The Power of Networking

Are you a sole trader or small business owner who isn’t networking? You’re missing a trick.

Yes, it can be time-consuming—but the benefits far outweigh the hours spent. Since making networking part of my routine, I’ve gained so much more than just business contacts.

Yesterday I attended Andover Ladies Who Latte. One of our ladies came with a challenge, and thanks to the hive mind around the table, she left with practical advice and, just as importantly, feeling seen and heard.

Today, I had a lovely lunch with Kayleigh from Flo Right Business Solutions. We met through The Natural Business Network, and you might think, given we're in the same line of work, that we’d be rivals. Not at all. In fact, we’re working together.

We both offer similar services, but we have different strengths and preferences—and they complement each other perfectly. The tasks one of us enjoys are the ones the other doesn’t, making us a bit of a dream team. We now get to do more of what we love, less of what we don’t, and our clients benefit from a wider skill set and dependable backup.

For me, networking isn’t just about referrals or growing my business—it’s also about connection, collaboration, advice, and support. It’s where I find inspiration, encouragement, and real, human interaction.

If you’re not out there building relationships, you could be missing the key to unlocking the next stage of your business (and personal growth).