Talk business to me
by Metropol | June 10, 2026 8:33 am
Canterbury has a plethora of business networking groups that are quietly getting on with the job of helping local businesses thrive. Local businesswoman Felicia Forbes, the founder of networking group Tag Circle Collab, reveals the what, where and why of local business networking.
Whether you’re looking for mentors, sales leads, moral support, local knowledge, advice, socialising, or sounding boards, joining a local business networking group could be the answer. Here in Canterbury, there are as many different types of groups as there are types of business. From Upstream to BNI, Exec Women in Tech, and Talk Business Networking, hundreds of local groups get together every month, all with the same purpose: helping local businesses thrive.
One of the newest networking groups is Tag Circle Collab, started by Felicia Forbes at the end of 2024 and aimed at sole traders and startups. We sat down with Felicia for a walk through the landscape of business networking in Canterbury.
Felicia, how long have you been networking, and what got you started?
I’ve been in business for going on seven years through my web design studio Tag Design, and networking has been part of the landscape for most of that time. I’ve tried several groups over the years; the big structured ones, the casual coffee catch-ups, BNI-style referral groups, and I kept noticing the same gap. The conversations were either too transactional or too superficial. I wanted something in between: a space where people actually talk about what’s going on in their business, the real stuff, without the sales pitch energy.
What are the benefits of networking for small business owners?
The obvious ones are referrals and visibility, and those do happen. But honestly, the deeper benefit is perspective. When you’re a solopreneur, sole trader, or small business owner, you spend a lot of time in your own head. A good, like-minded group gives you a sounding board, a dose of reality, and occasionally someone who’s already navigated exactly what you’re stuck on. The ROI isn’t always a new client. Sometimes it’s leaving a session thinking more clearly than when you walked in.
How many types of networking groups are there in Canterbury?
There’s a good range. You’ve got the large, structured groups like BNI, which run on strict referral systems and weekly attendance commitments. You’ve got Chamber of Commerce events that are great for broader industry visibility. Then there are informal coffee groups, women-in-business collectives, industry-specific groups, and online communities. The difference really comes down to format, commitment level, and culture. Some are very transactional; others are more community-led. It’s worth visiting a few before you commit.
What should someone consider before joining a business networking group?
Most groups have a time commitment. Weekly or fortnightly is common, so think about what’s sustainable for you long-term. Some have membership fees, others are free or pay-as-you-go. Some are industry-specific, others are open. But more than logistics, I’d say go in with realistic expectations. You won’t get a new client on day one. The value builds over time as people get to know you, trust you, and think of you when opportunities arise. Consistency, charisma, and a decent sense of humour will get you a long way. Honestly, the groups worth being in are the ones where you can laugh as much as you learn.
When did you start Tag Circle Collab, and what was the inspiration?
I started Tag Circle Collab about 18 months ago. It grew out of my time facilitating for another networking group. The people in that group encouraged me to start something of my own. So I did. The Richmond Club became our home, we meet fortnightly on Wednesday mornings. The philosophy is ‘keep it warm, keep it genuine, and make it a space where people actually talk.’ The goal is to grow to two groups of around 18 members each, so big enough to have diversity of experience, but small enough that everyone knows your name. Because at the end of the day, business is better together.
What do you love most about it?
The conversations that go places nobody expected. Someone will share a challenge they’ve been carrying quietly for weeks, and three other people in the room will have either lived it or have something genuinely useful to offer. There’s a particular kind of energy when a group is small enough to be honest with each other and that’s what we’ve built. I also love that people leave feeling lighter and more motivated than when they arrived. That’s the whole point, really.
For more information, go to tagcircle.nz.
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Three top tips for getting the most out of a networking group:
- Show up consistently, even when you’re busy. The people who get the most out of any group are the regulars. Relationships are built through repeated contact, not one impressive introduction.
- Come to contribute, not just to collect. The groups that work well are the ones where everyone brings something: an idea, a question, a referral, a piece of honest feedback. If you approach it generously, that generosity comes back to you.
- Be honest about where you actually are. The temptation is to present your highlight reel. But the most valuable conversations happen when someone says, “I’m really stuck on this” because that’s when the room actually shows up for you.
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