The ONLE Networking experience
What to expect
at ONLE
New to networking? New to ONLE?
Have you tried networking before and didn’t understand the point? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned networker investigating why ONLE is different? This is the page for you.
How can networking help you?
There are lots of definitions, but for us, business networking is about meeting people and building relationships. If you build strong relationships based on trust, you create opportunities to sell your products or services.
Of course, we network because we want to win new business. But for those who invest time getting to know people and offering help and support, referrals are just the tip of the iceberg:
• A decent networker wins business at networking.
• A good networker gets unlimited support and a regular flow of business opportunities.
• A great networker gains friendships and a community.
A great networker is never alone and has a team of friends backing them to win. This is why at ONLE we’ve removed all the barriers that get in the way of building relationships. If you build genuine relationships and care about people, you’ll be able to network the ONLE way.
Who is ONLE for?
We’re the network for people who like people
ONLE members pass business to each other all the time. But they do so because they have built relationships and trust, not because they feel pressured to do so. You can only do this because you like people.
So if you’re only interested in the referral and the transactional part of networking, there will be other groups more suited to you.
If you want to build a valuable network, learn new skills and ideas collectively and be part of a community that looks out for each other, you’ll fit right in.
What happens during ONLE meetings?
All our meetings will provide you with a unique experience but the structure stays the same. Our meetings are held on Zoom and you’ll be sent joining instructions in the run up to the event.
Introduction
The start of the meeting is your opportunity to explain to the group who you are. At ONLE we do not time this section but encourage you to provide a brief description of yourself, your business and maybe what makes you different. We encourage you to spend some time thinking about this before the meeting; positioning what you do and delivering it confidently helps ease your nerves and helps people get to know you. When you’re not speaking, listen to the other members and make a note of anyone you’d like to speak to (we send you the attendee sheet before the meeting which you can print out).
Education
During each meeting, we share the key takeaways from our monthly education video - ONLE Talks - followed by a group conversation. You can either sit back, listen and learn or take part in the discussion. We’ve covered topics ranging from marketing, networking, presentation skills, branding and mental wellbeing and we’ve found that the shared learning experience is the perfect way for all of us to expand our knowledge.
1-2-1
In every ONLE meeting, you get two impromptu one-to-one chats with other attendees. Your host will split the attendees randomly into online breakout rooms for 10 minutes, giving you a chance to get to know a member or visitor. It’s like chatting with someone while grabbing a coffee - a great ice breaker and way into the network.
I ONLE…
The ‘I ONLE..’ section of the meeting is your opportunity to ask for something from the group. Whether you’re interested in having a 1-2-1 with someone from the meeting or are looking for a specific contact, this is your time to ask. We do not track or time this section so there is no pressure.
…After the meeting
Networking doesn’t begin and end at the networking meeting. Take time to follow up with the people you meet. Use the attendee sheet provided to connect with people online. Send emails. Like people’s pages. Connect with them on LinkedIn. Show an interest in others and they are more likely to show interest in you. This is the way to start building your network.
Ready to try an ONLE meeting?
Click on the meeting calendar below to find a meeting region/time that suits you.
Still got questions? Learn about our membership pricing and benefits, read how it feels to be part of ONLE according to our members, or check out our FAQ.