Free Business Networking Events in Kingston with LinkedIn Local Kingston
For anyone interested in business networking who just wants to meet and connect with fellow business people in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Are you a business owner, entrepreneur, or professional looking to expand your Business Networking Events in Kingston? Join our free, no-membership LinkedIn Local Kingston business networking group to connect with like-minded individuals from all business sectors and industries.
At our events, you’ll have the opportunity to exchange ideas, find potential partners or clients, and learn from the experiences of others in a relaxed and friendly environment. No strings attached – just show up and start making valuable connections.
Events
What to expect
LinkedIn Local Kingston events are a free networking group in Kingston, hosted by local members from the Kingston area. We provide an opportunity to meet up, network, build community, make business connections in Kingston, discuss industry trends, and share best practices for using LinkedIn.
Our local networking events in Kingston upon Thames are fun, friendly and welcoming to all – everyone is welcome! There are no lock outs, no event or membership fees and no stuffy conversations :) We encourage all to attend, relax with a drink and enjoy making new connections and forging great business connections, networks and trusted relationships.
5 tips for why a business should network
1. Build Relationships and Connections
Networking allows you to build valuable relationships and connections with potential clients, partners, suppliers, and industry influencers. These connections can lead to new business opportunities, collaborations, and access to resources that can help your business grow.
2. Gain Industry Knowledge and Insights
By networking with others in your industry, you can gain valuable insights, knowledge, and perspectives on trends, challenges, and best practices. This can help you stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions for your business.
3. Increase Brand Awareness and Visibility
Networking events provide a platform to showcase your business, products, or services to a targeted audience. This can help increase brand awareness, visibility, and credibility within your industry.
Find Potential Employees or Partners
Networking can be an effective way to identify and connect with potential employees, partners, or investors who can contribute to the growth and success of your business.
5. Generate Referrals and New Business Opportunities
By building strong relationships through networking, you can generate referrals and new business opportunities from your connections. Word-of-mouth marketing and recommendations from trusted sources can be invaluable for attracting new clients or customers.
Networking is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and good etiquette. By actively networking and building relationships, businesses can gain valuable insights, connections, and opportunities that can drive growth and success.
Here are some effective ways to follow up after a business networking event
- Connect on LinkedIn. Send a personalised connection request mentioning where you met and something you discussed. This helps jog their memory.
- Send a follow-up email within a few days. Reiterate how nice it was to meet them, remind them of your conversation points, and suggest meeting for coffee or a call to continue the discussion.
- If you promised to share information or make an introduction, follow through promptly. This builds trust and credibility.
- Set up a one-on-one meeting or call. This allows you to explore potential collaborations or business opportunities in more depth.
- Share relevant content or updates that could be valuable to them. This keeps you top of mind and demonstrates your expertise.
- Be consistent with your follow-ups. Don’t bombard them, but check in periodically to nurture the relationship.
- Offer value by providing insights, making connections, or suggesting ways you could potentially work together.
- Keep notes on your conversations to personalise future interactions and remind them of your previous discussions
The key is to follow up promptly, provide value, and focus on building a genuine relationship rather than just seeking personal gain. Consistent, thoughtful follow-up is essential to turn networking connections into meaningful professional relationships.
LinkedIn Local Kingston is organised by a group of local business owners and entrepreneurs, including Simon Vine, Udari Wickremasingh, Richard Excell, Benedicte Cormeir and Celia Rizothanasi. Click on a name to connect on LinkedIn or on their logo below to visit their website.
