About Main Line Networking : How it started!

Main Line Networking (MLN) was founded in 2018 by Brian Cronin, drawing on his decades of experience that began in the 1990s in Manhattan. His early focus as an ambassador was on facilitating high-quality connections for new and shy attendees, moving beyond "salesy" interactions. This dedication led him to lead men's groups like "Guys Night Out" and then "Men After Work" around 2015. After transitioning to "Guys for Good," a charity-focused networking group, the format became stagnant by 2018. Recognizing a gap where no dedicated networking events existed for the local community, Brian created MLN to serve the specific needs of the Main Line region, with a core mission to highlight local venues and make networking a monthly staple focused on genuine relationship-building.

What You Should Know About Main Line Networking

Main Line Networking is structured to ensure that attendees move beyond surface-level conversation and make meaningful new business contacts.

Event Format and Atmosphere

  • When: Events are consistently held on the third Tuesday of the month (occasionally the fourth if there's a holiday).

  • Where: Events move around to highlight different restaurants and venues along the Main Line.

  • Attendance: Events began with 20 people and now average 70 to 90 people per event.

  • Atmosphere: It's a "happy hour" setting—fun, personable, and not designed for attendees to sit and listen to long speeches.

The Focus: Making New Connections

The main goal of every Main Line Networking event is simple: "You always will leave knowing somebody."

  • Breakout Sessions: The events are designed to be interactive. Organizers facilitate breakout sessions to get people talking to others they don't know, intentionally separating them from the friends they came with to push them out of their comfort zone.

  • The Goal: Before leaving, every attendee should have at least five business cards from five new people they just met.

  • Personal Connection: Breakout prompts are structured to go beyond the typical sales pitch. Attendees are asked: "Who you are, what you do, and some kind of personal topic" to find similar likes and dislikes.

  • The Philosophy: Brian emphasizes that networking isn't "net sitting or net drinking," but "net working." It requires "a little extra elbow grease" and is primarily about getting comfortable growing your network, not just about pushing a sale.

Business Exposure

  • Sponsors: Events feature sponsors who are given time to speak.

  • Sponsor Talk Time: Sponsors are highlighted and given two to three minutes to talk about their business, ensuring they get exposure without boring the attendees or disrupting the happy hour atmosphere.

Upcoming Membership (Starting 2026)

  • Future Plan: Main Line Networking plans to launch a membership plan in 2026.

  • Value: The annual membership will be cheaper for people who pay at the beginning of the year compared to those who pay per event throughout the year.