Where to Network When Starting a Side Hustle

If you've decided to , you've probably been told you need to "get out there and network." But the world of business networking can feel overwhelming. There are breakfast meetings, evening socials, structured groups, and casual meetups. With so many options, it's easy to feel lost before you even begin. Do you need an invitation? Is there a fee? Are you even the right fit?

Let's break down the different kinds of networking opportunities out there. This isn't about finding a single "perfect" event, but about understanding the landscape so you can choose what’s right for your new or venture.

First, Know What You're Looking For

Before you start signing up for events, take a moment to think about your own goals. Being clear on what you want will help you filter through the noise, which is especially important when you're and your time is precious.

Ask yourself a few key questions:

• Are you looking for direct clients, potential referral partners, mentors, or suppliers for your ?
• Do you need to connect with people in your local town, or are you aiming for a regional or even national reach?
• Do you prefer a formal, structured environment with suits and ties, or a more laid-back, creative atmosphere?
• Are you comfortable with a free-flowing chat, or do you thrive with a set agenda and clear rules?
• Are you looking for free events, or are you willing to invest in a paid membership?

Once you have a rough idea, you can start exploring. The best part is that you can try most options as a guest before making any commitments.

Start in Your Own Backyard

Even if you have ambitions to go national, starting local is a smart move. Local networking events are a great place to build your confidence in a supportive environment. People tend to be supportive of their own community, and getting involved locally provides a solid foundation for all your future networking activities.

You can find these groups by asking other local business owners, checking community newspapers, or doing a simple Google search for "business networking [your town]."

Stop Searching for the "Perfect" Prospect

Don’t get bogged down trying to find the one event where all your ideal clients are hiding. Think about it like a big brand running a TV commercial for a sofa. Most people who see that ad aren't in the market for a new sofa right now. They might be perfectly happy with theirs.

But thanks to that repeated exposure, when they ready to buy a new one in a few years, that brand will be top of mind.

Networking works the same way. The person you meet today might not need your services, but they might need them next year, or they might know someone who needs them right now. I've seen people find clients for incredibly niche businesses in the most unexpected places. Just get in the game; don't wait on the sidelines for the "perfect" opportunity to appear. For anyone , visibility is the first step.

Should You Pay to Network?

With plenty of free meetups available, you might wonder why anyone would pay to join a networking group. For many who are serious about their , viewing it as a business investment makes all the difference.

Here’s the thing: networking is never truly "free." Your time is your most valuable asset. When you invest money into a membership, a few things happen:

1. If you’ve paid to be somewhere, you’re far more likely to show up consistently and take it seriously.
2. When everyone has a financial stake in the game, attendance is usually more consistent and the members are often more invested in the group's success.
3. You know that everyone else in the group is serious enough about their business to invest in it, too.

That said, many people get tremendous value from free, independent organizations. The best approach is to visit both types. Most paid organizations let you attend as a guest a few times before asking you to join.

Different Kinds of Networking Groups

Beyond paid versus free, networking events come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find referral-focused groups with strict "one person per profession" rules, casual evening socials with speakers, and industry-specific conferences.

A newer trend is co-working. More than just a desk to rent, co-working hubs are built around community. They offer networking on tap, connecting you with a diverse group of freelancers and entrepreneurs. For someone just launching a , the built-in community can be a powerful antidote to the isolation of working from home.

The Ultimate Move: Running Your Own Group

If you’re feeling ambitious, why not start your own networking event? The benefits of running a group are massive. You instantly become a local figurehead and have a platform to showcase your skills. It also provides a fantastic excuse to connect with other businesses—inviting them to your group is a much easier call than a cold sales pitch.

You can either launch your own independent club or partner with an established national organization to start a local chapter. Going it alone gives you complete control, but partnering provides a ready-made format, marketing materials, and a support structure. Either way, it’s a powerful strategy to accelerate your growth and turn a .

It's a Platform, Not a Magic Bullet

No matter which group you join or what event you attend, remember that the organization only provides the platform and the audience. It’s up to you to make the most of it.

Think of it like selling something on eBay. eBay provides a massive audience of potential buyers, but you still have to do the work. You need to clean up the item, take great photos, and write a compelling description that highlights its best features.

Similarly, a networking organization connects you with other professionals. It's your job to show up consistently, articulate what you do clearly, and build genuine relationships. Your success in or growing your depends on the effort you put in to become known, liked, and trusted within that audience.