How to set up a Netwalking Group

Pick a route and actually walk it to see if there are issues with safety, noise etc.

For a leisurely one hour netwalk, you could use either a circular (1.5 miles to 2 miles) or a linear (0.75 miles to 1 mile with retracing your steps) route. This could be near the city centre where there are offices and/or near parking for those coming from further away. My route is a bit short so we actually have a break and stand whilst chatting at the halfway mark but it ticks all the other boxes so I have stuck with it.

When choosing a netwalking route look out for:

• Paved paths with good drainage so a change of footwear is not essential after wet weather.
• Wide paths and away from traffic noise so groups of three or four people can talk.
• Walkways by rivers are a good option if the footpath is wide enough, fenced off and dry. Large parks would also be good if the paths are suitable and the traffic noise isn't too loud.
• South facing is an advantage for sunshine on a winters day, very good for well being.
• Sheltered from the wind is also an advantage.
• Cycle paths are obviously not suitable unless they have very few cyclists using them and have good visibility so any cyclists can you walking.

Pick a time and date and be consistent.

• Does it fit with your schedule so you can attend every walk?
• Does it clash with existing networking events in the area?
• Early mornings - can be popular but will clash with the school run for some people, plus dark in the winter.
• Mid mornings or afternoons are a possibility.
• Lunchtime (my choice) - a natural time to take a break from their desks and people traveling from elsewhere can fit in meetings either side of the walk. Suitable for (self employed) parents who need to do the school run.
• Evenings - probably the worst time to chose some people just want to go home after work plus will be dark in the winter.
• How often? Once or twice a month is probably best.

Take some nice photos of the route to entice people away from their desk/daily routine.

Set up an Eventbrite page use the best photo of the route.

Generally people need at least two weeks notice but you may get last minute bookings from those who find they are in the area or have a gap in their schedule. I usually have three events listed. If you are a member of the local Chamber of Commerce they may have an events listing you could add your event to.

• The weather is the biggest problem so have a plan B, a dry indoor location in case the weather is too wet or windy so walking would not be enjoyable. You can still meet up and people can still talk (network) even if they can't walk.
• The second problem are the no shows, the people that register but then forget or don't let you know they have changed their plans. I usually wait 5 minutes before we start walking and tell people the route so if they are running late they can catch up.
• Keep a record of attendees for the next event.
• So you know who to expect/ wait for, you will get some no shows but as people start to know and respect you, they will inform you if they can't make it.
• Also you can inform them if you are switching to plan B due to the weather or making any other changes.
• If I can connect with them on LinkedIn, I send out a reminder message a few days before. People are more likely to let you know their plans have changed if you contact them.
• Make a post about your netwalking event on LinkedIn at least a couple of weeks in advance add your eventbrite link to the comments. Tag it with the name of your city #Dundee plus #networking and #netwalking.
• Don't forget to make another post about the event afterwards perhaps list and tag those who attended and mention the dates of upcoming walks.
• You can also set up a Netwalking Group on LinkedIn and invite people that actually attend to join. An easy way to keep track of individuals in the area who are interested plus they can keep in touch with each other.

Happy Netwalking, any questions do get in touch.