Online networking group for a niche community

Self-employed people and small business owners who like the idea of networking but struggle to fit in early morning or travel-heavy meetings.

Monthly or annual membership fees, plus possible paid extras such as speaker sessions or workshops. Costs are low, so a modest number of members can cover them.

• Hosting and facilitating group conversations
• Comfortable with video and online tools
• Building a community through social media
• Organised follow-up with members

• Data protection: check ICO fee requirements and how you handle members' details
• Public liability or professional indemnity insurance, check whether it suits an online group
• Online groups can be easy for members to drop, so plan how to keep sessions useful
• Check the terms of any platform you use before you charge for access

Startup costs are typically around £100 to £800, depending on the tools, marketing and insurance you choose. Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on member numbers and fees. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check ICO fee requirements and how you handle members' details. Check whether public liability or professional indemnity insurance suits an online group, and read the terms of any platform you use before you charge for access.

Skills typically include hosting group conversations, using video and online tools, building a community through social media and following up with members. Estimates suggest at least around 5 hours a week. Plan how to keep sessions useful so members stay.