I joined SAM Networking initially because I needed to broaden my client base over Halifax way – it was purely transactional. It very quickly became apparent that SAM Networking is so much more than what I anticipated. The group is inclusive, supportive, fun, engaging – everyone is just decent – in it for the group – not just for themselves. I’ve won a ton of business but for me that’s not what is truly important – it’s the caring element – everyone has got your back and wants you to succeed. This is down to the individuals within the group but this wouldn’t be possible without the amazing Sam. She spots the individuals who will work well within the group – markets it superbly (she is a marketer so it would be a crying shame if she couldn’t do this bit well) and does this with a chuffing smile on her face. Would highly recommend this group to anyone (unless you work in HR in which case you can do one!)
Online
EVERY TUESDAY | 8AM – 9AM
This group is free to attend and meets every Tuesday between 8am and 9am on Zoom.
SAM Business Expos
My Expos are a little different to others you may have visited. I have over 60 businesses all under one roof and no more than TWO of any sector – which makes it a much better and more interesting experience for delegates and exhibitors alike!
It’s FREE to attend and always will be, including FREE onsite parking.
WANT TO BE ONE OF 65 BUSINESS EXHIBITING? Then drop Sam a line at sam@sam-networking.co.uk for details on cost, expected traffic, etc.
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
MINT HR
SAM Networking is the best informal networking group! I only started my role at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice last year, and I’d never networked before – so I was definitely nervous to start. I joined the SAM Networking Bradford/Leeds group and I feel like my confidence has massively grown! The group is so friendly and we all have a laugh, which makes everything much more natural and fun. I have gained some great professional relationships and friends through this group, it’s the perfect way to start my Wednesday! Sam is very welcoming, encouraging and supportive – I couldn’t recommend her/SAM Networking highly enough.
Forget Me Not Child
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
Sam’s Networking Meetings are a breath of fresh air. I’ve been to many networking groups over the years, and have found most of them a bit too full on & regimented. SAM networking is a much friendlier, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, where everyone is made to feel part of the ‘Family’. I would recommend it to anyone in business that wants to grow their network in a fun, friendly, yet professional manner.
SwiftPrint
I’d been invited a few times to visit SAM Networking and did wonder why it was getting so much attention. I am so glad I took the plunge and visited the Leeds/Bradford group. Within a few months I was giving and getting referrals and earned over £15,000 in my first year. SAM is the heart of what proper networking is all about. You don’t have to be bat sh*t crazy but it helps!
Sense of Numbers and UW Partner