It’s often said that it’s not what you know but who you know. I think that’s particularly true if you’re a small business owner. Whether you’re looking for collaborators, investors, mentors, or new clients, networking is an essential part of growing your business.
But knowing where and how to begin can be confusing, especially if you’re based in our sprawling capital city of London. With so many business networking events and groups out there, where should you begin?
As a business coach, I work with entrepreneurs across London and these are some of the top spots I recommend when it comes to strategic, meaningful networking.
What are the main benefits of business networking?
A recent Amex survey highlights the importance of business communities in driving small business success. Survey respondents said the main benefits of professional networks are creating a supportive community where small business leaders can share advice (59%), their knowledge and experiences (56%) and bring new business opportunities (54%).
I don’t know what I’d do without my business network. They’re my professional support system – the people I turn to for advice and guidance. A key benefit for me is that we learn from each other. Every time I face a challenge, I generally find someone in my network with the tools or contacts to solve it.
Being a small business owner can feel lonely at times. All the decision-making lands on you. But when you have a strong network of like-minded professionals, you have people to bounce ideas off and learn from.
Once you’re known in that business community, and start building relationships, your fellow business people are likely to become referrers too. You tend to refer business opportunities to people that you know and trust.
Visibility, credibility, profitability (VCP) is an established approach to networking. You start by creating visibility. Then you demonstrate your expertise and value which brings credibility. Profitability follows as you gain the trust and confidence of your business network.
Where to start building a strong business network in London
Networking in London can be super beneficial for your business. But you need to know where to go to find your people. London’s brimming with opportunity. Do your research to find the best places to meet people that can help your business. As a business owner, your time is precious. Don’t waste your time on networking events that won’t benefit you and your business. Focus on ones that are relevant to what you do.
1. Industry-specific networking groups
Whether you work in tech, finance, the arts, trades or whatever, you can benefit from networking with your peers. Look out for relevant talks, workshops or educational sessions where you can upskill and meet like-minded business people. Industry experts often run panel discussions and interactive sessions which are good places to meet people and pick up new ideas. Similarly, industry events like trade shows and conferences provide good networking opportunities.
2. Federation of Small Businesses
The UK’s leading membership organisation for small businesses and self-employed people has been going for decades. They run regular in-person networking sessions in various London destinations as well as online. It’s a reliable forum for meeting other professionals in your area of London. You’ll get to showcase your business as well as interact with other local business people.
3. London Guilds or Livery Companies
You can trace the origins of London guilds back to the 12th century and they’re still going strong. The guilds and livery companies are an integral part of the City of London and operate within the Square Mile. They exist to support their members, be that World Traders, Weavers, Hackney Carriage Drivers or Tax Advisers for instance. If the City is your patch, it’s a great way to meet people that work in your field.
4. Local Chambers of Commerce
Your borough’s Chamber of Commerce (eg London Chamber of Commerce, Croydon Chamber, West London Business) will host regular networking sessions, industry-specific round tables, and educational seminars. These are fantastic for connecting with other local businesses and getting visibility in your area. If you’re looking to collaborate and make local partnerships, this is a good place to start.
5. Activity-based networking
Fancy something a bit different? For networking sessions with a twist, London’s the place to find them. Connect with others whilst taking part in an activity like walking, mini golf, shuffleboard or gin-tasting. The activity serves as an ice-breaker, giving you something to talk about initially. It’s a fun way to interact with others. London-based IWant2Network offers varied networking events across the capital.
6. Breakfast clubs
These early morning meetups might mean setting your alarm a little earlier than usual, but they’re worth it. You could build successful business relationships before you even start your workday. Both BNI (Business Network International) and BoB (Business Over Breakfast) clubs offer structured, referral-based networking with small business owners from all industries. These events take place in multiple locations across London.
7. Coworking spaces
Coworking spaces are more than just a place to plug in your laptop. They’re vibrant communities filled with business owners, freelancers and entrepreneurs. They can be great places to expand your business network and find collaboration opportunities. Many coworking spaces host regular meetups, panel discussions, and pitch nights. Take a look at the upcoming events at places like Second Home in Shoreditch, Huckletree in Soho and White City, or WeWork with locations around London.
8. Tech startup events
If you’re running a startup or a product-based business, London’s tech scene has plenty of events that mix learning with networking. Check out TechHub meetups, Founders Forum sessions, or General Assembly classes and events. The Google Campus in Shoreditch also hosts events and provides a good space for collaboration and networking.
9. Women-led business networks
Female founders and business owners can benefit from specific networks where women support each other. There are some incredible women-led networks across London. Women in Business Network (WIBN) is possibly the best known and has 20 London-based communities. It’s an excellent space to grow your network and learn from experienced female entrepreneurs. If you’re looking for a mentor, these groups can prove fruitful. She Means Business and Found & Flourish are other women-led networks to try in London.
10. Casual meetup groups
You could dip your toe in the networking water by going along to an ad hoc event. Networking platforms like LinkedIn showcase in-person as well as online networking. Also, scroll through Eventbrite or Meetup.com to find networking opportunities that appeal to you. It could be an industry panel discussion, a low-key business brunch or pop-up business speed networking.
How to network with people in London
The thought of networking may feel scary. The idea of walking into a room full of strangers and striking up a conversation may be way out of your comfort zone. My tip is to go in there with a plan. Think about what you want to get out of the networking event, who you’d like to approach, and what to say when you get there.
- Be clear on your ask: Know what you’re looking for – referrals, partnerships, or mentorship perhaps? Be strategic in your approach. Find events that are likely to appeal to the kind of people you want in your network.
- Come prepared: Are there specific people (attendees or speakers) you want to connect with? Do some research beforehand. Think up conversation starters and suggested topics to discuss.
- Build your online presence: The new connections you make are likely to look you up online to find out more. Use relevant social media channels (such as LinkedIn) to showcase your business and prove yourself as a thought leader and expert in your field.
- Bring business cards: It may seem old school, but they still work.
- Prepare your elevator pitch: If you get the chance to promote your business to a potential client, make a good first impression. Sell yourself and your product/ services in a concise but excellent way.
- Meaningful conversations: Remember to have a two-way dialogue. Your conversation needs to involve active listening not just talking at people.
- Follow up: Build relationships further after the event. That’s when the most meaningful connections happen.
Make the most of London networking opportunities
London is buzzing with networking opportunities. It’s about discovering the places where you’ll meet the right people to grow your business. Whether you need a group focussed on your locality, industry or outlook, you can find it in London.
I always remind my business coaching clients that every meaningful connection starts with a conversation. So put yourself out there. You never know where you’ll meet the people that will really help you and your business.
Join my GrowthCLUB sessions in London to meet like-minded professionals and expand your network in an empowering environment.
