How to Ask for a Referral at a Business Networking Meeting

by Alistair Gleave

January 9, 2025

Referrals are the lifeblood of most of our businesses, but asking for them requires confidence and a clear approach. Here’s a simple framework to make it easy:

1. Be Specific
When you ask for a referral, avoid being vague. Instead of saying, “I’m looking for anyone who needs my service,” try something like:
“I’d love to connect with small business owners in retail who might be struggling to get their website found on Google.”
This level of specificity helps the person you’re speaking to picture someone in their network who fits the description.

2. Make it Relevant
Think about the person you’re asking and tailor your request to their network. For example, if they work with local tradespeople, you might say:
“Do you know any electricians or plumbers who’d like to generate more leads online?”
By aligning your ask with their network, you’re making it easier for them to help you.

3. Share a Story
People remember stories more than facts. Share a short success story to give them confidence in referring you. For instance:
“I recently helped a café in Exeter increase their foot traffic by 30% through SEO. If you know of any cafés or small businesses needing similar results, I’d love an introduction.”

4. Make it Easy
End by offering to help them make the introduction. For example, say:
“If you think of someone, feel free to introduce us over email or share my details – I’ll take it from there.”

To recap: Be specific, make it relevant, share a story, and make it easy. By following these steps, you’ll not only build confidence in asking for referrals but also increase your chances of getting quality connections.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing about the referrals we all generate!

G12 Selekt Bovey Tracey March Teign group

by Alistair Gleave

December 16, 2024

Join us on Wednesday 5th MArch from 9.30 am at the Dolphin Hotel in Bovey Tracey for our New Year G12 Selekt Business Networking Referral event.

G12 Business Networking in Devon aims to be the best business network you can attend, it doesn’t matter if you’re a startup, sole trader, entrepreneur, or a member of a larger team, you’ll love the relaxed, informal environment.

We’ve expanded this successful format to now offer a Selekt Business Referral group as well as our usual last Wednesday of the month business networking event – October event is here.

For this second G12 Selekt meeting, you’re invited to join other business professionals in our community, who contribute to the mutual success of all members.

The meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to:

Expand Your Network: Connect with a diverse group of professionals, potential clients, and collaborators from various industries.
Generate Qualified Referrals: Access to a pool of referrals that can lead to new business opportunities and partnerships.
Build Trust and Credibility: Establish yourself as a trusted resource within the community by consistently providing and receiving valuable referrals.
Enhance Visibility: Increase your business’s visibility and brand awareness among a targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers.
Learn and Grow: Gain insights from industry experts and peers that can help you refine your networking skills and business strategies.
Accelerate Business Growth: Leverage the power of referrals to accelerate your business growth and achieve your professional goals.
Supportive Community: Join a supportive community of like-minded professionals who are invested in each other’s success and willing to collaborate.

G12 Selekt Meeting Agenda

Welcome and Introduction
Member Introductions and Business Pitches
Referral Exchange and Networking
Discussion on Group Goals and Future Meetings
Q&A and Closing Remarks

We are committed to creating a dynamic and supportive environment where each member can thrive. Your participation would be a valuable addition to our group, and we are excited to see the synergies that can be created through our collective efforts.

The meeting fee includes a fabulous cooked breakfast with a vegetarian and vegan option all with ample tea and coffee all cooked for us – what could be better than that.

Also, any refunds will be by request only, the chances are if you’ve said that you’re coming and have paid then we will have paid for your refreshments in advance – we hope you understand.

Note: Right of admission is reserved, registering delegates will be screened to ensure the correct audience is in attendance.

G12 Selekt March Buckfastleigh Abbey Group

by Alistair Gleave

December 16, 2024

Join us on Wednesday 19th March from 9.30 am at the Northgate Hotel in Buckfastleigh for our second G12 Selekt Business Networking Referral event in Buckfastleigh – this is a starter group and all are welcome.

We’ve expanded this successful format to now offer another Selekt Business Referral group as well as our usual last Wednesday of the month Big Breakfast business networking event.

For this first meeting, we’re inviting respected business professionals in our community, who we believe their presence would greatly enrich our group and contribute to the mutual success of all members.

Our second meeting in Buckfastleigh for the Abbey Group will provide an excellent opportunity to:

Expand Your Network: Connect with a diverse group of professionals, potential clients, and collaborators from various industries.
Generate Qualified Referrals: Access to a pool of referrals that can lead to new business opportunities and partnerships.
Build Trust and Credibility: Establish yourself as a trusted resource within the community by consistently providing and receiving valuable referrals.
Enhance Visibility: Increase your business’s visibility and brand awareness among a targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers.
Learn and Grow: Gain insights from industry experts and peers that can help you refine your networking skills and business strategies.
Accelerate Business Growth: Leverage the power of referrals to accelerate your business growth and achieve your professional goals.
Supportive Community: Join a supportive community of like-minded professionals who are invested in each other’s success and willing to collaborate.

G12 Selekt Meeting Agenda

Welcome and Introduction
Member Introductions and Business Pitches
Referral Exchange and Networking
Discussion on Group Goals and Future Meetings
Q&A and Closing Remarks

The meeting fee includes a fabulous cooked breakfast with a vegetarian and vegan option all with ample tea and coffee all cooked for us – what could be better than that.

Also, any refunds will be by request only, the chances are if you’ve said that you’re coming and have paid then we will have paid for your refreshments in advance – we hope you understand.

Note: Right of admission is reserved, registering delegates will be screened to ensure the correct audience is in attendance.

News

Exciting Updates for G12 Business Club Events in 2025

by Alistair Gleave

December 16, 2024

At G12 Business Club, we’re always looking for ways to keep our events fresh, engaging, and valuable for new people and our members. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates to our event calendar. Here’s what you can look forward to:

🌟 New Venues, New Opportunities
We’re expanding beyond our usual locations and introducing new venues to bring variety and fresh energy to our gatherings. These carefully selected spaces are designed to inspire, create a welcoming atmosphere, and offer unique opportunities for networking and collaboration. Stay tuned as we unveil these new venues in the coming months!

🔄 Trialing New Styles of Events
To enhance your experience, we’ll also be trialing some new event formats that cater to different networking preferences and business goals. From interactive workshops and themed panel discussions to afternoon tea meetups and speed networking sessions, we’re focused on creating events that cater to the diverse needs of our members.

📅 What’s Next?
Our first event of 2025 will kick off with a bang—combining one of our new venues, we’re at The Bucket and Spade in Shaldon on Wednesday 29th January. Make sure you don’t miss out on this fresh start to the year!

We’re excited to make 2025 the best year yet for G12 Business Club, and we can’t wait to see you at our upcoming events. If you have any suggestions or feedback on event formats or venues, we’d love to hear from you!

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and innovation, come along to any of our events as a guest – your sure for a fabulous welcome…

G12 Selekt Buckfastleigh Abbey Group

by Alistair Gleave

December 13, 2024

Join us on Wednesday 19th February from 9.30 am at the Northgate Hotel in Buckfastleigh for our first G12 Selekt Business Networking Referral event in Buckfastleigh – this is a starter group and all are welcome.

We’ve expanded this successful format to now offer another Selekt Business Referral group as well as our usual last Wednesday of the month Big Breakfast business networking event.

Our first meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to:

Expand Your Network: Connect with a diverse group of professionals, potential clients, and collaborators from various industries.
Generate Qualified Referrals: Access to a pool of referrals that can lead to new business opportunities and partnerships.
Build Trust and Credibility: Establish yourself as a trusted resource within the community by consistently providing and receiving valuable referrals.
Enhance Visibility: Increase your business’s visibility and brand awareness among a targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers.
Learn and Grow: Gain insights from industry experts and peers that can help you refine your networking skills and business strategies.
Accelerate Business Growth: Leverage the power of referrals to accelerate your business growth and achieve your professional goals.
Supportive Community: Join a supportive community of like-minded professionals who are invested in each other’s success and willing to collaborate.

G12 Selekt Meeting Agenda

Welcome and Introduction
Member Introductions and Business Pitches
Referral Exchange and Networking
Discussion on Group Goals and Future Meetings
Q&A and Closing Remarks

The meeting fee includes a fabulous cooked breakfast with a vegetarian and vegan option all with ample tea and coffee all cooked for us – what could be better than that.

Also, any refunds will be by request only, the chances are if you’ve said that you’re coming and have paid then we will have paid for your refreshments in advance – we hope you understand.

Note: Right of admission is reserved, registering delegates will be screened to ensure the correct audience is in attendance.

G12 Selekt Bovey Tracey February Teign Group

by Alistair Gleave

November 22, 2024

Join us on Wednesday 5th February from 9.30 am at The Phoenix in Chudleigh while the Dolphin Hotel in Bovey Tracey is temporarily closed for our New Year G12 Selekt Business Networking Referral event.

We’ve expanded this successful format to now offer a Selekt Business Referral group as well as our usual last Wednesday of the month business networking event – October event is here.

For this second G12 Selekt meeting, you’re invited to join other business professionals in our community, who contribute to the mutual success of all members.

The meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to:

Expand Your Network: Connect with a diverse group of professionals, potential clients, and collaborators from various industries.
Generate Qualified Referrals: Access to a pool of referrals that can lead to new business opportunities and partnerships.
Build Trust and Credibility: Establish yourself as a trusted resource within the community by consistently providing and receiving valuable referrals.
Enhance Visibility: Increase your business’s visibility and brand awareness among a targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers.
Learn and Grow: Gain insights from industry experts and peers that can help you refine your networking skills and business strategies.
Accelerate Business Growth: Leverage the power of referrals to accelerate your business growth and achieve your professional goals.
Supportive Community: Join a supportive community of like-minded professionals who are invested in each other’s success and willing to collaborate.

G12 Selekt Meeting Agenda

Welcome and Introduction
Member Introductions and Business Pitches
Referral Exchange and Networking
Discussion on Group Goals and Future Meetings
Q&A and Closing Remarks

The meeting fee includes a fabulous cooked breakfast with a vegetarian and vegan option all with ample tea and coffee all cooked for us – what could be better than that.

Also, any refunds will be by request only, the chances are if you’ve said that you’re coming and have paid then we will have paid for your refreshments in advance – we hope you understand.

Note: Right of admission is reserved, registering delegates will be screened to ensure the correct audience is in attendance.

G12 Selekt Business Referral Teign Group

by Alistair Gleave

November 7, 2024

Join us on Wednesday 8th January from 9.30 am at the Dolphin Hotel in Bovey Tracey for our New Year G12 Selekt Business Networking Referral event.

We’ve expanded this successful format to now offer a Selekt Business Referral group as well as our usual last Wednesday of the month business networking event – October event is here.

For this second G12 Selekt meeting, you’re invited to join other business professionals in our community, who contribute to the mutual success of all members.

The meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to:

Expand Your Network: Connect with a diverse group of professionals, potential clients, and collaborators from various industries.
Generate Qualified Referrals: Access to a pool of referrals that can lead to new business opportunities and partnerships.
Build Trust and Credibility: Establish yourself as a trusted resource within the community by consistently providing and receiving valuable referrals.
Enhance Visibility: Increase your business’s visibility and brand awareness among a targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers.
Learn and Grow: Gain insights from industry experts and peers that can help you refine your networking skills and business strategies.
Accelerate Business Growth: Leverage the power of referrals to accelerate your business growth and achieve your professional goals.
Supportive Community: Join a supportive community of like-minded professionals who are invested in each other’s success and willing to collaborate.

G12 Selekt Meeting Agenda

Welcome and Introduction
Member Introductions and Business Pitches
Referral Exchange and Networking
Discussion on Group Goals and Future Meetings
Q&A and Closing Remarks

The meeting fee includes a fabulous cooked breakfast with a vegetarian and vegan option all with ample tea and coffee all cooked for us – what could be better than that.

Also, any refunds will be by request only, the chances are if you’ve said that you’re coming and have paid then we will have paid for your refreshments in advance – we hope you understand.

Note: Right of admission is reserved, registering delegates will be screened to ensure the correct audience is in attendance.

New Year Big Business Networking

by Alistair Gleave

November 6, 2024

Join us on Wednesday 29th January from 9.30 am at The Bucket and Spade in Coast View Holiday Park, Shaldon for our January 25 Business Networking event.

G12 Business Networking in Devon is aiming to be the best business network you can attend, it doesn’t matter if you’re a startup, sole trader, entrepreneur or a member of a larger team, you’ll love the relaxed, informal environment.

As always we will be working to our meeting format that includes three guaranteed 10 min 1-2-1 conversations with people you choose – this unlocks so many great opportunities!

G12 has no membership fees and no compulsory attendance or forced referrals its just great networking and an opportunity to meet lots of other local business people. So why not come along and join this vibrant group, we’d love to meet you…

Agenda for our New Year G12 Business Networking Meeting

Arrive at 9.30am

9.30 – 9.55 Open Networking & 60 seconds

9.55 – 10.10 Breakfast is served

10.10 – 10.20 completion of the 60 second round

10.30 – Our speaker is Paul from Backworld who will be talking about alternative seating and why you don’t need a backrest.

10.30 – 11.20am further networking 1-2-1 opportunity and close

This includes a fabulous cooked breakfast with a vegetarian and vegan option all with ample tea and coffee all cooked for us – what could be better than that!

We’d love to meet you at the next Glorious 12th+ meeting, we always try to keep the costs to a minimum so all members get maximum value hence why there may be a pay online price and pay on the door price which could be different. Also, any refunds will be by request only, the chances are if you’ve said that you’re coming and have paid then we will have paid for your refreshments in advance – we hope you understand.

Note: Right of admission is reserved, registering delegates will be screened to ensure the correct audience is in attendance.

G12 Business Networking Christmas Lunch

by Alistair Gleave

November 4, 2024

Join us on December 18th, 12-2 pm for our end-of-year business networking lunch and a delicious Christmas lunch at The Dolphin Hotel, Bovey Tracey.

For our end-of-year festive lunch we will be starting at midday with Tea and Coffee on arrival and free networking until a delicious Christmas lunch which will begin serving at 12.30.

Join us in supporting the Devon Clinic, our Charity of the Year!

This year why not make a difference by attending our Christmas dinner and participating in our prize draw, where all proceeds will be dedicated to helping victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DVSA). Your contribution can truly transform lives and provide essential support to those in need during these challenging times.

Let’s come together to spread hope for those who need it most this festive season with the Devon Clinic.

Christmas prizes so far include:

1 x Free ticket to a G12 Business Big Breakfast Networking event in 2025 kindly donated by Gleave Media
1 x Lockable medicine box kindly donated by G3 Promotions
Wine Box kindly donated by Dawes Accountants
Photography tuition voucher kindly donated by Tony Cobley Photography
Full body massage kindly donated by The Devon Clinic
An Allergy test kindly donated by The Devon Clinic Allergy Nurse
2 x Crackshot Range Vouchers kindly donated by Crackshot.
A £20 and a £25 M&S voucher 1 from the Devon Clinic 1 from BNI
A gift box of home made “goodies” (?) RRP £25 from BNI
2 sessions of Bowen technique (great for bad backs) from The Devon Clinic
A 21″ monitor from Ponticello IT services
4 hours free gardening with Ash & Bloom gardening services
A round of golf at Caymen Golf Course Brixham from The Devon Clinic
A bottle of Pink Gin from Sarah White VA
A bottle of Borsao Red Wine from Jo Mottershead
A bottle of Single Malt Whisky from Westcotts Chartered Accountants

The Dolphin Hotel in Bovey Tracey is famous for its warm welcome, beautiful course, and delicious food and this Christmas is no different for our two-course Christmas lunch.

Mains
Traditional Roast Turkey served with all the festive trimmings, pigs in blanket, stuffing and gravy
or
Warm goats cheese, candied pecan & crispy potato salad with mango, chilli & lime dressing (vgo/gfo)

Both options are served with crispy roast potatoes, roast parsnips, brussels sprouts with leeks & chestnuts, balsamic roasted carrots, and festive spiced red cabbage.

Dessert
Apple, cranberry & mulled wine crumble with Dartmoor vanilla ice cream.

So please come and join us for our festive event, lovely food, great people and we’ll also have some Christmas surprises thrown in as well.

Note: Right of admission is reserved, registering delegates will be screened to ensure the correct audience is in attendance.

News

Streamlining Our Business Networking Events with Ticket Tailor: Why You Should Consider It for Your Events

by G12 Marketing

August 21, 2024

When it comes to organizing business networking events, efficiency and ease of use are key. That’s why, we’ve chosen to manage our event ticketing through Ticket Tailor, a platform that has truly simplified our event management process.

If you’ve ever attended one of our events, you’ve experienced firsthand how smooth the registration process is. From buying tickets to receiving event reminders, Ticket Tailor ensures everything runs seamlessly, allowing us to focus on what matters most—facilitating meaningful connections among our members.

But Ticket Tailor isn’t just easy for us as organizers; it’s designed with attendees in mind too. The user-friendly interface makes it simple for anyone to purchase tickets, whether they’re tech-savvy or not. Plus, with no unnecessary fees tacked on to the ticket price, it remains a cost-effective option for everyone involved.

One of the standout features of Ticket Tailor is its flexibility. It allows us to customize the ticketing process to fit the unique needs of each event we host. Whether we’re organizing a small, intimate gathering or a large-scale networking conference, Ticket Tailor scales with us, offering the tools and support we need every step of the way.

For those managing events, another major benefit of Ticket Tailor is the detailed reporting and analytics it provides. This feature gives us valuable insights into ticket sales, attendee demographics, and overall event performance, helping us make informed decisions for future events.

If you’re involved in organizing events—whether for business networking, community groups, or any other type of gathering—we highly recommend giving Ticket Tailor a try. The platform’s simplicity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal solution for anyone looking to streamline their event management process.

Ready to see how Ticket Tailor can benefit your events? Visit Ticket Tailor’s website and discover how easy it is to get started. We’ve been thrilled with our experience, and we’re confident you will be too!

By choosing Ticket Tailor, we’ve not only enhanced the experience for our attendees but also made event management a breeze for our team. We’re excited to continue using this platform as we grow and expand our networking opportunities, and we encourage you to explore what Ticket Tailor can do for your events.

How to Ask for a Referral at a Business Networking Meeting

G12 Selekt Bovey Tracey March Teign group

G12 Selekt March Buckfastleigh Abbey Group

Exciting Updates for G12 Business Club Events in 2025

G12 Selekt Buckfastleigh Abbey Group

G12 Selekt Bovey Tracey February Teign Group

G12 Selekt Business Referral Teign Group

New Year Big Business Networking

G12 Business Networking Christmas Lunch

Streamlining Our Business Networking Events with Ticket Tailor: Why You Should Consider It for Your Events

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