GHBNGGreater Hartford Business Networking Group

A Greater Hartford business networking group that doesn’t feel like one.

Greater Hartford business owners, once a month. A small group of owners and operators who meet at a local brewery. Bring a problem from your business — somebody at the table has probably dealt with it, or knows someone who has.

Join us Sep 23 at Urban Lodge Brewing, Manchester, CT →

How it works

Our agenda is simple. Every time, the same three things.

What’s happening out there.

Who’s busy, who’s slow, what’s changed in your industry.

What’s in your way.

A hire, a contract, a vendor, a problem you’ve been sitting on. Somebody at the table has dealt with it.

Who do you know.

Someone you’d refer who isn’t at the table. A good plumber, a bookkeeper, a guy who does signs. That’s how the group grows.

Who’s at the table

Owners and operators from a mix of industries. Contractors, accountants, lawyers, insurance, real estate, marketing, a few others.

Six to ten people. Usually one per profession, but that’s how it’s shaken out, not a rule. A core group that shows up every time, and the people they bring.

People you’d vouch for

That’s how it works. People help each other out, and after a few months you’ve got several you actually know and would put your name behind. Every one of them knows a few more. Work comes out of it regularly.

There’s no membership, no dues, and nothing to apply for. Show up when you can.

A group of business owners from the Hartford area started this a couple of years ago to help each other out. It’s still run the same way.

Questions first? contact@ghbng.com — someone will meet you at the door.

Questions people ask

Is this a referral group?

Not formally. Nobody tracks referrals or attendance. Work comes out of it because people get to know each other.

Do I have to give a pitch?

No. There’s no moment where everyone stands up. People will ask what you do.

How many people come?

Six to ten. We keep it small on purpose.

What actually gets talked about?

What’s going on in the market, problems people are working through, who’s hiring, who’s looking for a good vendor.

What if I don’t know anybody?

Say so and we’ll make introductions. Nobody knew anybody at the start. Email ahead if you’d rather not walk in cold.

What if I can only make it now and then?

Some people make every one, some make four a year. Both are fine. You won’t be starting over.

Can’t make it?

We’ll send you the next date.