Networking is one of the most powerful ways to grow your business. It gives you the chance to build trusted relationships, get referrals, and share knowledge and support with like-minded professionals. But if you’ve ever been to a networking event where three accountants, four web designers, and two mortgage brokers are all pitching to the room, you’ll know it can create an air of competition, confusion, and even awkwardness in some cases!
That’s why we run a lockout policy at each of our regional meetings – both Busy Networking, and Busy Women too. It’s a simple system with strong benefits, and it’s one of the reasons our members get such great results. I wanted to take some time this month to talk through the thinking behind the lockout policy, and what it can do for you…
What is our lockout policy?
The lockout policy means that only one person from each business type or profession can be at a meeting of each group, and become a member. For example, once we have an accountant in a particular meeting, no other accountants can join that same group, and they cannot even come along as a visitor. The same applies to every sector, whether it’s photographers, financial services, social media, or anything else.
This means that every person’s expertise and specialism gets to have the spotlight in that meeting, and no-one has to worry about competing with someone offering the same service.
How does it work in practice?
When you sign up as a member of a particular regional group meeting, your business category is locked. That spot is yours for as long as you remain a member, and we don’t allow people to visit that meeting either if their profession is in conflict with yours.
If another person from the same field does enquire about coming along, the meeting lead will have a chat with them about the other Busy groups nearby, where that seat hasn’t been taken, that they might like to try instead.
At the heart of every meeting is one of the core values that I’ve built this network upon: encouraging members to actively support and promote one another. Knowing that they’re not in competition with someone else in the room is a huge part of this process.
Why does it work so well?
1. It removes competition: instead of fighting for the same referrals, you become the go-to expert in your category. Being the only business of your type also makes you more memorable for people in between meetings.
2. It builds trust faster: when people don’t see you as a competitor, they’re more willing to listen, collaborate, and refer work your way.
3. It encourages stronger referrals: because there’s only one representative of each sector, members are less hesitant to try you out - they’re not splitting their loyalty or wondering which person to back.
4. It creates variety in the room: our groups are intentionally diverse. You’ll meet professionals across all sorts of sectors - finance, marketing, beauty, law, wellbeing and more. This mix not only broadens your referral opportunities but also sparks useful conversations and partnerships you might never have thought of.
5. It protects your investment: when you commit your time and money to networking, you want to know you’ll get results. With a lockout policy, you’re not sharing the spotlight with direct competitors – all you have to do is build on that opportunity.
The bigger picture
My intention when I founded this network was to create supportive communities where collaboration thrives. Our members know that when they walk into the room, they’re not facing rivals; they’re surrounded by a host of potential partners and cheerleaders.
With a lockout policy, you get exclusivity, visibility, and a team of people who are motivated to champion your business. It’s a proven system that works for our hundreds of members, and keeps them coming back to renew year after year - and it could work for you too.
All meetings and their members are listed on the respective Busy Networking and Busy Women websites, so you can see where your business might find its perfect fit.
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