What Are the Best Networking Events for Business Owners?

Business success is built on relationships. When looking for customers, collaborators, mentors, or just some inspiration, networking is one of the most powerful tools in your entrepreneurial toolkit. But networking takes a lot of time, and making sure you're attending the right ones for your business will save you a lot of energy. 

So, where do you find networking events? And how do you make them work for you?

How Networking Events Work

At their core, networking events are about relationship-building. Whether virtual or in-person, the format usually includes:

• Introductions: Share who you are and what you do.
• Exchange of Information: Business cards, websites, or digital profiles.
• Follow-Up: Connecting afterward via email, LinkedIn, or coffee chats.

Some events are structured (like referral groups or speed networking), while others are more free-flowing. Either way, showing up with intention makes all the difference.

Types of Networking Events

Networking comes in many shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most common types of networking events that entrepreneurs and small business owners should know about:

Industry Conferences and Trade Shows: Large events focused on specific industries. Attendees are often business owners, vendors, and thought leaders.

• How they work: Panels, keynotes, product demos, and exhibitor booths.
• Best for: Learning about trends, meeting suppliers, and forming partnerships.

Business Mixers and Happy Hours: These are casual events organized by local business groups or co-working spaces.

• How they work: Typically informal meet-and-greets with drinks and light snacks.
• Best for: Making initial connections and expanding your local circle.

Speed Networking: Think speed dating, but for professionals. You get a set amount of time with each participant to pitch yourself or your business. Make sure to come to these prepared with a quick and impactful pitch.

• How they work: Timed rotations, often with structured prompts.
• Best for: Practicing your elevator pitch and meeting many people quickly.

Workshops and Seminars: Focused on personal or professional development, often with breakout sessions and group discussions.

• How they work: Educational sessions with built-in networking time.
• Best for: Learning something new while connecting with like-minded people.

Referral Groups: These are formal organizations where members refer business to each other regularly.

• How they work: Weekly or monthly meetings with structured agendas.
• Best for: Building long-term, reciprocal relationships.

10 Great Networking Groups for Small Business Owners

Ready to get out there and share your product or service with others? These networking groups are worth exploring:

Business Networking International (BNI): This is the world's largest business referral network. It's best for service-based businesses that rely on referrals. There is a fee to join, but if you're in real estate, financial planning, marketing, or another service where ongoing referrals would benefit your business, then it's worth it. Learn more at bni.com.

SCORE: A nonprofit offering free business mentorship and education. It's best for startups and new entrepreneurs looking for guidance. Learn more at score.org.

Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO): A global network of entrepreneurs, best for growth-focused business owners seeking peer support. Learn more at eonetwork.org.

Chief: A private network for executive women, best for female leaders looking to build a powerful support circle. Learn more at chief.com.

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE): A support organization offering tools, grants, and advice. It's best for freelancers and solopreneurs. Learn more at nase.org.

Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC): An invite-only network for entrepreneurs under 40, best for ambitious, high-growth founders. Learn more at yec.co.

Local Chamber of Commerce: Regional business organizations supporting economic development. They host a wide range of networking events. It's best for local business owners wanting to connect with their community.

LinkedIn Groups: Here, you'll find online groups for professionals based on industry or interest. Best for digital networking, staying up-to-date, and widening your reach.

Network After Work: A national group offering events both in-person and online. It is best for professionals looking to expand their networks. Learn more at networkafterwork.com.

Rotary Club International: This global organization combines service with business networking. It's best for professionals who value giving back and building relationships. Learn more at rotary.org.

How to Use Networking Events for Success

Networking isn't just about showing up—it's about showing up with a strategy in place. Here's how to get the most from your efforts:

Set Clear Goals: Before attending an event, decide what you want: Leads? Partnerships? Feedback? Clarity guides your conversations.

Perfect Your Elevator Pitch: Be able to clearly and confidently say who you are, what you do, and why it matters in under 30 seconds. Practice it with friends and family.

Come With Great Questions: Instead of focusing solely on yourself, be curious about others. Questions like "What challenges are you facing right now?" open doors.

Bring Business Cards or Digital Contact Tools: Make it easy for people to remember and contact you afterward.

Follow Up Promptly: Within a few days, send a note to people you met. Mention something you talked about and suggest a follow-up meeting if relevant.

Stay Consistent: One event won't change your business, but regularly attending and engaging with a community will.

Networking is all about showing up authentically, being generous with your knowledge and time, showing interest in others, and investing in relationships that create mutual growth.

Whether you attend a local mixer or join a global organization, the key is to be intentional, consistent, and open to possibility. With the right approach, networking can unlock doors you didn't even know existed.