I’ve seen yet another new networking group launch claiming that existing networking groups are boring. Every new group seems to launch with the same message. They claim to be breaking the mould. They rarely tell us how. If they talk about their offer at all they mention things that other networks offer.
It’s either lazy marketing or poor research. I’m insulted. I think it’s really insulting to my lovely loyal members. It’s insulting to all the other successful networking groups out there and to their loyal members. It really ‘gets my goat!’
Proud of my community
I’m proud of my networking community. We have the most lovely members. They are ambitious, lifestyle business owners who want to help each other succeed. They support each other in good times and bad. They hug each other when the chips are down and laugh together often. They genuinely celebrate each other’s successes.
Conversations at our meetings are wide ranging and often insightful. We frequently stray off business topics but it’s all about building the relationships and having fun. Sometimes a Group Leader will have to restore ‘order’!
We are not a selling network. But that doesn’t mean we don’t make sales. We do.
We buy from each other, and we refer our fellow networkers because we have established trust and understanding. It’s not just about the business but about the person behind the business.
Our agenda is structured but flexible so we can respond to the group on the day. If someone arrives at a meeting with the weight of the world on their shoulders, we can make time to relieve the load.
It may be that sharing is enough. Sometimes reframing the problem might help. Quite possibly there’ll be others who have had, or are having, the same trials. Perhaps it will take a ‘hotseat’ discussion to find a way forward. Often just being seen and heard by people who get it is enough.
Find your tribe.
I totally understand that one man’s meat is another man’s poison. Some people love an early start, a set agenda and attendance rules together with performance checks. Others don’t want any structure or commitment. And there are all sorts of varieties between these extremes of networking groups.
If you find networking boring then it could be that you haven’t found your tribe yet.
Finding your tribe is really important. If we’re not it that’s fine. Let’s go our separate ways respectfully. I only want people to join who ‘get us’ and will play their full part. One bad apple can rot the box. What we have is special and I don’t want to spoil it.
If we’re not a good fit, it doesn’t mean you are a bad person or we can’t respect you. And it doesn’t make us boring. It just means we want different things.
We don’t apply any sales pressure. In fact we may even forget to give you any sales pitch at all because we’re too busy building the relationship!
Don’t just take my word for it.
Here’s what a couple of members had to say…
Fabulous Networking truly offers something rare, a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space. It is one of the few places where business owners can openly share not just their successes, but also their challenges and setbacks, without fear of criticism or competition. That kind of environment fosters real connection and growth. Dipa Kotak
And another
Every meeting, regardless of where it is (Hook, Fleet, Ealing, Basingstoke or Shivernham), is welcoming, engaging, educational and fun. Amazing business owners, great business talks, valuable connections, wonderful venues, amazing hosts and of course…pastries!
What more could you ask for 👍 💕 Karen Peters
I don’t think I need to say more. Why not pay us a visit and see if we could be your tribe?
No goats were hurt in the making of this blog. 😂
