Nov 23, 2025

be; connected: November Networking Night at Barrett’s Alehouse

Local business owners and community leaders building connection, collaboration, and a stronger, more resilient South Shore.

Local business owners and community leaders building connection, collaboration, and a stronger, more resilient South Shore.

Local business owners and community leaders building connection, collaboration, and a stronger, more resilient South Shore.

A candid photograph taken at an indoor social event, showing a group of people socializing around a counter or bar area. In the foreground on the left, a woman in a dark outfit is shaking hands with another woman wearing a light denim jacket. In the middle ground, a man with gray hair in a light blue shirt and a woman in a black and white patterned top are smiling and gesturing enthusiastically. The scene is dimly lit with a warm glow from a wall sconce on the far left.

On November 5th, Barrett’s Alehouse in West Bridgewater hosted the latest be; connected networking event, bringing together small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community members from across the South Shore. The room filled quickly with conversations, introductions, and new collaborations forming in real time. Multiple attendees mentioned it was the first networking night they had been to in years that genuinely felt worth showing up for.

Barrett’s Alehouse helped set that tone. The atmosphere was warm and lively, and the staff clearly cared about the event’s success. As General Manager Luke Morel shared:

“At Barrett’s we try to be involved in as many local community things as possible. We do a lot of sports events and we try to keep it hyperlocal. We haven't done a networking event like this before so we were excited when be; approached us to host it. Barrett’s is super inclusive in the community and everyone is welcome.”

That feeling of openness, relatability, and being surrounded by grounded, everyday movers and shakers made Barrett’s the perfect setting for a be; connected event.

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A candid photograph taken at an indoor social event, possibly a holiday gathering, with hanging green and red ornaments visible in the upper background. In the center, two women are smiling and interacting behind a small, round black table. The woman on the left is laughing and wearing a light-colored top with an ID badge. The woman on the right, with dark, curly hair, is wearing a dark jacket and is gesturing toward the table, which holds a black top hat and some papers. Other people are partially visible and out of focus in the foreground and background.

The Purpose Behind be; connected

Expanding connection beyond the community center.

be; connected is part of the larger mission of be; community, which creates affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ adults and adults with differing abilities. This series broadens that mission and invites the wider business community to participate in a culture built around connection.

The goal is simple and intentional. It gives small business owners a chance to meet people they might never otherwise cross paths with, in a space that feels human and accessible rather than transactional. It is networking in its simplest form. Talking, listening, finding overlap, and discovering opportunities to support one another. It is seeing what you do, what someone else does, and where both can meet to grow.

The mix of attendees reflected that purpose. Real estate agents, creatives, therapists, nonprofit representatives, artisans, and civic organizations filled the room. Some came to promote their work. Others came to find collaborators, share knowledge, or meet their neighbors. The relaxed atmosphere made even the most reserved attendees feel comfortable striking up a conversation.

Be; Events
A photograph taken at an indoor event or restaurant shows a large, colorful vertical banner in the center. The banner features diagonal stripes in rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue) transitioning into darker diagonal stripes. In the middle of the banner is a large black circle with the white text "be;" and a semicolon. In the softly lit background, groups of people are socializing around high black tables and seated in booths. Two large screens on the back wall display the image of a person.
A candid photograph taken at an indoor event, focused on two men smiling and engaging in conversation. The man on the left has a salt-and-pepper beard, is wearing a dark hoodie, and has a dark baseball cap turned backward. The man on the right has gray hair and is wearing a light-colored, patterned button-down shirt. Both appear to be wearing event ID badges. The scene is warmly lit, with a blurry background of other attendees and event lighting. The back of a person in a brown jacket is visible, out of focus, in the foreground on the left.
A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken indoors, likely at a social gathering. A man with gray hair, wearing a light-colored button-down shirt, is on the left, smiling as he holds out a black top hat toward a woman on the right. The woman is also smiling and is wearing a black and white patterned top. The background is dim, showing other out-of-focus people and light sources, suggesting a bar or restaurant setting.
A candid photograph taken indoors, likely at a social event or bar. In the foreground, three women are gathered near a high-top table. The woman on the left has light pink hair and is wearing a denim jacket. The woman in the center, identified by her name tag as Nicole, has short, dark hair, a dark t-shirt with the word "be", and is looking down at an object she holds. The woman on the right has long dark hair, is wearing a black top with an ID badge, and is looking to the side while holding a glass of wine. The background is softly lit and features string lights and a blurred pine tree.
A candid photograph taken at an indoor social event, possibly a holiday gathering, with hanging green and red ornaments visible in the upper background. In the center, two women are smiling and interacting behind a small, round black table. The woman on the left is laughing and wearing a light-colored top with an ID badge. The woman on the right, with dark, curly hair, is wearing a dark jacket and is gesturing toward the table, which holds a black top hat and some papers. Other people are partially visible and out of focus in the foreground and background.

The Purpose Behind be; connected

Expanding connection beyond the community center.

be; connected is part of the larger mission of be; community, which creates affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ adults and adults with differing abilities. This series broadens that mission and invites the wider business community to participate in a culture built around connection.

The goal is simple and intentional. It gives small business owners a chance to meet people they might never otherwise cross paths with, in a space that feels human and accessible rather than transactional. It is networking in its simplest form. Talking, listening, finding overlap, and discovering opportunities to support one another. It is seeing what you do, what someone else does, and where both can meet to grow.

The mix of attendees reflected that purpose. Real estate agents, creatives, therapists, nonprofit representatives, artisans, and civic organizations filled the room. Some came to promote their work. Others came to find collaborators, share knowledge, or meet their neighbors. The relaxed atmosphere made even the most reserved attendees feel comfortable striking up a conversation.

Be; Events
A photograph taken at an indoor event or restaurant shows a large, colorful vertical banner in the center. The banner features diagonal stripes in rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue) transitioning into darker diagonal stripes. In the middle of the banner is a large black circle with the white text "be;" and a semicolon. In the softly lit background, groups of people are socializing around high black tables and seated in booths. Two large screens on the back wall display the image of a person.
A candid photograph taken at an indoor event, focused on two men smiling and engaging in conversation. The man on the left has a salt-and-pepper beard, is wearing a dark hoodie, and has a dark baseball cap turned backward. The man on the right has gray hair and is wearing a light-colored, patterned button-down shirt. Both appear to be wearing event ID badges. The scene is warmly lit, with a blurry background of other attendees and event lighting. The back of a person in a brown jacket is visible, out of focus, in the foreground on the left.
A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken indoors, likely at a social gathering. A man with gray hair, wearing a light-colored button-down shirt, is on the left, smiling as he holds out a black top hat toward a woman on the right. The woman is also smiling and is wearing a black and white patterned top. The background is dim, showing other out-of-focus people and light sources, suggesting a bar or restaurant setting.
A candid photograph taken indoors, likely at a social event or bar. In the foreground, three women are gathered near a high-top table. The woman on the left has light pink hair and is wearing a denim jacket. The woman in the center, identified by her name tag as Nicole, has short, dark hair, a dark t-shirt with the word "be", and is looking down at an object she holds. The woman on the right has long dark hair, is wearing a black top with an ID badge, and is looking to the side while holding a glass of wine. The background is softly lit and features string lights and a blurred pine tree.
A candid photograph taken at an indoor social event, possibly a holiday gathering, with hanging green and red ornaments visible in the upper background. In the center, two women are smiling and interacting behind a small, round black table. The woman on the left is laughing and wearing a light-colored top with an ID badge. The woman on the right, with dark, curly hair, is wearing a dark jacket and is gesturing toward the table, which holds a black top hat and some papers. Other people are partially visible and out of focus in the foreground and background.

The Purpose Behind be; connected

Expanding connection beyond the community center.

be; connected is part of the larger mission of be; community, which creates affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ adults and adults with differing abilities. This series broadens that mission and invites the wider business community to participate in a culture built around connection.

The goal is simple and intentional. It gives small business owners a chance to meet people they might never otherwise cross paths with, in a space that feels human and accessible rather than transactional. It is networking in its simplest form. Talking, listening, finding overlap, and discovering opportunities to support one another. It is seeing what you do, what someone else does, and where both can meet to grow.

The mix of attendees reflected that purpose. Real estate agents, creatives, therapists, nonprofit representatives, artisans, and civic organizations filled the room. Some came to promote their work. Others came to find collaborators, share knowledge, or meet their neighbors. The relaxed atmosphere made even the most reserved attendees feel comfortable striking up a conversation.

Be; Events
A photograph taken at an indoor event or restaurant shows a large, colorful vertical banner in the center. The banner features diagonal stripes in rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue) transitioning into darker diagonal stripes. In the middle of the banner is a large black circle with the white text "be;" and a semicolon. In the softly lit background, groups of people are socializing around high black tables and seated in booths. Two large screens on the back wall display the image of a person.
A candid photograph taken at an indoor event, focused on two men smiling and engaging in conversation. The man on the left has a salt-and-pepper beard, is wearing a dark hoodie, and has a dark baseball cap turned backward. The man on the right has gray hair and is wearing a light-colored, patterned button-down shirt. Both appear to be wearing event ID badges. The scene is warmly lit, with a blurry background of other attendees and event lighting. The back of a person in a brown jacket is visible, out of focus, in the foreground on the left.
A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken indoors, likely at a social gathering. A man with gray hair, wearing a light-colored button-down shirt, is on the left, smiling as he holds out a black top hat toward a woman on the right. The woman is also smiling and is wearing a black and white patterned top. The background is dim, showing other out-of-focus people and light sources, suggesting a bar or restaurant setting.
A candid photograph taken indoors, likely at a social event or bar. In the foreground, three women are gathered near a high-top table. The woman on the left has light pink hair and is wearing a denim jacket. The woman in the center, identified by her name tag as Nicole, has short, dark hair, a dark t-shirt with the word "be", and is looking down at an object she holds. The woman on the right has long dark hair, is wearing a black top with an ID badge, and is looking to the side while holding a glass of wine. The background is softly lit and features string lights and a blurred pine tree.
A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken indoors at a social event, likely a bar or restaurant, featuring a man in the center playing an acoustic guitar. The man is wearing a tweed-like jacket, a patterned shirt, a flat cap, and glasses, and he is smiling as he performs. He is surrounded by a small group of people socializing and listening. In the background, a sign with the stylized letter 'C' and the word "CELSIUS" is visible, along with a decorated Christmas tree to the right.

Why Events Like This Matter

A deeper look at the value of local networking.

Networking can feel like another task on an already full plate. Small business owners juggle long days, family commitments, and timelines that rarely leave room for one more thing. But events like this help that pressure fade. The conversations pull you in. The energy helps you reset. And the value becomes clear almost immediately.

There are several ways events like this strengthen small business ecosystems across the South Shore. Word-of-mouth marketing. Personal connections build trust faster than advertising. When business owners understand each other’s work, referrals happen naturally.

Knowledge-sharing. From hiring challenges to social media strategies, these conversations help local businesses learn what is working for others.

Social capital. These relationships make collaboration, cross-promotion, and mutual support easier.

Local economic strength. When entrepreneurs know one another, resources circulate within the community and help strengthen the regional economy.

A support network. For nonprofit leaders, creatives, and small business owners, community can be a lifeline. Shared challenges feel lighter when they are shared.

The November event demonstrated all of this. Conversations weren’t forced. People lingered. Attendees stayed after the formal end time because they were still connecting. That sense of ease is what makes be; connected so effective.

A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken indoors at a social event, likely a bar or restaurant, featuring a man in the center playing an acoustic guitar. The man is wearing a tweed-like jacket, a patterned shirt, a flat cap, and glasses, and he is smiling as he performs. He is surrounded by a small group of people socializing and listening. In the background, a sign with the stylized letter 'C' and the word "CELSIUS" is visible, along with a decorated Christmas tree to the right.

Why Events Like This Matter

A deeper look at the value of local networking.

Networking can feel like another task on an already full plate. Small business owners juggle long days, family commitments, and timelines that rarely leave room for one more thing. But events like this help that pressure fade. The conversations pull you in. The energy helps you reset. And the value becomes clear almost immediately.

There are several ways events like this strengthen small business ecosystems across the South Shore. Word-of-mouth marketing. Personal connections build trust faster than advertising. When business owners understand each other’s work, referrals happen naturally.

Knowledge-sharing. From hiring challenges to social media strategies, these conversations help local businesses learn what is working for others.

Social capital. These relationships make collaboration, cross-promotion, and mutual support easier.

Local economic strength. When entrepreneurs know one another, resources circulate within the community and help strengthen the regional economy.

A support network. For nonprofit leaders, creatives, and small business owners, community can be a lifeline. Shared challenges feel lighter when they are shared.

The November event demonstrated all of this. Conversations weren’t forced. People lingered. Attendees stayed after the formal end time because they were still connecting. That sense of ease is what makes be; connected so effective.

A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken indoors at a social event, likely a bar or restaurant, featuring a man in the center playing an acoustic guitar. The man is wearing a tweed-like jacket, a patterned shirt, a flat cap, and glasses, and he is smiling as he performs. He is surrounded by a small group of people socializing and listening. In the background, a sign with the stylized letter 'C' and the word "CELSIUS" is visible, along with a decorated Christmas tree to the right.

Why Events Like This Matter

A deeper look at the value of local networking.

Networking can feel like another task on an already full plate. Small business owners juggle long days, family commitments, and timelines that rarely leave room for one more thing. But events like this help that pressure fade. The conversations pull you in. The energy helps you reset. And the value becomes clear almost immediately.

There are several ways events like this strengthen small business ecosystems across the South Shore. Word-of-mouth marketing. Personal connections build trust faster than advertising. When business owners understand each other’s work, referrals happen naturally.

Knowledge-sharing. From hiring challenges to social media strategies, these conversations help local businesses learn what is working for others.

Social capital. These relationships make collaboration, cross-promotion, and mutual support easier.

Local economic strength. When entrepreneurs know one another, resources circulate within the community and help strengthen the regional economy.

A support network. For nonprofit leaders, creatives, and small business owners, community can be a lifeline. Shared challenges feel lighter when they are shared.

The November event demonstrated all of this. Conversations weren’t forced. People lingered. Attendees stayed after the formal end time because they were still connecting. That sense of ease is what makes be; connected so effective.

A close-up, slightly overhead photograph of recruitment materials on a desk. The background is a blue and white poster with the text "NOW HIRING VAN DRIVERS AND VAN MONITORS" and information about benefits. In the foreground, there is a scattered pile of blank "HELLO my name is" stickers in blue, orange, and white. A pen and a yellow notepad are partially visible to the right.

Business Spotlights and Community Presence

Organizations that make up the local ecosystem.

The event brought together a wide cross-section of the South Shore’s business and nonprofit community. Below is a list of participating organizations, each contributing to the fabric of the evening and to the broader ecosystem of local collaboration.

Rate Mortgage: A national mortgage lender offering home loan solutions, refinancing, and personalized support for Massachusetts residents.

be; community: A nonprofit creating affirming spaces and connection for LGBTQIA+ adults and adults with differing abilities.

Jack Conway Realty: A real estate brokerage providing regional expertise and people-first residential services.

Metacomet Studio: A West Bridgewater storytelling and design studio specializing in branding, video, and creative strategy for small businesses and nonprofits.

Hill Street Therapy and Wellness: A mental health and wellness practice offering counseling and supportive services focused on whole-person care.

Fitness Together Bridgewater: A personal training studio offering individualized programs in a one-on-one setting, creating meaningful and lasting results.

North River Collaborative: A multi-district educational collaborative providing specialized services and programs across the region.

Next Gen Artisans: A small business crafting custom furniture build-outs and artisan décor designed for function and personality.

BuzzAround: A hyperlocal media platform sharing community news, events, and small business highlights across the South Shore.

Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights: A grassroots organization promoting civil rights, equity, and community engagement.

Bridgewater Bard: A musician sharing original and traditional songs rooted in North American and Irish folk storytelling.

A candid photograph taken indoors, likely at a holiday event, shows three men in conversation around a small, round black table. The setting is decorated to resemble a winter farm, with a small decorative shed on the left that has a sign reading "BARRETT'S CHRISTMAS FARM". Another sign that says "North Pole" is visible in the background. The man on the left is wearing a dark cap and a green hoodie. The man in the center has a beard and is wearing a dark t-shirt. The man on the right, who is holding a drink, is wearing a tweed-like jacket, a patterned shirt, a flat cap, and glasses. The lighting is warm and dim.
A candid photograph taken at an indoor social event or party, with many people standing, talking, and socializing. In the foreground on the left, a man is standing with an acoustic guitar. Several people are gathered around small, black high-top tables. The background features holiday decorations, including hanging green and red ornaments and a decorated Christmas tree. There is a decorative white wooden structure resembling a gingerbread house or small sheds near the center. Two flat-screen TVs are mounted on the back wall, each displaying an image of a person. The room has warm, dim lighting.
A candid, warmly-lit, close-up photograph of a bald man with a goatee, wearing a light blue, button-down shirt. He is looking off to the side, away from the camera, with a neutral expression. On his shirt is a "HELLO my name is" sticker with "Paul" written on it. The background is blurred with warm, decorative string lights, suggesting an indoor social or networking event. The shoulders of other out-of-focus attendees are visible in the foreground on the left and background on the right.
A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken indoors, likely at a social gathering. In the foreground on the right, a woman with graying hair and red streaks, wearing a light denim jacket, is smiling widely and gesturing with her hands while engaging in conversation. On the left, another person with short, dark hair, glasses, and a dark, ribbed sweater is facing the first woman. A third woman is partially visible on the far left, smiling. The background is softly blurred with bokeh from colorful lights.
A close-up, slightly overhead photograph of recruitment materials on a desk. The background is a blue and white poster with the text "NOW HIRING VAN DRIVERS AND VAN MONITORS" and information about benefits. In the foreground, there is a scattered pile of blank "HELLO my name is" stickers in blue, orange, and white. A pen and a yellow notepad are partially visible to the right.

Business Spotlights and Community Presence

Organizations that make up the local ecosystem.

The event brought together a wide cross-section of the South Shore’s business and nonprofit community. Below is a list of participating organizations, each contributing to the fabric of the evening and to the broader ecosystem of local collaboration.

Rate Mortgage: A national mortgage lender offering home loan solutions, refinancing, and personalized support for Massachusetts residents.

be; community: A nonprofit creating affirming spaces and connection for LGBTQIA+ adults and adults with differing abilities.

Jack Conway Realty: A real estate brokerage providing regional expertise and people-first residential services.

Metacomet Studio: A West Bridgewater storytelling and design studio specializing in branding, video, and creative strategy for small businesses and nonprofits.

Hill Street Therapy and Wellness: A mental health and wellness practice offering counseling and supportive services focused on whole-person care.

Fitness Together Bridgewater: A personal training studio offering individualized programs in a one-on-one setting, creating meaningful and lasting results.

North River Collaborative: A multi-district educational collaborative providing specialized services and programs across the region.

Next Gen Artisans: A small business crafting custom furniture build-outs and artisan décor designed for function and personality.

BuzzAround: A hyperlocal media platform sharing community news, events, and small business highlights across the South Shore.

Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights: A grassroots organization promoting civil rights, equity, and community engagement.

Bridgewater Bard: A musician sharing original and traditional songs rooted in North American and Irish folk storytelling.

A candid photograph taken indoors, likely at a holiday event, shows three men in conversation around a small, round black table. The setting is decorated to resemble a winter farm, with a small decorative shed on the left that has a sign reading "BARRETT'S CHRISTMAS FARM". Another sign that says "North Pole" is visible in the background. The man on the left is wearing a dark cap and a green hoodie. The man in the center has a beard and is wearing a dark t-shirt. The man on the right, who is holding a drink, is wearing a tweed-like jacket, a patterned shirt, a flat cap, and glasses. The lighting is warm and dim.
A candid photograph taken at an indoor social event or party, with many people standing, talking, and socializing. In the foreground on the left, a man is standing with an acoustic guitar. Several people are gathered around small, black high-top tables. The background features holiday decorations, including hanging green and red ornaments and a decorated Christmas tree. There is a decorative white wooden structure resembling a gingerbread house or small sheds near the center. Two flat-screen TVs are mounted on the back wall, each displaying an image of a person. The room has warm, dim lighting.
A candid, warmly-lit, close-up photograph of a bald man with a goatee, wearing a light blue, button-down shirt. He is looking off to the side, away from the camera, with a neutral expression. On his shirt is a "HELLO my name is" sticker with "Paul" written on it. The background is blurred with warm, decorative string lights, suggesting an indoor social or networking event. The shoulders of other out-of-focus attendees are visible in the foreground on the left and background on the right.
A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken indoors, likely at a social gathering. In the foreground on the right, a woman with graying hair and red streaks, wearing a light denim jacket, is smiling widely and gesturing with her hands while engaging in conversation. On the left, another person with short, dark hair, glasses, and a dark, ribbed sweater is facing the first woman. A third woman is partially visible on the far left, smiling. The background is softly blurred with bokeh from colorful lights.
A close-up, slightly overhead photograph of recruitment materials on a desk. The background is a blue and white poster with the text "NOW HIRING VAN DRIVERS AND VAN MONITORS" and information about benefits. In the foreground, there is a scattered pile of blank "HELLO my name is" stickers in blue, orange, and white. A pen and a yellow notepad are partially visible to the right.

Business Spotlights and Community Presence

Organizations that make up the local ecosystem.

The event brought together a wide cross-section of the South Shore’s business and nonprofit community. Below is a list of participating organizations, each contributing to the fabric of the evening and to the broader ecosystem of local collaboration.

Rate Mortgage: A national mortgage lender offering home loan solutions, refinancing, and personalized support for Massachusetts residents.

be; community: A nonprofit creating affirming spaces and connection for LGBTQIA+ adults and adults with differing abilities.

Jack Conway Realty: A real estate brokerage providing regional expertise and people-first residential services.

Metacomet Studio: A West Bridgewater storytelling and design studio specializing in branding, video, and creative strategy for small businesses and nonprofits.

Hill Street Therapy and Wellness: A mental health and wellness practice offering counseling and supportive services focused on whole-person care.

Fitness Together Bridgewater: A personal training studio offering individualized programs in a one-on-one setting, creating meaningful and lasting results.

North River Collaborative: A multi-district educational collaborative providing specialized services and programs across the region.

Next Gen Artisans: A small business crafting custom furniture build-outs and artisan décor designed for function and personality.

BuzzAround: A hyperlocal media platform sharing community news, events, and small business highlights across the South Shore.

Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights: A grassroots organization promoting civil rights, equity, and community engagement.

Bridgewater Bard: A musician sharing original and traditional songs rooted in North American and Irish folk storytelling.

A candid photograph taken indoors, likely at a holiday event, shows three men in conversation around a small, round black table. The setting is decorated to resemble a winter farm, with a small decorative shed on the left that has a sign reading "BARRETT'S CHRISTMAS FARM". Another sign that says "North Pole" is visible in the background. The man on the left is wearing a dark cap and a green hoodie. The man in the center has a beard and is wearing a dark t-shirt. The man on the right, who is holding a drink, is wearing a tweed-like jacket, a patterned shirt, a flat cap, and glasses. The lighting is warm and dim.
A candid photograph taken at an indoor social event or party, with many people standing, talking, and socializing. In the foreground on the left, a man is standing with an acoustic guitar. Several people are gathered around small, black high-top tables. The background features holiday decorations, including hanging green and red ornaments and a decorated Christmas tree. There is a decorative white wooden structure resembling a gingerbread house or small sheds near the center. Two flat-screen TVs are mounted on the back wall, each displaying an image of a person. The room has warm, dim lighting.
A candid, warmly-lit, close-up photograph of a bald man with a goatee, wearing a light blue, button-down shirt. He is looking off to the side, away from the camera, with a neutral expression. On his shirt is a "HELLO my name is" sticker with "Paul" written on it. The background is blurred with warm, decorative string lights, suggesting an indoor social or networking event. The shoulders of other out-of-focus attendees are visible in the foreground on the left and background on the right.
A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken indoors, likely at a social gathering. In the foreground on the right, a woman with graying hair and red streaks, wearing a light denim jacket, is smiling widely and gesturing with her hands while engaging in conversation. On the left, another person with short, dark hair, glasses, and a dark, ribbed sweater is facing the first woman. A third woman is partially visible on the far left, smiling. The background is softly blurred with bokeh from colorful lights.
A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken at an indoor networking or social event. In the center, a man with glasses and a light gray sweatshirt, whose name tag says "Kelly," is smiling while resting his chin on his hand, looking down and to the left. He is standing at a black high-top table that holds a glass of beer and a small candle. On the far left, a man with a shaved head is speaking, with his back mostly to the camera. On the far right, a woman with dark hair is smiling. The background is dimly lit with warm accent lighting, and a screen in the back shows a blurred image of people.

Expanding Connection Beyond the Room

Why Alignable is becoming a go-to networking tool for small businesses.

In addition to in-person events like be; connected, a growing number of local business owners are turning to Alignable, a platform built specifically for small business networking. Unlike LinkedIn, which often leans corporate and self-promotional, Alignable is intentionally community-driven. It centers on conversation, referrals, and neighbor-to-neighbor support.

What makes Alignable stand out is how closely it mirrors the value of in-person networking. It encourages real discussions instead of sales pitches, and its groups, Q&A threads, and recommendation tools make it easy for people to meaningfully share what works, ask questions, and exchange expertise. The platform highlights your business in a way that feels organic, helping you connect with people you already know while introducing you to new local professionals.

The referral partner feature is especially useful. When two businesses endorse one another, it helps both stand out and gives the community a clear sense of who specializes in what. It is a simple way to build visibility, credibility, and trust.

Alignable is free to join and easy to set up. For anyone looking to strengthen their local network, it is worth exploring. Follow us at Metacomet Studio on Alignable to stay connected and discover new businesses across the South Shore.

Follow Us on Allignable
A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken at an indoor networking or social event. In the center, a man with glasses and a light gray sweatshirt, whose name tag says "Kelly," is smiling while resting his chin on his hand, looking down and to the left. He is standing at a black high-top table that holds a glass of beer and a small candle. On the far left, a man with a shaved head is speaking, with his back mostly to the camera. On the far right, a woman with dark hair is smiling. The background is dimly lit with warm accent lighting, and a screen in the back shows a blurred image of people.

Expanding Connection Beyond the Room

Why Alignable is becoming a go-to networking tool for small businesses.

In addition to in-person events like be; connected, a growing number of local business owners are turning to Alignable, a platform built specifically for small business networking. Unlike LinkedIn, which often leans corporate and self-promotional, Alignable is intentionally community-driven. It centers on conversation, referrals, and neighbor-to-neighbor support.

What makes Alignable stand out is how closely it mirrors the value of in-person networking. It encourages real discussions instead of sales pitches, and its groups, Q&A threads, and recommendation tools make it easy for people to meaningfully share what works, ask questions, and exchange expertise. The platform highlights your business in a way that feels organic, helping you connect with people you already know while introducing you to new local professionals.

The referral partner feature is especially useful. When two businesses endorse one another, it helps both stand out and gives the community a clear sense of who specializes in what. It is a simple way to build visibility, credibility, and trust.

Alignable is free to join and easy to set up. For anyone looking to strengthen their local network, it is worth exploring. Follow us at Metacomet Studio on Alignable to stay connected and discover new businesses across the South Shore.

Follow Us on Allignable
A candid, warmly-lit photograph taken at an indoor networking or social event. In the center, a man with glasses and a light gray sweatshirt, whose name tag says "Kelly," is smiling while resting his chin on his hand, looking down and to the left. He is standing at a black high-top table that holds a glass of beer and a small candle. On the far left, a man with a shaved head is speaking, with his back mostly to the camera. On the far right, a woman with dark hair is smiling. The background is dimly lit with warm accent lighting, and a screen in the back shows a blurred image of people.

Expanding Connection Beyond the Room

Why Alignable is becoming a go-to networking tool for small businesses.

In addition to in-person events like be; connected, a growing number of local business owners are turning to Alignable, a platform built specifically for small business networking. Unlike LinkedIn, which often leans corporate and self-promotional, Alignable is intentionally community-driven. It centers on conversation, referrals, and neighbor-to-neighbor support.

What makes Alignable stand out is how closely it mirrors the value of in-person networking. It encourages real discussions instead of sales pitches, and its groups, Q&A threads, and recommendation tools make it easy for people to meaningfully share what works, ask questions, and exchange expertise. The platform highlights your business in a way that feels organic, helping you connect with people you already know while introducing you to new local professionals.

The referral partner feature is especially useful. When two businesses endorse one another, it helps both stand out and gives the community a clear sense of who specializes in what. It is a simple way to build visibility, credibility, and trust.

Alignable is free to join and easy to set up. For anyone looking to strengthen their local network, it is worth exploring. Follow us at Metacomet Studio on Alignable to stay connected and discover new businesses across the South Shore.

Follow Us on Allignable
A warm, candid photograph taken indoors, showing a blonde woman in a light-colored top embracing a woman with dark, curly hair in a dark top. Both women are smiling in the center of the frame. The setting appears to be a busy restaurant or bar, with multiple flat-screen TVs mounted on the back wall and holiday ornaments (red and green) hanging from the ceiling in the upper background. Several other people, mostly out of focus, are visible in the foreground and background.

Looking Ahead

Building momentum for future networking nights.

The November networking night showed the real impact of community-first networking. It wasn’t formal or sales-driven. It was conversational, energizing, and genuinely beneficial for everyone who attended. People left with new contacts, new ideas, and renewed motivation to strengthen their businesses through local collaboration.

Events like this help build the ecosystem small businesses rely on: trust, partnership, and community.

The next be; connected networking night will build on this momentum. And if this event was any indication, it is one worth marking on the calendar.

Contact Us
A warm, candid photograph taken indoors, showing a blonde woman in a light-colored top embracing a woman with dark, curly hair in a dark top. Both women are smiling in the center of the frame. The setting appears to be a busy restaurant or bar, with multiple flat-screen TVs mounted on the back wall and holiday ornaments (red and green) hanging from the ceiling in the upper background. Several other people, mostly out of focus, are visible in the foreground and background.

Looking Ahead

Building momentum for future networking nights.

The November networking night showed the real impact of community-first networking. It wasn’t formal or sales-driven. It was conversational, energizing, and genuinely beneficial for everyone who attended. People left with new contacts, new ideas, and renewed motivation to strengthen their businesses through local collaboration.

Events like this help build the ecosystem small businesses rely on: trust, partnership, and community.

The next be; connected networking night will build on this momentum. And if this event was any indication, it is one worth marking on the calendar.

Contact Us
A warm, candid photograph taken indoors, showing a blonde woman in a light-colored top embracing a woman with dark, curly hair in a dark top. Both women are smiling in the center of the frame. The setting appears to be a busy restaurant or bar, with multiple flat-screen TVs mounted on the back wall and holiday ornaments (red and green) hanging from the ceiling in the upper background. Several other people, mostly out of focus, are visible in the foreground and background.

Looking Ahead

Building momentum for future networking nights.

The November networking night showed the real impact of community-first networking. It wasn’t formal or sales-driven. It was conversational, energizing, and genuinely beneficial for everyone who attended. People left with new contacts, new ideas, and renewed motivation to strengthen their businesses through local collaboration.

Events like this help build the ecosystem small businesses rely on: trust, partnership, and community.

The next be; connected networking night will build on this momentum. And if this event was any indication, it is one worth marking on the calendar.

Contact Us