Business Growth Club
Business Growth Club is one of the longest running networking groups in MK, it’s a not-for-profit, bi-weekly Friday early morning group and offers something a little different to many of the groups I’ve visited. It definitely has a different (‘no rules’) vibe, and therefore attracts a different tribe of networker. If banter is your happy place, you’ll love this fun, cheeky and sometimes close to the knuckle clan. Marks mantra is “The absolute freedom to be yourself” they want to meet the real you, not the sales persona. Let me explain..
Location: The business growth club is held upstairs at the Windmill Hill golf club in West Bletchley. There is plenty of free parking and it’s delightfully out of town; minimising stress at the end of the week in terms of access, traffic and additional parking costs.
Format: Networking to start at 7am with fresh juice, your choice of unlimited tea and coffee and a chance to grab a seat at the main table with your coat, bag or business cards to secure your preferred spot. Looking at the head table, intros run clockwise, so if you need to get away early head to the first section, want to see the format to find your feet? sit in the middle (opposite the head table)
Once called to be seated attendees join the large open table with Mark at the head; waiters take your breakfast order (there really is something for everyone) and proceedings kick off with the ‘ten minute tipper’; and expert presentation to lead the mornings conversation.
There’s no standing or formality upon introduction or discussion (unless you’re the tipper who stands to present) everyone’s opinions and thoughts are welcomed and it can be deep intellectual discussion or casual jibe -and often both- in response to the topic du jour. The ‘pass the baton’ style introductions follow around the table, with guests highlighted and welcomed, an informal 60 second pitch is optional (although in my opinion a hugely overlook opportunity by many, a business card can only do so much to position you) and this introductions/responses/discussion round-robin continues up to 9:15 (the official end time) but as a result of great conversations sometimes overruns, so do make Mark aware if you need to get away early/on time and he will factor that in for your intro slot.
Costs: Membership fees are £25 per month and include your breakfast, or pay as you go £15 per meeting as a non member. In addition to the obvious saving if you attend bi-weekly, there is also a highlighted members page on the website and the circulation of your business cards for every event, whether you attend or not. Oh, and you can sub someone to attend on your behalf. Very reasonable and flexible.
Host: Founder Mark Orr has been a staple of the Milton Keynes networking scene for the 20 odd years I’ve been in and around it; and even ‘back then’ I noted with interest that there wasn’t a single person in MK, worth knowing, that Mark didn’t have to link to. Mark is generous with his time and he’s not scared to make introductions and share his connections. In his own words ‘it is better to be marmite than vanilla’ and that has always stuck with me and made me smile. You cant miss Marks joyous colourful shirts (and socks too).
Typical Attendee: Average attendance numbers are 20/25 in my experience, with around 75-80% of these core members or regular returners. Whilst the group is somewhat diverse, it leans towards the ‘maturepreneur’ and seasoned business owner. There’s a lot of expertise and years of experience in this room. members are very welcoming and the whatsapp group is vibrant and full of support. Guests and speakers are made to feel very welcome and massively encouraged; albeit no one holds back on the banter or heckling no matter how new you are :0)
Upsides: Stonking breakfast selection; the full English is a real treat! Mark is quite literally one of the best networked fellas in MK, so once you’re in his community you have access to most of the local business scene and he shares generously opportunities, discount ticket codes for networking events and social events. In fact, he inspired my bonus blog this month around reciprocity. But the huge upside, in my opinion is the 10 minute tipper he welcomes to each event. A mini masterclass (without slides!) that is open to anyone, and Mark really puts a lot of effort into preparing and promoting each event and speaker.
Downsides: If you are easily offended by sarcasm, heckling or swearing; this group probably isn’t for you. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not akin to a rugby tour coach trip, but the emphasis on free speech and having an opinion can surprise a nervous new networker. If you don’t like to ‘do public intros’ and don’t like ‘all eyes on you’ this format might feel a little testing as they roundrobin the table, but you can speak to Mark ahead of time to ask for a ‘pass’ -but with a relatively small group and the option to simply say a few words (not a whole pitch- they prefer a natural intro to a formal script), it is fairly painless for a self conscious attendee and so worth any temporary nervousness.
Finally, It is a smaller group so you aren’t ‘reaching’ as many as some other groups, BUT this format just wouldn’t work with 120 people so it’s perfect for what it aims to achieve; Relationship forming, connecting with like minded individuals and building your network.
Top Tip: Take plenty of business cards, they hand round a box of members cards so that you can connect with everyone even if they couldn’t make the session, guests are encouraged to circulate their cards too; and if you need to buy some; Mark Orr from the Printing and Mailing Company is your man!
** prices correct at time of writing