Networking That Works: How BBN members can truly show up, collaborate & grow

When was the last time you received a referral? More importantly, when was the last time you gave one?

Networking isn’t a passive pursuit. It’s an investment in relationships and trust. As an interior designer running Casey & Fox for 13 years, I’ve seen first-hand that referrals rarely happen by accident. They come when you consistently show up, add value, and build genuine connections.

At Bromley Business Network (BBN), around 40 members meet every two weeks at the Bromley Football Club – a big enough room for plenty of opportunities, but still small enough that the same faces keep showing up. That consistency is what makes it possible to build real working relationships.

Here’s how to make it count:

Be Visible – Every Time

Just popping in now and then doesn’t really work. Trust builds when people see you showing up regularly and joining in the chat on WhatsApp.

From my own experience, the best referrals have never come from a random one-off. They’ve come because people know me, see me often and remember what I do. Being visible makes you credible.

That said, life gets in the way sometimes. If you can’t make a meeting, there are still ways to remind people you’re around. Start a conversation in WhatsApp, share something interesting, or send over a little pack of useful info. Keep yourself on people’s radar so they don’t forget what you bring to the table.

Own Your 1-2-1s

The real gold happens in one-to-ones. Don’t treat them as tick-box exercises; treat them as conversations with potential.

• Research the other person before you meet: Have a quick look at their website, socials, or LinkedIn.
• Approach the 1-2-1 with genuine curiosity. Ask questions, listen properly, and not just to reply.
• Save time: I got tired of telling my life story a thousand times, so I created a simple one-pager on what I do, where I do it, what a good referral looks like, and the type of projects I work on. Sending it before a 1-2-1 means we can use the time to connect and get to know each other rather than cover the basics.

Try creating your own ‘Referral Snapshot’ or ‘Networking Pack’. It makes conversations richer and helps people remember you for the right reasons.

Always Add Value

Networking isn’t really about what you can take from the room. It works best when you focus on what you can give.

• Introduce people who should know each other.
• Keep an open mind about collaborations, even if they don’t involve you directly.
• Share your knowledge and tips without holding back.
• Cheer people on when they hit a milestone.
• And if someone admits they’re struggling, meet it with kindness. There’s nothing worse than opening up about a real issue and being met with silence.

In my own business, even the smallest introductions make a difference. Linking a curtain fitter with a curtain maker took seconds, but it was hugely valuable for them both. Call it good karma if you like, but I’ve found the more I give, the more good things seem to circle back.

Why This Matters Locally

We’re lucky to be part of a buzzing business scene in Bromley, with loads of events and groups out there, from local council-run networking to bigger organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses. 

But what makes BBN feel different is the atmosphere in the room. It’s collaborative, supportive and genuinely welcoming – and that only works because everyone plays their part in shaping it.

Final Thought

Networking is a craft, not a chore. Show up. Prepare. Add value. Over time, you won’t just be in the group, you’ll be valued for the trust and opportunities you bring.