Connect and Grow: Business Networking in Ireland & the UK

Connect, Collaborate, and Thrive

Networking Reimagined

Expand Your Business Horizons Across Ireland and the UK

What's this about?

In November 2023, I became the regional lead for Connacht and Ulster at Enterprise Nation (EN), founded by Emma Jones in 2005. This UK-based network expanded to Ireland in 2019, with over 12,000 Irish businesses already members and a community of over 100,000 in the UK, that's a lot of opportunities, right?

I was searching for a new networking group at the time and EN has given me a fantastic opportunity to create my own group which taps into

My aim is to shape a networking group that's as effective as it is authentic, focusing on a user-driven experience. Let's make networking human and great for business!

join my group

Note: It is free to be a member on Enterprise Nation and you can join any group as well as mine. Make sure to connect with me too.

Connect with me on Enterprise Nation

You can find all the events I am hosting by going to my profile and signup via Eventbrite.

If you have any questions, just let me know.

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What is networking: Networking is the strategic art of cultivating relationships that fuel collaboration and mutual support, all with the ultimate aim of catalysing professional growth and creating business opportunities.
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Pre and Post-Meeting Strategies

The 15min Pre-Network Meeting Warm-up

4 Fast tasks to enhance your networking results

Having a prep ritual is like setting the stage for a performance where the goal is to engage with the group, not just show up and watch from the side-lines.

1. Check the Prompt (2 min)

In general, I will give a brief outline of what the meet-up session will be about with either a prompt to focus on or a topic that has been requested to be covered. Please check the group before the meeting so you have time to think about it. It will be far more valuable for you in the long run.

2. Jot the need (5 min)

Take 5min to have a think about what do you need in your business right now. What does support look like for you? How can other help you? Having this clear in your mind before the meeting will bring you what you want.

3. Your allies (3 min)

Who are you looking for? Who can help you achieve your goals right now? If you don't know an actual person, you need to describe them really well. The better you can describe someone from a human perspective can spark connections in other people's minds so just don't think job roles, picture someone you love working with that might not do that role but you can imagine they can as you describe them to the group in the meeting. Imagination goes a long way to success!

4. Picture success (5 min)

What makes a great outcome from this meeting for you? What makes a win? Does this align with the need you wrote down?
Taking 5 min to check your thoughts are aligned makes a huge difference…..Trust me!

The 15min Post-Network Meeting Cooldown

4 Quick actions to solidify connection

Make your time count. Take 15min to seal in what you took from any meeting or class, not just this group. Priorities what you got from the session to get the most.

1. Jot n share (5 min)

I'm a huge fan of taking notes but what seals the deal in our memory is resharing them as it instils it by recall. Jot stuff down during the meeting. After each meet-up, dash over to the group and drop your key takeaways. Recall is what puts it into memory and that is where the power lies.

2. Book n bring (3 min)

Go to my profile and make sure you are signed up for the next meeting. When I ran my therapy business, clients would always ask to book in again as ew simply forget until it is too late and we miss the boat.
I would also ask, bring another business along who might find this useful too. You can share this page link which will help them get started. Remember to tell them, it is free to join!

3. Strategic connection (5 min)

Pick just one person from the meeting that you think would be a great partner to have on your side for business. Think quality over quantity. There needs to be give and take. One way just gets draining. Energy needs to flow both ways. What's in it for them and what is in it for you? Look for synergy. Who do you want on your team?
By this time next year you will have grown your Sales & Marketing ‘team' by 12 people! The people you want to connect with will keep showing up. You don't have to try and really connect with everyone, just one! It will make a huge difference, trust me.

4. Feed into the loop (2 min)

We have the opportunity here to design a network group that really works but it needs you input so don't forget to fill in the feedback form.
This is your networking group. What do you want? What is working for you and what isn't. Feedback is the most essential component of UX, what do the users think, say, do and feel (this is called Empathy mapping btw).

Networking Essentials

Straight Talk and Honest Answers

How To: Ace Online Networking Without the Waffle

Create a clear digital introduction

Instead of the business card blitz, prepare a concise digital intro. Think of it as your virtual handshake – short, sweet, and memorable.

Embrace the nerves

Feeling nervous or out of your depth? Don't worry, we all have felt it. It's okay; it means you're stepping out of your comfort zone, and that's where growth happens. Remember, most people feel the same way. Be open about your nerves, don't be afraid to say it – it's a great icebreaker and makes you more relatable. Plus, you'll find that others will often go out of their way to make you feel welcome. You can always send me a private message anytime if you need a bit of backup.

Be an active listener

Zoom fatigue is real. Make an impact by being an active participant when others speak. A nod, a smile, or a typed comment can go a long way. At the end of the day, this is YOUR network group. What you put in will be returned.

Use the chat wisely

Resist the urge to flood the chat. Share your contact info once, then focus on adding value to the conversation. Quality contributions will make you more memorable than any amount of waffle. People remember what you did for them, not what you said.

Follow up thoughtfully

After the meeting, reach out personally to those you connected with. A tailored message beats a generic LinkedIn request any day.

Offer value

Always think about how you can help others in the group. Can you provide advice, make an introduction, or offer a resource? That's the currency of good networking.

Set up one-on-ones

Propose quick one-on-one calls with individuals you vibe with. It's the digital equivalent of grabbing coffee after an event.

FAQ: Networking Misconceptions Unravelled

Is networking just about swapping business cards?

Nope, it's way more than that. Networking is about building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts. It's the quality of the connections, not the quantity, that truly matters.

Do I need to be a natural extrovert to network effectively?

Not at all. Networking isn't a talent show for extroverts (although I have been to a few events that feel like that, right?). It's about finding common ground, and that can be done by anyone. Introverts often excel at networking because they're great listeners and can create deeper connections.

Is the goal of networking to sell my services or products?

While networking can lead to sales, entering into it with a ‘sell, sell, sell' mindset can be off-putting. The goal is to foster relationships that are mutually beneficial. Sales may follow as a natural result of those relationships.

Should I only network when I need something?

Networking should be a continuous process, not a faucet you turn on and off when you need a favor. Consistent engagement means you're building a community, not just a safety net.

Is online networking less effective than face-to-face?

Not necessarily. Online networking can transcend geographical boundaries and time zones, offering unique opportunities for connection. It's all about how you engage and connect with others, whether it's through a screen or in person.

Is networking a one-way street?

Definitely not. Networking is a two-way relationship. It's about what you can offer as much as what you can gain. Think ‘collaboration' over ‘transaction'.

Experience Events

Taste of their Events

Here's some official events coming up from Enterprise Nation that I am planning to attend in person or online. There are a lot more over the website, especially online.