Say the word networking and most of us picture suits, forced small talk and a room full of pitches. No wonder so many small business owners decide it is not for them.
Not long ago I went to an event that was nothing like that. Yoga in the sunshine, a relaxed craft session and long chats with other small business owners over a pot of tea. It was calm, cheerful and, to my surprise, genuinely useful.
Thank you to The Lonely Arts Club at Groobarbs, run by Emma Hardy, for making such a warm space. It reminded me that the best connections happen when you turn up as yourself, with nothing to sell.
There were no name badges and no pressure, just honest conversations with people who understand what it is like to build something from nothing, wear every hat and care deeply about the work.
I left feeling refreshed and connected, and reminded of something I often say to our franchisees. Networking is not a box to tick. It is about finding your people.
Why it still matters, even if you dread it
Running a franchise or a small business, especially in wellbeing, education or community work, can feel lonely. We spend so much energy looking after others that we forget to build our own support. Done well, networking helps you:
- Become better known in your local community
- Build referrals and partnerships
- Feel less alone on the ups and downs of running a business
- Pick up ideas from how other people do things
Make it work for you
Not every event deserves a yes. Look for the ones that match your values and your energy. That might be:
- A local coworking morning
- A walk and talk with other business owners
- A craft, yoga or coffee morning with creative small businesses
- Sometimes a more formal event, if it is the right crowd
The magic is in spending time with people who give you energy rather than take it.
So if you are a franchisee wondering how to “do” networking, start with what feels good. Your people are out there, and when you find them it changes everything.
With thanks to Ashleigh Hindley for the photos (Instagram) and to Emma Hardy for running The Lonely Arts Club (Instagram).
