committed the group is to seeking out quality referrals for their peers. Also bear in mind that if the environment is just way to casual the onus will be on you to solicit referrals out of the group, which may just be an excuse to have breakfast with a bunch of people.
Structured Relationship Building Networking – this is my preferred option and it entails getting together on a regular basis for the specific purpose to share referrals. The emphasis here is much more geared towards building long term relationships, so if you are a complete numpty or you provide poor quality services / products, you will not get many referrals, but if you are genuine and provide real value and benefits to your peers and customers, you will be very busy. This takes longer, but the quality of the referrals tends to be better. A good strategy in this environment is to identify who you want to connect with and then to ask your fellow networkers if anyone can get you an introduction.
Social Relationship Building Networking – all you need to network is to be around a group of people on a regular basis. Good examples of this are mountain biking groups, self-help groups, the list is endless. You will certainly need to let people know what you do, which you could do by dropping a casual mention into the conversations you have. In my case I have sign writing one my van, so everyone in the mountain biking group can easily see what I do, or you could wear branded clothing to your get together, but beware, being too pushy will get you pushed out of the group.
All of these Business Networking Groups / Networks in Bristol will be happy for you to visit once or twice before you are expected to commit. You will need to pay for your breakfast, lunch, food and / or drinks, not usually much more than £15, so you can get a good idea of the way that the group is run and a feel for the people involved. You may even pick up some work on your first visit.
What will it cost to join these Business Networking Groups / Networks in Bristol? I have not included prices, mainly because they change and also because I do not want to step on anyone’s toes. Some groups are geared towards making money, so they are more sales orientated when discussing how much it costs to join. Generally you are looking at between £0 – £750 a year or max £60 a month.
Can I just Join if I like the Business Networking Groups / Networks in Bristol?
It depends on several factors. If you are a lawyer and you want to join a group that already has a lawyer you may not be able to join, but that is not always the case and some groups are not concerned with an over lap in industries. It is always best to speak to the organiser / chairman and ask if you can speak with the person who you will be competing with, because in the example of the lawyer, you may specialise in conveyancing law, where as the other person may specialise in commercial business law, so it depends.
You can also not assume that there is a place available in every business networking group. Networking groups have a capacity, which is broadly based on how the meetings are structured. If every person gets to stand up for their 1 minute elevator pitch, if the group has 25 members, that is about 35 minutes gone, plus breakfast and a bit of social. That will easily equate to 90 minutes, so most groups have a capacity.
Structured Business Networking Groups / Networks in Bristol
Below is a list of the main Business Networking Groups / Networks in Bristol that I found when I was looking for a group to join. If the group does not have a website, I would seriously consider if that group is open for business and even worth your time.
BNI Compton – BNI stands for Business Networking International. Certainly the oldest and most established networking group I am aware of worldwide. There is a strong emphasis on giving and getting referrals.
- Structured Referral Driven Networking
- Weekly Meetings
- Location – Ashton Gate
- Early morning meetings
Website: BNI Compton
Working Breakfast – They have networking groups in 5 locations at the time of this article, Ashton Gate, North Bristol, Thornbury, Keynsham, Portshead.
- Structured Relationship Building Networking
- Meetings Every 2 Weeks
- Early morning meetings
Website: Working Breakfast
Interactive Business Club Bristol – This group is so successful that they now have a waiting list.
- Structured Relationship Building Networking
- Meetings Every 2 Weeks
- Lunch Time Meetings
Website: Interactive Business Club Bristol
Business West / Bristol Camber of Commerce – Business West incorporates The Bristol Chamber of Commerce. A well run organised community helping to promote business in the South West
- Structured Relationship Building Networking
- Meetings / Events are numerous and cover a wide range of topics
Website: Bristol Chamber of Commerce
Bristol Business Networking – This is a friendly group that expects regular attendance, but does not put its members under pressure to refer.
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- Structured Relationship Building Networking
- Meetings Every 2 Weeks
- Meetings in Bristol and North of Bristol
Website: Bristol Business Networking
Lansdown Club Ashton Gate – The Lansdown Club is a business club which is based at the Ashton Gate Sports Stadium. It was created by Bristol Sport to inspire business growth through the power of sport.
- Structured & Social Relationship Building Networking
- At least 1 structured networking event a month
- Many other Social Networking Opportunities based around sport
- Base at Ashton Gate, but events throughout Bristol
Website: Lansdown Club Ashton Gate
We Mean Biz – This group provides unique networking opportunities as in you may belong to one chapter, but you can network throughout all the other 9 chapters, however if your business category is already taken, you will not be allowed to attend that chapter.
- Structured Relationship Building Networking
- 1 Meeting a month, but 9 chapters
- South Gloucester, Bristol – 3 Chapters, Keynsham, Bath, Saltford, Chew Valley and North Somerset
- Lunchtime Networking
Website: We Mean Biz
I hope this article has been helpful. If you are involved in a networking group that is not featured in this article and you wish me to include it, please feel welcome to drop me an email at [email protected]
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