A guide, reviewed on 12 November 2026
How a networking chapter works
A chapter is a group of people, usually one from each line of work, who meet at the same time every week to pass each other work. You go once or twice as a visitor before anyone asks you to join.
At a glance
- How often
- Every week, same day and time, often before work.
- Cost to join
- The organiser sets it. Ask before your visit.
- Commitment
- High. Members are expected every week or to send someone in their place.
- Who goes
- Owners of small firms and sole traders, mostly in trades and services.
How a meeting usually runs
A typical early meeting. Each group sets its own order and times, so treat this as a sketch.
- 06:45Open networkingCoffee and talking. Visitors are met at the door and introduced.
- 07:00Sixty seconds eachEveryone stands and says what they do and who they would like to meet this week.
- 07:25One longer slotA member talks about their business for about ten minutes, so the room knows them better.
- 07:40Referrals passedMembers say who they have introduced to whom since last week.
- 08:15CloseVisitors are asked how they found it. Many stay on for a coffee.
The idea is simple: if the electrician in the room meets a client who needs a plumber, they pass the plumber’s name on, and the plumber does the same in return. To keep that fair, many chapters take only one person from each line of work.
Between meetings, members meet in pairs for a one-to-one, to learn enough about each other’s work to recommend it. That is where most of the time goes, not the meeting itself.
Is it for you?
An honest read. Plenty of people try one and find it is not for them, and that is fine.
It suits you if
- You sell to local people or local firms.
- You can keep the same morning free every week.
- You like a set format and knowing who will be there.
Maybe not if
- Your work comes mostly from online or from across the country.
- Your week changes too much to promise a regular slot.
- You would rather meet new people each time.
Words you will hear
Each one explained in a sentence in the glossary.
Weekly groups coming up
Groups that meet every week, listed in the next four weeks. Ask the organiser how to visit.
Tuesday 17 Nov
- 06:45Alton Dragons BNIBreakfast in Alton, 06:45 to 08:30. No ticket price, open to all. Checked 19 Oct
- 08:00Omni Fareham - Business NetworkBreakfast in Fareham, 08:00 to 11:00. No ticket price, open to all. Checked 19 Oct
- 09:15BNI HaslarBreakfast in Gosport, 09:15 to 11:00. No ticket price, open to all. Checked 19 Oct
- 16:00New Forest Business Support HourOnline, 16:00 to 17:00. No ticket price, open to all. Checked 19 Oct
- 16:15BNI Holt Pound GU10After work in Farnham, 16:15 to 17:45. No ticket price, open to all. Checked 19 Oct
- 16:30BNI TadleyAfter work in Tadley, 16:30 to 18:00. No ticket price, open to all. Checked 19 Oct
Wednesday 18 Nov
As listed on hampshire.events on 13 November 2026. Organisers set their own dates and prices, so check with them before you go.
People also ask
Can I go without joining?
Usually, yes. Most chapters welcome a visitor once or twice. Ask the organiser how to book a visit.
Do I have to bring referrals as a visitor?
No. That is asked of members. As a visitor you listen, say your sixty seconds and meet people.
How much does it cost?
The organiser sets it, and it often covers membership and the meetings. Ask before you visit so there are no surprises.
Is a chapter the same as a chamber of commerce?
No. A chamber is a membership body for the businesses of a place, with talks and events of many kinds, and no rule of one person a trade.
More quick answers: What is netwalking, What does a chamber of commerce do, What happens at a business breakfast.
The week ahead, every Monday.
Every event in the county for the next seven days, posted first thing on Monday on LinkedIn and Facebook.