10th February 2025

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to forget the power of face-to-face connections in our own communities. However, local networking remains one of the most effective ways to grow professionally, find opportunities, and create lasting business (and personal) relationships.

FREE DOWNLOAD | How to Develop Your Local Network

Begin by exploring local business networking groups, industry-specific meetups, and business groups including Berkshire Growth Hub, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Federation of Small Businesses. Don’t overlook informal opportunities like local coffee shops, co-working spaces, or community events – these can be goldmines for organic networking.

The key to successful local networking isn’t about meeting everyone in the room. Focus on making genuine connections with a few people. Ask questions about their businesses, business challenges, and values, and this will lead to opportunities to collaborate. If you meet with someone who you get on with, get their contact details and arrange to follow up with them afterwards if there is anything that you’d like to discuss in more detail.

Ensure that you follow up with your new connection after your first meeting by dropping them a message. If there is nothing to discuss straight away add them to your social channels and keep an eye on what they post. Keeping an eye on their social channels is the easiest way to stay connected with them and what they’re doing.

Keep a spreadsheet with the names of people you meet, where you met them and any other notes that will help you to remember who they are and how you can help them.

Remember, effective local networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Ensure that you consistently show up, offer value, and maintain your relationships to build a strong professional network that can support your career or business growth for years to come.

Make 1-2 new connections a week

Follow up with 1-2 existing connection every week

In this episode, we delve into the world of networking with Debbie Atkins, a seasoned professional and Regional Director for Athena Women’s Business Network in Reading.

We discuss the importance of building genuine relationships, overcoming common networking myths, and finding the right networking groups to join. Debbie emphasises the importance of personal development and focusing on how you can help others within your network.

The episode explores the benefits of joining structured networking groups like Athena, highlighting the value of mentorship, training, and peer-to-peer support. We also discuss the importance of authenticity, active listening, and giving back to the community as key elements of successful networking.

Debbie encourages listeners to take the first step in their networking journey and discover the many benefits of building strong, mutually beneficial connections within their local community.