Let’s be honest: when you Google “networking events near me,” you’re probably hoping for a magic portal to a room full of people who get you, not a torrential downpour of business cards, limp handshakes, and that one guy who brings up crypto in the first five minutes.

And yet… if you run a small business, you’ve probably realised just how lonely it can get. Whether you’re a solopreneur, freelancer, coach, or the entire HR department rolled into one, sometimes you just want someone to nod in understanding when you say, “I spent two hours fighting with Canva and lost.”

The truth is,

networking isn’t about collecting leads. It’s about building and being part of a community.

Here’s some very good reasons why you should absolutely give local business networking events a shot, and how to actually enjoy it - yes, even if your idea of fun is a solo night with Netflix and a spreadsheet.

Being a Solopreneur Shouldn’t Mean Solitary Confinement

Your Google search “networking events near me” might turn up everything from early-morning breakfasts with keynote speakers to wine-and-cheese socials in quirky bars. The best-kept secret? Most people there are actually just like you. Running a business can be tough, and sometimes the biggest benefit of networking isn’t “making connections” - it’s not feeling alone.

Picture this, you’re in a room full of people who understand why you talk to your dog about business plans. You can trade stories, swap tips, or just have a proper moan about HMRC (just kidding Mr Taxman, we love you really). If you’re lucky, you might even make a friend who’ll WhatsApp you memes when client emails get weird.

Local business networking is about finding your people, the ones who get the highs, lows, and weird in-betweens of being your own boss.

✋🏼 Stop Trying to Find Clients. Start Finding Allies.

Let’s squish a myth right now,

Networking isn’t about landing your next big client.

There, I said it. Honestly, nobody wants a sales pitch five seconds into a conversation or a business card up the nose before the coffee’s even poured.

Instead, see every event as an opportunity to meet allies - fellow business owners, freelancers, consultants, and people with totally different backgrounds who, one day, might send a dream client your way. Think referral network, not casting your net and hoping for a bite and a big catch. 🎣

You’re growing your circle, not your sales quota.

Some of the best collaborations and opportunities come from unexpected places and conversations. You might end up chatting with a web designer who introduces you to the perfect accountant, or a copywriter whose partner needs your exact skillset.

It’s less about “what can I get?” and more about “who can I get to know?”

Think of Networking as ‘Soft Marketing’ - Not Sleazy Selling

Of course, nobody likes to be pitched to all night.

But when you show up, talk about what you do, and listen to others? That’s soft marketing at its finest.

You’re not selling, you’re telling your story, sharing your wins and challenges, and letting your passion shine.

This is why it works:

• You become memorable: People remember faces, stories, and genuine conversations, not generic pitches.

• You build confidence: Explaining what you do to a stranger is the ultimate elevator pitch practice. Each time you say it out loud, it gets a bit easier (and a lot less awkward).

• You highlight your value: Sometimes you’ll describe your service or product in a way that clicks for someone. That’s when the magic happens.

And let’s be real: if you’re a local business, just being seen and heard in your community is often the best marketing you can do.

There’s a Networking Event for Every Personality

If the thought of a hotel ballroom and 7am breakfast chills your soul, here’s some good news networking events near you come in all flavours 🍦 Which is the type that might suit you best?

• Professional breakfast meetings: For the early birds who want speakers, structure, and possibly the world’s strongest coffee.

• Casual evening socials: Chat, nibble, and network without the hard sell (and maybe with a cocktail in hand).

• Sector-specific meetups: Perfect if you want to connect with others in your field (or just speak fluent jargon for an hour).

• Co-working days: Sometimes just sharing a table with other business owners can spark connections, minus the awkward icebreakers.

Try a few, see what feels right, and don’t be afraid to bounce if it’s not your crowd. (Pro tip: “Networking events near me” + your town or city is all you need on Google to start.)

How to Find Networking Events In Nottingham

Certainly, Nottingham has some fantastic monthly networking opportunities and is home to one of the oldest business networks in the country - Nottingham City Business Club - having been established in 1924 and there are really social events such as Kuku Connect and RSViP Business Networking.

And here's a top inside scoop - if you are interested in networking meet-ups in Nottingham, get yourself onto NetworkPal, NotLuck’s free and super-easy networking reminder service. You’ll receive a weekly round-up of newly announced events and a reminder 1 week before an event and 1 day so you time to book on and plan your travel arrangements. This is gonna be big!

The Person-to-Person Principle (AKA, Why Business Cards Are Overrated)

The truth about business networking for small business owners?

It’s never business-to-business. It’s always person-to-person.

People want to work with - and refer - actual real humans, not walking LinkedIn profiles. The best connections are built over shared laughs, honest chats, and the occasional awkward moment (we all have them). So show up as yourself, fuzzy socks, cheesy jokes, and all.

Remember to connect with the people you enjoy meeting afterwards!

What do you do with all the business cards you accumulate? File them, store them, leave them in your sock drawer, or scan them then shred them? Poor trees.

You can connect with them via the scan facility directly with the LinkedIn app....

but do remember why this person was a good connection otherwise they’ll get lost in your feed and then what’s the point? Their business card might as well stay in your sock drawer.

Make Your Networking More Efficient

If you happen to have a NotLuck CRM, we have a really bloody snazzy way of instantly connecting and following up with these lovely new members of your cool gang. (If you don’t have a NotLuck CRM - why not? - we can sort you out there, too!)

Talking to Actual Humans (Without the Panic Sweats)

This is the bit everyone dreads: actually speaking to a stranger. For most people, it’s the main source of cringe, and trust me, you’re not alone in wanting to run for the exit.

But here’s the thing, at an organised networking event, every single person is there for the same reason: to meet new people, swap stories, and maybe, just maybe, talk about what they do without feeling weird about it.

Some networking events will ask you to introduce yourself “round-table style.” Yes, it can feel a bit like speed dating for business, but everyone’s doing it, and you can absolutely keep it short and sweet. Other, more casual meetups? You’ll likely walk into a room with a handful of buzzing conversations already happening. But don’t panic, the best hosts will look out for newbies with things like pre-meetup WhatsApp groups, colour-coded lanyards, or literally taking you by the arm and saying, “You need to meet Sally, she’s fab.”

And here’s the golden rule,

nobody likes a clique.

The best networking groups want everyone to feel welcome, because nobody benefits from an awkward, empty, or “Mean Girls” style business breakfast. Remember, even the chattiest, most confident person in the room was once the new kid, and the really good networkers never forget it.

So breathe. Smile. And yes, you absolutely can start with “Hi, I’m new here, what brings you along?” You’ll be surprised how many people are relieved you spoke first.

How Networking Events Near Me Can Boost Your Confidence (and Business)

Don’t overwhelm yourself. You don’t have to speak to everyone there!

As a general rule, in a 2-hour networking event I like to try to speak with 3 people I haven’t spoken with before and it’s reasonable to hope for decent conversations of around 20mins. That gives you a buffer for arriving, departing, snack or coffee time and nipping to the loo.

If you want to be really efficient with your time, some networking hosts with a membership platform publish a members directory so you can have a looksie of who might be interesting to speak with. Obvs, don’t make a beeline in a weird way and see above about ‘nobody wants to be pitched to’! But there might be an attendee you can form a good business connection with.

One last thing: Regularly attending local business networking events isn’t just about exposure. It’s good for your confidence, your ideas, and even your mood. When you talk about your business out loud, it starts to feel real and can be where real growth happens as a result. And sometimes, hearing “I know exactly how you feel” from another business owner is all the encouragement you need to keep going.

TL;DR?

Google “networking events near me” and give one a try. Not to collect business cards or tick some sales KPI, but to find your people, get a confidence boost, and (maybe) learn something new.

The business wins will come - but the human connection is what’ll make you come back. And if you need a nudge, a buddy, or a translation of “networking” into real-life English, you know where to find me. (I’ll be the one near the snacks, not shoving a business card at you.)

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