Grow your business, faster.
Business Networking Events Throughout Essex That Will Get Your Business Noticed.
Discover the power of networking.
Meet new people, share ideas, and grow your professional network.
At Effective Business Network, we believe in the power of connections. Join us for an event and experience firsthand how networking can open doors to new opportunities.
Our relaxed and informal setting allows you to meet like-minded professionals, share ideas, and grow your business.
Don’t miss out on the chance to expand your network and take your business to the next level.
Take a look at what our members have to say about the growing community of professionals.
Become a member and grow your business.
Experience the full benefits of networking as a member.
Join our professional community and take your business to the next level.
As a member of Effective Business Network, you’ll have access to exclusive events, valuable resources, and a network of like-minded professionals.
Our membership program is designed to help you maximise your networking potential and grow your business.
Become a member today!
Effective Business Network is under new management - Nadine La Reine
Get ready to be thrilled by the bold future that awaits EBN!
Hi there! I'm so excited to announce the new ownership of this incredible community of successful business owners in Essex.
While we're working on a new website behind the scenes, you can still enjoy the same regular networking events you're used to attending.
Essex Business Networking Events Near You
Business Networking Events in Baddow, Essex
Alternate Fridays
Pontlands Park Hotel, Chelmsford
Business Networking Events in Bishops Stortford
Alternate Wednesdays
The Residence Coworking, Bishops Stortford
Business Networking Events in Braintree, Essex
Alternate Wednesdays
The White Hart, Braintree
Business Networking Events in Brentwood, Essex
Alternate Thursdays
The Artichoke, Brentwood
Business Networking Events in Chelmsford
Alternate Fridays
Pontlands Park Hotel, Chelmsford
Business Networking Events in Colchester, Essex
Alternate Tuesdays
The Old Library, Colchester
Business Networking in Hornchurch, Essex
Alternate Thursdays
Railway Hotel, Hornchurch
Business Networking in Grays, Essex
Alternate Thursdays
The Bull, Grays
Business Networking in Rochford, Essex
Alternate Tuesdays
Toby Carvery, Southend
Business Networking in South Woodham Ferrers
Alternate Tuesdays
Three Rivers Golf & Country Club, Cold Norton
Business Networking in Southend, Essex
Alternate Tuesdays
Beefeater Strawberry Field, Southend
Business Networking in Witham, Essex
Alternate Fridays
Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre, Witham
If you've never been to a networking event before we know that it can seem like a very daunting and unpleasant prospect.
To put your mind at rest and help you feel more comfortable we've put together answers to the questions which we get asked the most.
What happens at a business networking meeting?
Whilst there are many styles of networking events, there tends to be a pretty standard format which most organisers use when hosting their meetings whereby formal introductions are made, there's time for attendees to get to know each other, and there may be a guest speaker presenting to the group.
What happens at Effective Business Network meetings?
All our meetings are held over breakfast and provide a relaxed, yet business focused approach to networking.
Whilst attendees are arriving conversations between everyone over a morning coffee take place before the official start of the meeting.
Our Group Directors open the meeting and formal introductions are made by each person.
We then have breakfast whilst many conversations are taking place and this is followed by one of our group members giving a presentation.
Some of our guests arrange to stay on at the venue after the meeting to have follow up meetings on an individual basis.
What is a sixty second pitch?
Firstly, don't panic! A lot of people worry about this part of networking and it's not as scary as you might be thinking!
Often referred to as an elevator pitch, your 60 second pitch your chance to succinctly explain to the rest of the meeting who you are and what your business is.
Some people like to stick to saying the same pitch at every networking event they attend, some like to stick to a well rehearsed script, and some make it up as they go along.
There's no right or wrong way, it's about finding what works best for you and what you're comfortable with saying.
We understand that this is a part of networking which can be off-putting to guests, so we've put together a little something to help you.
Click here to download our freebie today and prepare to spice up your sixty seconds!
What should I take to a networking meeting?
It's always a good idea to take a few essentials with you to any networking event you attend.
Plenty of business cards, either physical or digital so you can easily pass your details onto everyone you meet.
A notebook and pen for taking down notes about who you talk to and what they do.
Refreshments are usually available but you may want to bring a bottle of water or your own choice of drink if you would prefer something other than the usual tea/coffee/juices which tend to be offered.
A purpose; go to each event with an idea of what you would like to achieve. It could be that you're looking to make specific connections or have a question answered. Having a plan will ensure that you are maximising the potential success of each event and being efficient with your time and money investment.
Most importantly, take a positive attitude, a smile, and a happy disposition. Nobody wants to talk to a person who is looking grumpy and unapproachable and it's not a good look for business.
What happens at Effective Business Network meetings?
All our meetings are held over breakfast and provide a relaxed, yet business focused approach to networking.
Whilst attendees are arriving conversations between everyone over a morning coffee take place before the official start of the meeting.
Our Group Directors open the meeting and formal introductions are made by each person.
We then have breakfast whilst many conversations are taking place and this is followed by one of our group members giving a presentation.
Some of our guests arrange to stay on at the venue after the meeting to have follow up meetings on an individual basis.
How should I behave at a networking meeting?
Like you! You might have heard this a million times over, but being authentically you really does carry a lot of weight when it comes to meeting people.
It's important to discover events where you feel comfortable to be yourself. As cliched as it is 'people buy people' is essentially at the very core of networking and building mutually beneficial relationships.
There is little point in feeling you need to behave in a certain way when you go networking. If people start working with you only to realise you're not what you appeared to be, it could all go horribly wrong for you from that point on.
It goes without saying that depending on the format of the event and how formal or informal it is, you may need to curb your language or refrain from the topics of religion and politics which often spark unwanted fires.
What if I don't know anyone at a networking event?
Remember that it's highly likely you won't be the only person in the room who doesn't know anyone.
If you're feeling a little nervous or shy, you probably won't be the only one feeling that way either. Sometimes it can be daunting to start a conversation in a room full of strangers.
A great way to combat this is to simply listen to what's being said around you. This will enable you to ask questions and will naturally form the basis of a flowing conversation.
You could contact the organiser or host of the event to introduce yourself and chat through the format. In doing so you are ensuring that you know at least one person in the room.
Preparing how you will introduce yourself to your networking peers can also be very useful. Click here to download our tips for this.
What should I do after a networking meeting?
If you've never heard the phrase 'the fortune is in the follow-up' get familiar with it now because you will definitely be pleased you did!
If you invest your money in paying to attend networking events, and you invest your time in travelling to and from meetings, but never speak to the people you meet again, there's no point going in the first place.
Going to networking meetings is the spark, it's not the whole fire!
You network, you chat, you connect, and introductions are made, however, it's what you do afterwards that really counts.
Connecting on social media, sending emails, making phone calls, and arranging additional meetings are all forms of following up and form the foundation of nurturing the connections you make.
Having 1-2-1 meetings with your new connections allows you to get to know each other away from the hustle and bustle of the event where you met.
These are absolutely crucial if you wish to maximise the effectiveness of the networking you do.
What is a 1-2-1 after a networking meeting?
This is the start of the fire!
It does what it says on the tin, a one on one meeting after the initial networking event where you both have a chance to get to know each other better.
You should both allow equal time to go into more detail about your professional lives. The how, what, why, who, and where of your business or the company you represent.
These meetings aren't all business though, remember 'people buy people' so finding out a little about each other away from business is the best way to really get to know people.
You may have common goals or interests outside of your professions. There could be shared experiences, good or bad, which allow you to understand each other more.
This is where the magic happens!
What is the purpose of a networking meeting?
Quite simply, networking events are organised gatherings that encourage professionals to meet and engage with one another to build valuable connections.
While each event you attend may look different, they all have one common goal, which is to allow attendees to build professional connections.
Think of these meetings as a type of social event where business owners and company representatives gather to share knowledge and establish mutually beneficial relationships.
Who can attend a networking meeting?
Whilst some networking events are aimed at specific industries, organisations, groups of people or businesses, the majority are usually open to professionals covering all sectors.
Business owners, from sole traders up to larger companies, tend to make up a large part of any networking meeting.
People who want to start a new business often make very beneficial connections with more experienced business professionals who can offer help, guidance, and support for their journey into the business world.
Larger companies may employ Business Development Managers whose job role includes attending networking events.
Similarly, larger businesses may include networking as part of the job role for other employees. This approach tends to work well for Accountancy practices and Law firms where individuals are encouraged to build up their own client base.
There are no rules with who can and can't attend business networking events, unless the meetings are run on a 'lock-out' basis.
What does a 'lock-out' mean in networking?
A 'lock-out' in networking terms refers to the number of individuals who can represent a particular industry, category, or business area.
For example, at each meeting there would only be one accountant, one website designer, one builder, one lawyer, one mortgage advisor, etc.
This is the style of networking which Effective Business Network members benefit from. The membership fee guarantees 'seat exclusivity' and locks out anyone else from within your category attending the meeting.
This type of networking is often the most financially rewarding for attendees because long term relationships are built and referrals naturally occur between individuals.
Download our fabulous freebie!
Discover how to spice up your sixty second pitch and impress your networking peers!
Company Details - Companies House 08983605 - ICO - ZA090248 - Registered Address - 46 Hullbridge Road, Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom, CM3 5NG
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