Building Better Businesses Through Effective Networking and Support

Find Our Networking Groups To Visit For Just £20

Building Better Businesses In The North West Through Networking and Support

Visit A Meeting As a Guest For £20

FAQ2024-11-25T18:53:39+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect at my first networking meeting?2024-09-06T14:22:31+00:00

It’s good to know what to expect from your first networking meeting. Attending your first networking meeting at Better Networking Hubs is an exciting opportunity to connect and grow. So, here’s what you should expect from your first networking meeting:

Upon Arrival

Upon your arrival at 7am, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our members. Enjoy some informal chats and refreshments until 7:15 am, giving you a chance to settle in and meet fellow attendees in a relaxed setting.

Meeting Format

As the meeting officially kicks off, everyone will have the opportunity to introduce themselves with a 60-second pitch. During this time, it is your moment to share what you do and what you’re looking for from the network. Following the introductions, one member will lead the ‘Fifteen Minute Focus.’ This can be a presentation, a Q&A session, or a focused discussion on a specific business challenge where you can gain valuable insights and contribute your ideas.

You’ll be fully involved throughout the meeting, including the referral section at the end. Even as a first-time visitor, you may find yourself receiving referrals! It’s a testament to the supportive and proactive spirit of our community.

Breakfast

Finally at the end of the meeting, after the formal part of the meeting concludes, we all enjoy breakfast together. This is a wonderful time for more relaxed conversations, allowing members and visitors to deepen their connections and get to know each other even better in a more casual atmosphere. It’s an ideal setting to discuss potential collaborations, exchange ideas, and solidify the new relationships formed during the meeting. This is the time when members get to know each other on a more personal level too, further enhancing trust and bonds. Plus, there’s a private space for you to have one-to-one meetings afterwards.

Making You Feel Welcomed

Above all, we strive to make every new member feel welcomed and valued from the start. Furthermore, there will be no pressure to join and become a member on the day. We just want you to experience the benefits of our networking meetings. We look forward to having you visit a meeting and experience the vibrant and helpful atmosphere of Better Networking Hubs, where business development and personal connections go hand in hand.

Now you know what you should expect from your first networking meeting, feel free to book your visitor place or contact us if you have any queries whatsoever.

Will there be pressure on visitors to join a networking group?2024-09-06T14:26:15+00:00

We understand that you may be concerned about if there will be pressure on visitors to join a networking group. Choosing the right networking group is a significant decision that should be made without pressure. Unlike some other networking organisations, where visitors might feel urged to join during their first visit, our approach is decidedly different.

When You Visit A Networking Meeting

When you visit a Better Networking Hub, our primary goal is for you to experience the supportive and dynamic atmosphere that our members cherish. We believe that the best decisions come from a place of comfort and information, not pressure. Therefore, while we’re always delighted to welcome new members, we ensure that the decision to join is made at your pace and when you feel fully informed and ready.

Following Your Visit To A Better Networking Hub

Following your visit, we do follow up to answer any questions you might have.  Additionally, we will provide further information about what it means to join our networking community. However, it’s important to note that our membership is by invitation. Therefore, if you are interested in joining, we will take the time to discuss this privately. This means that we can be certain that there is a mutual fit. Also, it helps us to make certain that our exclusive sector policy is upheld.

This approach maintains the integrity of our membership. Plus, it respects your decision-making process, ensuring that any commitment is made with certainty and confidence.

Visit A Networking Meeting

We invite you to visit a meeting, engage with our members, and see for yourself how we operate. There’s absolutely no obligation to sign up on the day. Moreover, if necessary, you can attend two meetings before making a final decision to sign up for membership. Our networking groups thrive on genuine connections and voluntary participation. Moreover, we believe this creates a more rewarding and effective networking environment for everyone involved.

At Better Networking Hubs, we’re proud to offer an atmosphere that encourages collaboration and growth without pressure. We look forward to meeting you and exploring how our network can support your business ambitions.

We hope this answers your question about any possibility that there will here be pressure on visitors to join a networking group? Meanwhile, if you have any additional questions that haven’t already been answered, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here to help!

 

What if I can’t give many leads and referrals?2024-11-25T14:40:59+00:00

What If I can’t give many leads and referrals is a question that we get asked a lot. So, let us share how referrals at Better Networking Hubs works and our approach to giving leads and referrals.

The Importance of Quality Over Quantity

At Better Networking Hubs, we understand that not everyone will be able to provide a high volume of leads and referrals immediately. We emphasise the importance of quality over quantity, ensuring that any referrals passed are well-considered and genuinely beneficial. It’s vital that our members feel no pressure to refer business simply for the sake of numbers. We encourage referrals but you’ll never be penalised for not bringing them to every meeting.

Building Relationships Takes Time

Building meaningful business relationships takes time and effort. It’s about getting to know the members of your Hub and allowing them the same opportunity to understand you and your business. You will be amazing what networking can do for you. This mutual understanding promotes a more supportive and productive environment for everyone at our networking meetings.

Encouraging Regular Interaction

We encourage our members to meet one-on-one and attend Hub meetings regularly. These interactions are crucial as they help you learn how best to support and refer other members effectively. By consistently engaging, you’ll gain a deeper insight into their business needs and opportunities. Moreover, other members will get to know you, your business, your aspirations, and how best to refer you onto your ideal customers.

Growing Your Network

As your network of connections expands through regular interactions, you’ll find it increasingly easier to identify and provide valuable referrals. The growth of your network enhances your ability to connect members with relevant opportunities, benefiting the entire community.

Understanding the Referral Process

Referrals should be seen as a result of the trust and understanding developed over time amongst Hub members. Sometimes, securing a qualified referral can take a while, but this is a normal part of the networking process. We recognise and appreciate the effort it takes to generate meaningful referrals. If we added undue pressure into the mix, it would only dilute the quality of the referrals exchanged. Besides, we want you to enjoy your networking meetings, not dread attending. With the right networking group, people, and support, there simply is no need to force referrals because they flow naturally amongst our members over time.

Long-Term Benefits

Remember, networking is a long-term investment. The relationships you build now can lead to significant opportunities down the line. By focusing on quality interactions and genuine connections, you’ll find that your ability to contribute valuable referrals will naturally increase. Just continue building your connections, nurture those connections, so that you’re building strong professional relationships one conversation at a time. Without a doubt, consistency is essential when it comes to business networking and referral success.

No Pressure, Just Support

At Better Networking Hubs, you’re part of a thriving community that values supportive interactions and sustainable business growth. There’s no pressure, just a collective effort to see every member succeed. We’re here to support your journey every step of the way, ensuring you feel comfortable and valued within our network.

In short, just be yourself, put the time and effort into your networking activities, and the leads and referrals will flow in time. So, don’t worry about if you can’t give many leads and referrals when networking.

We hope this gives you more insights into our approach to leads and referrals. However, if you do require any addition information, please contact us, and we will be more than happy to assist you. Meanwhile, if you haven’t done so already, you’re just one click away from booking your visitor place, so book now without delay. If you’ve already visited a Hub meeting, you can join now.

Will I have to do a 60 second pitch?2024-09-06T14:33:48+00:00

If you’re like most people, especially those who are new to networking, you’ll be wondering will you have to do a 60 second pitch. So, let us share with you an understanding of our approach to a 60 second pitch, which we prefer to refer to as the 60 second introduction.

What is the 60-Second Introduction?

At Better Networking Hubs, every member and visitor has the opportunity to share a 60-second introduction (not a pitch) about themselves and their business during our meetings. This is a vital part of our networking sessions, allowing everyone to understand who you are, what you do, and how we can best support you.

Focus on Your Needs

The 60-second slot is your chance to be specific about the types of referrals and introductions you’re seeking. Detailing who your ideal customers are helps other members know exactly who they should connect you with. This specificity enhances the quality of referrals and makes the networking process more efficient and beneficial for everyone involved, especially you.

A Relaxed Approach To Your 60 Seconds

We want everyone to feel comfortable and at ease during their 60 second introduction. There’s no need to ‘pitch slap’ anyone; this is about sharing, not selling. You’re welcome to stand while you speak if that feels right for you, but sitting is perfectly acceptable too. The atmosphere is supportive and informal, designed to encourage genuine connections rather than high-pressure sales pitches.

Why 60 Seconds Introductions Are Valuable

These introductions are a fantastic opportunity for you to articulate the support you need from the group. By being clear about your needs, you enable other members to better understand your business and how they can potentially help you. This approach ensures that the help and referrals you receive are targeted and appropriate, aligning with your business objectives and customer profiles.

Your Participation

While participating in this segment of the meeting is integral to our networking meetings, it’s also tailored to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Remember, the aim is to facilitate meaningful connections and mutual support within our networking community, enhancing everyone’s business growth in a collaborative environment. Nerves are perfectly natural but we’re certain you’ll feel perfectly comfortable at our networking meetings.

We hope this answers any concerns that you may have about if you will need to do a 60 second pitch. The best way to experience a Better Networking Hub meeting is to book your visitor place and take it from there. In the meantime, you can contact us if you have any additional questions that we can help with.

 

What training opportunities does Better Networking Hubs offer?2024-09-06T14:37:35+00:00

Our Founder, Tracy Heatley, who has been networking for over twenty years, has been training people in the art of successful networking since 2012. So, if you’re wondering if and what training opportunities does Better Networking Hubs offer? Without a doubt, the answer is yes, we do offer networking training! Plus, it’s included in your Joining Fee when you become a new member. Let us share with you our approach to networking training and how you will benefit from this.

Flexible Training Options

At Better Networking Hubs, we are dedicated to ensuring that our members have all the tools they need to thrive. To this end, we offer comprehensive training sessions that are designed to maximise your investment and enhance your networking results. Training is provided by our Founder, Tracy Heatley, who brings her extensive experience as a Chartered Marketer, Marketing Consultant, Mentor, and Trainer to each session.

Face-to-Face and Online Learning

Members can choose to participate in face-to-face networking training sessions, held in Lancashire, or opt for the flexibility of on-demand video training accessible at their convenience. These sessions cover a range of essential topics, from crafting effective networking strategies to mastering the art of referral generation. The aim is to equip you with knowledge and skills that drive meaningful business connections. Either way, when it comes to deciding what training opportunities Better Networking Hubs offers, we always have you at the forefront of our minds.

Voluntary Participation

While we highly recommend taking advantage of these training opportunities, they are not mandatory. We understand that each member’s needs and schedules are different, and we strive to accommodate this diversity. You are free to engage with the training as it suits your business goals and time constraints.

Additional Learning through Co-Working

In addition to scheduled networking training, members benefit from our online co-working sessions. These interactive sessions are another fantastic resource, offering direct access to Tracy Heatley’s expertise. During co-working, Tracy guides members through various techniques for developing effective networking strategies, sharing actionable tips and helping with planning. These sessions are especially valuable for refining your approach and gaining insights that are immediately applicable to your networking activities.

Empowering Your Networking Journey

Our goal at Better Networking Hubs is to empower you with knowledge and skills that foster both your personal and professional growth. Whether you choose to engage fully with our training sessions or tap into them as needed, you will find invaluable support tailored to enhancing your networking success. Yes, we provide business networking training opportunities! No, they are not mandatory! Nothing we do is ever forced!

We hope this answers your queries about what training opportunities does Better Networking Hubs offer and how we do it? Remember, book your visitor place if you’ve not already been to one of our Better Networking Hubs. Join now if you’re ready to commit.

All the information you need about membership is here too. However, if there’s anything that we’ve not covered, please get in touch and we will be more than happy to help.

Tracy Heatley: Founder Of Better Networking Hub Ltd

Do members have to attend every networking meeting?2024-09-06T14:40:04+00:00

So, you’re interested in the Better Networking Hubs membership but you want to know, do members have to attend every networking meeting. Here’s the attendance requirements at Better Networking Hubs.

Commitment to Regular Attendance

At Better Networking Hubs, we value the commitment of our members who actively participate in our networking meetings. To maintain the integrity and effectiveness of our groups, we require members to attend at least 85% of the meetings. Regular attendance is crucial as it fosters strong relationships and ensures continuity within the group.

Understanding Absences

We recognise that our members, many of whom are small business owners, may occasionally need to miss a meeting due to unforeseen circumstances. Of course, members will need to take time out for holidays too. While we expect regular attendance, we also understand the realities of running a business and accommodate the occasional absence. However, missing more than three consecutive meetings is generally unacceptable. Largely because it can disrupt the group dynamics and networking opportunities for others.

Communication in Extenuating Circumstances

We welcome members to discuss any extenuating circumstances with us directly. Open communication helps us support you better and maintain flexibility where possible. Therefore, ensuring that your membership experience remains positive even through challenging times.

Utilising the Better Networking Sub Hub

To assist members who may need to miss a meeting, we offer a unique Better Networking ‘Sub Hub’ system. Members are welcome to send a substitute to attend in their place. This could be a colleague within their business or someone external. The key is that the substitute must not compete with any existing members in the Hub, respecting our commitment to member exclusivity.

Choosing a Substitute

If you know in advance that you will be unable to attend a meeting, you can access the ‘Sub Hub’ page on our website. Here, you can review available volunteers who have agreed to substitute for others and select someone who fits your needs without causing a conflict of interest at your Hub.

Flexible Yet Responsible Participation

This flexible approach allows our members to maintain their attendance record and remain active within the community, even when they cannot be present themselves. By facilitating substitutes, we ensure that every member can continue to contribute to and benefit from the Hub’s collaborative environment, keeping the network strong and effective.

Implications of Irregular Attendance

Failure to maintain regular attendance may impact our decision to invite you to renew your membership when your annual renewal is due. Regular participation is key to deriving the full benefits of the network and ensuring all members contribute to and benefit from our vibrant community. In cases of severe lack of attendance, your membership could be terminated. Though, this is usually as a last resort.

We hope this answers your question about do members have to attend every networking meeting? You can find out more about joining as a member here or book to attend as a visitor. Meanwhile, contact us, should you have any additional questions that you can’t find the answers to.

We have put together a collection of FAQs we receive to give you more information about our networking groups. 

If we don’t answer your specific question here, don’t hesitate to send us a message directly using the form below. 

For Any Other Questions, Get In Touch

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