An activity that increases anxiety levels in most individuals, even the most confident people can be affected by the dread of networking. But networking is a crucial tool for business and more importantly a useful resource of support for us humans.
I always say, ‘I didn’t network for years’ however, this isn’t quite true. Reflecting on my understanding has helped shaped my view of networking and removed the barrier.
When I first started out in business, most of my leads came from parent and child play groups. During sing and sign, the conversations I had with other parents weren’t all dirty nappies and sleep patterns but were important connections to the adult world. I was absolutely networking in these spaces, we all were. But I hadn’t viewed it as networking because I was there as Mammy, bonding with my baby. My biggest clients and most valuable connections for my first two businesses and my social impact work were all formed during these activities. I was attending a different activity with my child every day, sometimes twice a day. They were instrumental in encouraging me to start my own business and become a regular volunteer and charity worker. Shaping who I am today; helping me to manage life with chronic illnesses and putting me on the Kind Currency path.
But I wasn’t networking.
Or so I thought!
I didn’t attend an actual ‘networking’ event until I had been in business for seven years. I was petrified. I ended up with sensory overload and imposter syndrome overwhelmed me, smiling on the outside, desperate to hide on the inside. It was another year until I plucked up the courage to attend another. I networked when my health and family needs allowed. I felt anxious before, during and after. But I was learning, growing and I was gaining so much despite the nerves. Networking wasn’t just an opportunity for business but for me too.
The penny dropped.
I realised, remove the word ‘networking’, it’s actually, learning and support with business as the primary purpose but with so many other benefits as a consequence. Much like the play sessions I had once attended, learning and support with the baby as priority but with added benefits. Same as meeting up socially with friends, learning and support with friendship as the priority but with added benefits. Same principle, similar outcomes, exceptionally beneficial but just a change of priority.
With this understanding, when I developed Kind Currency, I wanted to help independent, small and kind businesses access the amazing opportunity networking presents by creating a safe space. A space to remove barriers, a space to allow relationships to flourish and a space to nurture people and business. The first Kind Business Gathering was held in September, we sold out quickly. Some people had never attended networking before, many suffered from social anxiety, and some disliked networking in the normal context. The feedback was humbling and highlighted the need, demand for another was significant and we can’t wait to host another gathering in November.
Networking supports the individual, it supports business and it’s an incredible support for the third sector too. Just last night I attended an event in support of Smartworks Newcastle. A wonderful opportunity to meet up with other women in business, a bit of wellbeing support and personal growth all whilst raising funds for the exceptional mission of the charity. The impact was layered and all wrapped up in an event, bringing people together for a shared purpose.
Networking is a gathering of people there to help.