I’ve been looking back at 2021 and realised most of the business I’ve given and received has come from being in our local SAM Networking Ltd group. Not only have they given Portel business but they’ve also given me support and friendship, a reason to get up, dress up and turn up every Friday even in the early morning grim winter weather (Welcome to Yorkshire !). It’s always a warm welcome and lots of valuable interaction. Yes 2021 has been the worst of times but its also been the best of times, partly due to Samantha Hartley and her brilliant idea to set up SAM Networking Ltd
Halifax
EVERY THURSDAY | 7.15AM – 9AM
Our Halifax group is held at Cedar Court, as it’s right on the border between Halifax and Huddersfield. Find the Cedar Court at Ainley Top, Lindley Moor Road, Hudderfield HD3 3RH. Literally 2 minutes from the M62, junction 24.
SAM Business Expos
My Expos are a little different to all the others.
Firstly, if it says 10am until 3pm. That’s precisely what happens. You can be safe in the knowledge that if you want to rock up at 2.30pm, then you can and we will all still be there, waiting to greet you!
Secondly, there won’t be oodles of the same types of business. Nobody wants to visit an Expo and be faced with 42 web developers or 17 solicitors, and the like. There will never be more than 2 or 3 of the same sector. Makes it interesting for everyone exhibiting and everyone visiting.
You can learn stuff too > There’ll be a bunch of seminars you can attend – keep checking back here for updates, or pop along to Eventbrite.
Networking > Make sure you allow a good few hours, as the 89 exhibitors are across 3 rooms, so you’ll need to make sure you have plenty of business cards and a lot of stamina to do lots of networking!
FREE PARKING > Thought it does get busy. The hotel staff will be available to help you find a space.
FREE BAG TO CARRY ALL YOUR MERCH > Collect this on arrival, along with a brochure explaining what’s what and where you can find everyone.
FOOD > The hotel have a restaurant on the ground floor, so if you want to make a day of it, grab a bite to eat, a coffee or something stronger, to keep you going!
FANCY A STAND TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS?
Then drop me a line at your earliest convenience. Email me at sam@sam-networking.co.uk Of the 89 available, only a handful remain and this is because it’s gained a lot of followers over the last 4 years, making it the ‘go-to’ Expo in the region.
See you there, Sam!
SAM
Socials
At SAM, we’re super social and find that the better we get to know each other, the more the referrals come flying in. We have lots of get togethers throughout the year. After the Business EXPO in April, we celebrate our busy day of connecting by relaxing with a few beers.
Then the Summer party BBQ is getting bigger each year, with more and more members attending. We have a live band (a few members are in different bands), lots of yummy food and lots of refreshments! So far, the weather has been kind too!
Christmas time brings another party. All groups join forces to round off the year and enjoy a Christmas lunch, drinks, fun quizzes and awards for the best attended to name but a few!
SAM
Charity
We love to support local charities here at SAM and lots of the local ones enjoy FREE membership and visit the meetings on a regular basis. This gives them access to a massive support system and lots of business professionals to lean on and collaborate with.
Many of our members love to undertake their own fund-raising activities too for our charities. We’ve had members throw themselves out of aeroplanes, do wing walks, whilst others took part in a wheelchair race to demonstrate how tough it is to have a disability. This year, one member is undertaking the rather gruelling London marathon! Also, in the depths of Winter, a few members are sleeping rough for 24 to support the homeless.
We have many events too with our charities. Charity balls, golf days, you name it, anything goes and everyone is happy to get involved. Our last charity ball, the Monster Mash, raised over £17,500. How fabulous is that?!
Check Out Our Members
A conglomeration of extremely pleasant, local, very experienced and inspirational professionals (some start-ups too), motivating each other to do business, referring genuine potential business partners to each other through an enormous network of contacts and simply supporting one other with advice and wisdom when things can get tough.
All peppered with a little humour (who wants to attend a miserable business meeting?!) and some members just choosing to have a catch-up over a delicious breakfast/lunch and a cup of fresh coffee. Whatever works for you.
Why Businesses Love Sam Networking
Portel AV
I joined SAM Networking about three months ago and was warmly welcomed into the group. Now on a Friday morning, we meet up and have fun while we support each other in business. Sam’s unique approach to networking is non-stuffy and comical and yet the basic principles for effective networking are observed. Friday mornings are now like being able to wrap a big coat of support around you in a meeting style like no other.
Credere Solutions
What a refreshing group this is – such a lovely mix and the informal style is brilliant. Connections were formed pretty much instantly. As a total plus – Sam is hilarious and has a real passion for the group and helping people.
MINT HR
A networking group like no other – SAM Networking facilitates genuine connections and stellar referrals between local businesses. As the youngest member of the group, I felt daunted by the whole concept of networking prior to joining, yet since taking the plunge I have attained a large proportion of my business from my fellow SAM networkers, gained confidence in public speaking, and built strong relationships with individuals who are experts in their field. No one week is ever the same at SAM Networking, and if you were looking for a sign to join, this is it!
Did I forget to mention the full English and unlimited coffees every single week?
Financial Adviser at Yiota Wilkinson Wealth Management Ltd
When I started my business in 2020, networking was totally new to me as I had never had to do it before, plus I didn’t even know where to start!
I joined one well known group that came highly recommended but I found that unfortunately it wasn’t for me, but then someone introduced me to Sam Hartley who runs SAM Marketing, and I just knew straight away that not only had I found my ‘forever home’ networking group and I had found a fantastic friend too!
The group is so supportive of one another and meeting up every Thursday morning (very early!) has become breakfast with friends.
We laugh (and sometimes cry) because it is that sort of group where we can be open and honest with each other and I love that.
There are no hidden agendas, no chuffin’ divas, no backstabbing or one-upmanship (Sam just wouldn’t stand for that), just caring people who want to help each other personally and their businesses – that’s down to the way Sam runs the group and I love it!
GRK-VA