Growth in Business Through Practical Support and Business Networking, We Can Help

When building your successful business, with so many things to handle, how do you know which to prioritise?

Our members manage organisations with a variety of business models and in many different industries, so why do they come together through Your Business Matters? I asked for feedback on their priorities for business growth and want to share it with you.

On Your Marks, Get Set, Grow

For our members, practical support and business networking were identified as fundamental for growth. One without the other can only take you so far, but by working on both these areas, your business will go from strength to strength.

Practical Support

 Opportunities to Learn

Whatever your position, and however long you have been in business, there is always more to learn.

We know that the most successful business leaders recommend ongoing development, whether reading, training, or one-to-one support.

When we established Your Business Matters, providing learning opportunities was a key focus and it’s remained that way, seen in visitor or member presentations and group discussions. The learning might be tips on presenting in public or how to review your marketing plan, with such experience and knowledge in the room we believe you’ll always take something away from our sessions.

“I joined the Connections Club to meet like-minded business people… I’ve made some amazing connections – the club is full of great businesses, sharing knowledge and ideas – its really worth joining. I’ve really benefited by making some good strategic partnerships which I’m working on, as well as now having a great bunch of people to bounce ideas off of.” Lucy Walsh, Crystal Clear Compliance

 Preparation is Key

As with any meeting, before you enter a networking room you’ll need to be prepared. In the post ‘How to Make Connections’, we discussed the real benefits of networking come through building relationships and learning about the other members in the room.

We encourage and support this preparation, providing you information and tools to:

• Think about who’s in the room and how you can support them
• Prepare your pitch or presentation showing people how they can support you
• Strengthen relationships outside the meetings
• Invite people to your group who will benefit from the meeting and support others in the room

“The meetings are run efficiently and having the lead sheets in advance of the meeting means we can all prepare in advance. I would definitely recommend becoming a member of Barbara’s groups without hesitation.” Nicola Greenwood, Sew Special Soft Furnishings

 Business Networking Groups

 An Environment for Growth

In our previous blog ‘Adopting a Growth Mindset for Your Business’,  we discussed the importance of a growth mindset for your business. Feedback from our members reinforces this and goes further to highlight the value of being in a room with others who are focused on their business growth.

Are the people you spend time with as motivated by business success as you are? Are your networking groups a place where business is happening? Who you surround yourself with is integral to the success of your business, whether that’s your partners, team, or collaborators.

When considering how you invest your time and effort, it’s essential to choose people and places who are equally committed to success – their own and yours.

“My favourite thing about this group is that the people are genuinely high quality individuals with great businesses – who I am more than happy to be associated with, on any given day. I have a number of partners in the room, as well as suppliers. It’s a great time to check-in with them face to face – because life just gets in the way otherwise.” Shelley Rostlund, Brand Strategist – Harbour 32

“Barbara’s groups are well run and effective without being too formal or scary. Approximately 20% of last year’s revenue for my business came from clients I’ve met through the group or were introduced by members of the group.” Rebecca Taylor, Parfitt Taylor

Collaborative Relationships and Personal Support

While the calibre of the professionals and businesses in the room is important, any benefit will only be realised if you build real relationships.

Getting to know people outside a meeting room is essential to feel confident in supporting their business or knowing how they can support yours. Building one to one connections is something we promote in all our meetings.

When you’ve built strong personal relationships, as well as collaborations you’ll find you have a network of experienced professionals who are invested in your business and celebrating your success. Our rooms are full of individuals who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise because they want to support you and your business.

“The Business Room is a fantastic networking group, it is run in a really structured way which encourages strategic partnerships to develop and allows for regular referrals of work. As well as being a source of new work and connections the meetings are fun to attend and provide practical advice each time. I would highly recommend this group to anyone.” Rosie Wright, Brixworth Wills

 Growth in Your Business with Your Business Matters

When developing Your Business Matters, it was important to me that we provide real backing to your business. Focusing on both practical support and business networking allows us to give you more with your membership.

Find out how we can help your business grow, take a look at our networking meetings and come along. We’d love to see you there.

“A really brilliant meeting format. It gives me the opportunity to work on my business, rather than just “in” it. It isn’t just another networking group – it adds something EXTRA to my day. Obviously we all know that time is valuable, and I am really pleased that I take the time out to come to the Connections Club which is run with Barbara’s usual professional, structured and yet relaxed manner.” Debbie Tear, Dialect Telecom