The Networking Brief - July 2024

I want to start by giving a huge thank you to all of you who took the time to share your thoughts on the new newsletter format. Changing things up can be a bit daunting, but when the time feels right, you just have to trust your instincts and go for it. I'm thrilled that the opinion piece resonated with so many of you. 

 

Hearing how useful it was to break down a trend and offer a real viewpoint means a lot. In today's culture, it can feel risky to share opinions, but that's not what our community is about. We're here to support, guide and educate each other. If there's a topic you'd like me to tackle, please let me know. 

 

I'll leave you with the feedback that made me happiest: "Aruna, it was as if your newsletter was talking directly to me." That's exactly what I aim for, so let's dive into this month's edition and see if I can do it again!. 

Are you an extrovert or an introvert? Two labels I really dislike. 

 

There's a myth that extroverts love networking while introverts avoid it like the plague. Over the years, I've learned it's far more nuanced than that. Regardless of your personality type, anyone can struggle with networking for a variety of reasons, especially if you're more reserved - a term I much prefer over introvert. It might not even be about personality; perhaps you're just starting out, navigating the new world of running your own business, or you're visiting a new group, area, or showcasing a new product. 

 

I want to build a toolbox on the website for everyone who networks, whether you're a seasoned pro or brand new. This month's blog is all about the 'reserved networker'. Here's a snippet - click the title to read more, or share it with someone who might find it helpful. 

 

10 Tips for the More Reserved Networker 

 

Do you find the whole idea of networking quite daunting? Networking meetings can be overwhelming, especially if you're generally a reserved person, who doesn't find it easy to dive straight into a conversation with new people. So many of my members feel the same, especially in the beginning; and so I've asked some of them to share their practical tips (along with some of my own) to help you navigate your meetings, and get lots of value out of your time there, every time you go.  

 

Another huge thank you to everyone who came to our first-ever joint BWN & BN networking event at Mitchell Hall. Let's just focus on the word "event" rather than "summer" here. Our new venue allowed us to completely ignore the weather and concentrate on what mattered most... 

 

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive on several fronts: 

• You enjoyed meeting a greater variety of people outside your usual network. 

• Speed networking was a hit, enabling quick and efficient connections, though we'll work on the noise level for next time - it was quite deafening! 

• The food was a triumph (I'll try to actually eat some next time instead of rushing around!). 

• The speakers were not only excellent presenters but also diverse in the knowledge they shared. 

 

For those of you that couldn't attend I've asked them to share two key takeaways. 

 

• You can't think or merely strategise to success!! You have to feel to heal so you feel safe to succeed. 

• We can look like everything in our life is ok, but we could be living in a functional freeze living our life to play small and stay safe. Then as we feel anger, we suppress that as society views anger negatively, but this can be a healthy emotion that needs to be expressed and discharged and not suppressed because otherwise this can lead to chronic illness. Again, feel to heal. 

 

• Remember you don't have to be on every social media platform, it's better to give 100% to one than being slapdash on 3 or 4. 

• Don't over complicate your social media, simple and fun gets the best engagement. 

 

• 80% is enough; work SMARTER not harder. 

• Discomfort = growth...every time. 

 

 

September is always absolutely crazy, so I'm adding a little fun to the mix. Many of you will remember the prop challenge we've done in the past - it's always hilarious, and lots of you have asked when we're doing it again. 

 

Well, our September meetings are the time for that. If you haven't participated before, just bring something to your meeting that represents you, your business, or your service - the more obscure, the better! I'll send a reminder closer to the time, but for now, get your thinking caps on... 

 

Busy Women Networking - Female focussed groups across 9 regions, including Beds, Bucks, Oxon, London and Kent. 

 

Busy Networking - Mixed groups across 3 counties plus on-line Nationwide. 

 

Busy Connections - Mixed opportunities for those wanting more business growth. 

We all know how important referrals are to our businesses, so if you know someone that might be interested in joining any of the networks here's what you can do: 

 

1. Forward this newsletter to them so they can see what we are all about 

2. Bring them to a meeting and if they join you get 50% off your next meeting. 

 

If you are already a member:  

 

1. Remember you can visit another group if you aren't locked out - ask me if you are unsure. All members are detailed on our website (here) so you can also check. 

2. You can join multiple groups - it's a great way to broaden your network 

3. We have a natiowide online group so if you want to cast your net further afield without travelling this is the perfect way to do it 

4. If you live in an area without a BWN or a BN group tell me! We are always on the look out for new locations as well as budding Associates. 

That's me signing off for the Summer. Make sure you take August to rest, recharge and spend time with loved ones. The Autumn term is probably my favourite time of the year as everyone comes back raring to go. We have our first Mastermind group going live, the Taster Day for Mastermind 2 happening as well as our prop challenge so it is going to be go, go, go! 

 

Remember, if there is a hot topic you'd like me to talk about just let me know. 

 

Enjoy the break☀️