Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn Local Barnet

What is LinkedIn Local Barnet (LLB)?

LLB is a monthly networking group for local Barnet entrepreneurs and independent traders. We’re all about making genuine connections, exchanging leads, and supporting each other’s business growth. No corporate nonsense, just real people building real relationships.
We launched because North London needed an affordable networking option. After 15 years in business networking, I saw too many groups charging hefty monthly subscriptions. We’re doing things differently.

Who runs LLB?

I’m Nish Thenuwara, founder and organiser. I run a digital marketing agency specialising in WordPress SEO, Local SEO, and website building. My co-hosts, Julian Coleman from Julian Coleman Photography. We’re passionate about creating a space where local businesses can thrive together.

What makes LLB different from other networking groups?

Flexibility and value. You can pay £15 per meeting with no commitment, or subscribe monthly at £12 to secure your spot. Go annual at £120 and you’re paying just £10 per meeting, saving £24 across the year.
Subscribers get exclusive benefits including business category exclusivity. That means if you’re the accountant in our group, you’re the accountant. No competition for referrals within the room.
We’re also genuinely focused on the Barnet community. This isn’t a franchise model where your money disappears to head office. Everything stays local.

When do you meet?

First Thursday of every month, 9am to 11am.
Mark your calendar now. Consistency matters in networking, so we stick to this schedule religiously.

Where do you meet?

The Prince of Wales pub
2 Church Hill Rd
East Barnet
EN4 8TB

How do I pay?

Payment online for each meeting or subscribe monthly or yearly. We keep it straightforward.

Is free parking there?

Yes, there’s free parking available at the venue. East Barnet also has good transport links if you’re coming by public transport.

What’s the meeting format?

We run a tight schedule so you get maximum value: You will receive full detail schedule after registration. You get time to pitch your business, hear what others do, and most importantly, have proper conversations with people who might become clients, suppliers, or collaborators.

What happens during business pitches?

Everyone gets a chance to introduce themselves and their business. Keep it brief and genuine. Tell us what you do, who your ideal client is, and how people can help you.
This isn’t Dragon’s Den. Nobody’s judging your presentation skills. We just want to know how we can support each other.

Are refreshments provided?

Yes. Tea, coffee, and light refreshments are included in your £15 fee. Ana makes sure we’re well looked after.

Will there be photography?

Julian Coleman provides professional photography services at our events. Photos are great for your social media and website. If you’d prefer not to be photographed, just let us know on the day.

Is LLB right for my business?

Are you an entrepreneur or independent trader based in or serving the Barnet area? Then yes, absolutely.
We’ve had everyone from web designers to accountants, from coaches to tradespeople. Our first meeting attracted 26 local business owners, all bringing different skills and needs.
The magic happens when diverse businesses come together. Your ideal client might be in the room, or someone might know them.

I’m new to networking. Will I feel comfortable?

Definitely. We remember what it’s like to walk into your first networking event. We create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where everyone belongs.
New members often tell us they were nervous beforehand but felt at ease within minutes. We introduce you around and make sure you’re not standing alone.

Do I need to attend every meeting?

No pressure. That’s the whole point of our pay-as-you-go model.
Come when it works for you. That said, networking works best when you show up consistently. Relationships take time to build.

Can I bring a guest?

Yes, but they’ll need to register and pay the £15 fee. We keep numbers manageable so everyone gets quality networking time.

I’m not on LinkedIn. Can I still attend?

Of course. While we’re called LinkedIn Local Barnet, you don’t need a LinkedIn account to benefit from face-to-face networking.
Though honestly, LinkedIn is brilliant for local business connections. Happy to chat about setting up your profile if you’re interested.

When do registrations open?

We typically always keep registrations open. We’ll announce this on our website and social channels.

Is there a limit on numbers?

We aim to keep meetings at a size where everyone can have meaningful conversations. If a meeting fills up, we’ll let you know and add you to the waiting list.

Can I cancel if I can’t make it?

Life happens. We get it. If you need to cancel, let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on the waiting list and your registration is valid for the following month.

What if I have specific access requirements?

Speak to one of our organisers. We’ll do everything we can to accommodate your needs and make sure you can participate fully.

What should I bring?

Business cards are handy, though not essential. Most importantly, bring your genuine self and a willingness to help others.
A notepad can be useful for jotting down follow-up actions, but your phone works just as well.

What should I wear?

Whatever makes you feel professional and comfortable. We’re not stuffy. Some people wear suits, others wear smart casual. Just be yourself.

How do I make the most of networking?

Listen more than you talk. Ask people about their business and their challenges. Look for ways to help them, not just sell to them.
The best networkers give referrals before they get them. Be that person.
Follow up after the meeting. A quick message saying “great to meet you” goes a long way. Even better if you can connect them with someone useful.

Should I prepare anything before attending?

Think about your elevator pitch. What do you do? Who’s your ideal client? How can people help you?
Also think about what you’re looking for. A specific type of client? A supplier? A collaboration partner? Being clear helps others help you.

Can I promote my business at the event?

Your pitch time is your chance to share what you do. Beyond that, networking is about building relationships, not hard selling. We also offer spotlight business every month to our regular attendees.
If someone’s genuinely interested in your services, great. But nobody likes being ambushed with a sales pitch over coffee.

What hashtags should I use?

#LLBBarnet is our main hashtag.
Also use #LinkedInLocalBarnet, #BarnetBusiness, #NetworkingBarnet, #NorthLondonNetworking, and LLBCommunity.
Tag us in your posts. We love seeing your updates and sharing them with our community.

Do you have a Facebook group or online community?

Yes! We’ve got several ways to stay connected:
WhatsApp Group – Quick way to share updates, pass leads, and keep the conversation going between meetings
Email Newsletter – Regular updates about meetings, member news, and local events
LinkedIn Group – Join our private LinkedIn group to stay tunned.
Facebook Business Page – If you’re more active on FB and Instagarm, why not join these social channels.

Can I sponsor or support LLB?

Absolutely. We offer sponsorship opportunities for businesses wanting greater visibility:
Meeting Sponsorship – Have your pop-up banner displayed at a meeting with additional promotional benefits
Newsletter Feature – Premium placement in our monthly newsletter reaching 2,500 local businesses
Get in touch through our website to discuss options and pricing.

Can I volunteer or help out?

Love this energy! We’re always grateful for people who want to contribute to our community. Reach out and let’s chat about how you can get involved.

What are the benefits of subscribing?

Subscribers get exclusive perks that make their LLB membership more valuable:
Business Category Exclusivity – Lock out your business category so you’re the only one in that field. First come, first served
Website Profile Page – Your own dedicated page on linkedinlocalbarnet.co.uk with full business details and contact information
Spotlight Business of the Month – Featured position on our website and special recognition at meetings on a rotating basis
Newsletter Highlight – Profile feature with direct link to your website, reaching 2,500 local businesses
Automatic Booking – No need to remember to register each month. Your spot is secured
Annual subscribers save £24 across the year, working out to just £10 per meeting.

How does business category exclusivity work?

This is our headline subscriber benefit. When you subscribe, you lock out your business category. That means no other business in the same field can subscribe while you’re a member.
If you’re the accountant in our group, you’re the accountant. No competition for referrals within the room.
It works on a first come, first served basis, so early commitment secures your category. Non-subscribers can still attend meetings in any category on a pay-as-you-go basis, but they don’t get the exclusivity protection.
Thinking about subscribing? Check your category is available and lock it in before someone else does.

What are the Evening Socials?

Starting February 2026, we’re running free monthly evening socials at The Prince of Wales. These kick off at 7pm with no strict finish time. Stay as long as the conversation flows.
The idea is simple: give members another touchpoint to build relationships in a more relaxed setting. No pitches, no structure, just good conversation over drinks.
These are free to attend. We’ll announce dates through our newsletter and WhatsApp group.

What are 1-2-1 Networking Lunches?

Sometimes you need more than a quick chat at a networking event. Our 1-2-1 networking lunches give you a structured opportunity to have deeper conversations with fellow members.
We’ve worked with The Prince of Wales to offer members a reduced rate on lunch bookings. It’s a great way to explore potential collaborations, understand each other’s businesses better, or simply build a stronger connection.
Pricing details are available at our monthly meetings or through our newsletter.

How does leads sharing work?

One of the biggest benefits of belonging to a networking group is sharing referrals. When you come across an opportunity that’s not right for you but perfect for a fellow member, now you’ve got a direct channel to share it.
Members can share and receive leads through our community channels. It strengthens the value of membership for everyone and means good opportunities don’t go to waste. The best networkers give referrals before they get them. Be that person.

Do I have to subscribe or can I just pay per meeting?

Totally up to you. We’ve designed LLB to work however suits you best.
Pay-as-you-go at £15 per meeting keeps things flexible. Come when it works for you, no commitment required. This is perfect for newcomers or anyone who can’t make every meeting.
Subscriptions make sense if you’re attending regularly and want the extra benefits like category exclusivity and website profile. The annual option at £120 also saves you £24 across the year.
Start pay-as-you-go, see if LLB is right for you, and upgrade to a subscription whenever you’re ready.

Ready to join us?

Register for the next meeting. We can’t wait to meet you and help your business grow.

See you on the first Thursday of the month.

LinkedIn Local Barnet
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