From Solitude to Success: Reconnecting for a Stronger Tomorrow
As small business owners, it's easy to feel like we're in it alone. We pour our hearts and souls into our businesses, but sometimes it feels like we’re fighting more fires than we can manage. But you’re not alone and there are many like-minded business owners who not only understand the struggle but are happy to support you.
Over the last few months The Good Business Club worked in collaboration with members of the community to bring the Good Business RECONNECT series to life - our first in-person networking events since the pandemic. It was a chance for small business owners to come together and share their experiences, struggles, and successes. It was an opportunity to build relationships with people who understand the unique challenges that come with being a good business owner and support eachother on the night.
The RECONNECT series came to life between September 2021 - February 2022
5 cities across the UK
7 guest hosts
71 business owners impacted
44% of attendees rated the event 10/10 - "exceed expectations" (the rest of the attendees gave them a 8 or 9)
One of the most valuable things about these events was the sense of community that they fostered. After many months in physical isolation and zoom fatigue bedding in, it was a reminder of the power of in-person connection, and that there are others out there who are facing similar challenges and successes, even if it looks like everything is perfect on social media.
Tash Morgan-Etty, Founder of Write Rabbit, attended the RECONNECT Leeds event and shared:
“Reconnect Leeds actually got me feeling a little emotional if I'm honest. Within minutes of chatting to the first few people there, it was as if I had found my "tribe": genuine down-to-earth people who care about having a positive impact on the world. There was none of the pretence, pidgeon-chesting, or pushy salesy-ness of typical mainstream business networking events. Don't get me wrong, there was still plenty of business talk, contact details were swapped, and there were lots of potential collaborations in the pipeline by the end of the night. But it was all done openly, honestly, and with a lot of good humour.”
“It’s not always about selling your business or pushing your products, but rather about finding ways to help each other and build genuine relationships. And that’s exactly what these events were all about.”
As business owners, it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. These events were a chance to step back, reflect on our businesses and most importantly - ask for support! Each event followed an ‘Ask and Offer’ format, the same format as our monthly Networking for Results events, that removed the awkwardness of networking and helped us focus on what would really make a difference to eachother. The structured part of the event was followed by open networking and most events ended with a group carrying on the conversation in a pub near by.
Networking can be intimidating for some people, especially those who are introverted or have trouble approaching new people. But the "Ask and Offer" format helped to alleviate some of those fears and made it easier for people to connect with each other. It's not always about selling your business or pushing your products, but rather about finding ways to help each other and build genuine relationships. And that's exactly what these events were all about.
Overall, The Good Business Club's networking series was a great reminder of the value of connecting with others. It was an opportunity to build relationships, share experiences, and get new ideas and perspectives. As small business owners, it's easy to feel isolated and like we're in it alone. These events were a chance to step back and remember that we're not alone, and that there are others out there who can help.
If you’re looking to reconnect with people, online or in-person, check out The Good Business Club Events Calendar for a range of activity that’s lead by and for good business owners.
Networking, Good Business Club-style
Get to know the community that’s got your back.