Successful networking groups don’t thrive because of one big idea or a single standout personality. They succeed because they do lots of small things consistently well. On their own, these behaviours can seem insignificant: how meetings are run, how members engage, how newcomers are welcomed. But together, these small details compound to create trust, energy, and momentum. One of the most overlooked of these habits is something incredibly simple: where members choose to sit. Over time, seating shapes conversations, relationships, and how value flows through the group, often far more than people realise.

In one group I worked with, I noticed that the same four or five people always sat together. For them it was comfortable, familiar, predictable. For other members they were perceived as a clique and for visitors it made the group feel like a club. Then, the leadership team encouraged everyone to rotate seats, and things started to change. Members had the opportunity spend time interacting with new people. Conversations sparked in unexpected ways. Referrals started crossing the room. Energy and engagement soared.

In networking, where you sit each week isn’t just a habit, it’s a strategy stemming from a culture of inclusivity. Different seat. Different people. Different opportunities. Same seat. Same people. Missed opportunities. When you step out of your comfort zone and spend time with different people, you can help your group grow, and in turn you and your company will thrive.