I recently turned 40. Now if you're picturing champagne and a fancy dinner, let me stop you there. My husband was working away, I was on my own with two co-sleepers, I had events on my birthday and the day after, and my birthday dinner was last night's pasta, warmed up. Not my finest culinary moment.
But it did make me stop and reflect.
I started Women Inspired Network in February 2025. That really isn't very long ago. Since then, I've launched the Success Circle, and now my third business: Mumma Connections, structured networking events for mums, with a guest speaker, a hot drink (that you actually get to drink hot), a little pamper treatment and soft play for the little ones.
Mumma Connections went from an idea to launched events in just a few months. Over the summer holidays, when I was really not doing a lot else. And I can tell you with complete certainty that I could not have done it without networking.
So if you've ever sat at home thinking "networking won't do anything for me", this one's for you. Here's what I've learned.
1. Lead with kindness, not a pitch
We're taught that business is dog-eat-dog. That you need to sell, sell, sell, and look out for yourself. I've found the complete opposite. If you lead from a place of kindness rather than from a place of sales, magical things happen. That's what has completely exploded my business.
Kindness is the foundation everything else is built on. When people know you genuinely want to help them, they want to help you too. And they remember you when the right opportunity comes along.
Try this: at your next networking event, go in with one goal: find out how you could help one person in the room. Don't mention what you sell unless they ask.
2. Real connection happens one to one
I'll be honest. A lot of networking I've been to over the years goes like this: you turn up, you say your bit, and you leave.
That doesn't build connection. Not for me, anyway.
Connection is built one to one and in small groups, where you really get to know someone. Take away the sales element and the pitch, and that's when people relax and start being themselves. It's exactly why WIN events are structured the way they are, and why Mumma Connections gently nudges mums out of the corner to chat to each other. (Yes, even about the dreaded "how does your baby sleep?" question.)
Try this: after your next event, follow up with one person you'd like to know better and suggest a coffee or a quick call. No agenda, just getting to know each other.
3. One event won't change your life, but consistency will
Let's be realistic. One networking event probably won't change your life. You might meet someone brilliant, but it's rare. What changes things is turning up, and turning up, and turning up again. That's how you build real, solid relationships.
When it came to building Mumma Connections, I didn't have to go out and find strangers. Emma from Start Strong Fitness and Julie, a family photographer, now run our Ipswich and Bury events. Lu from ToodlePip Designs created the branding (pale blue and teal, not a pink in sight, which I love). Nikki from Insignia sorted our promotional merchandise. Our soft play, pamper treatments, business showcases and event sponsors have virtually all come from the WIN world.
Every one of them was someone I already knew and trusted, because I'd kept showing up.
Try this: pick one networking group that feels like your kind of people and commit to going for three months before deciding whether it's working.
4. Dream bigger than feels comfortable
This is the one I struggle with most. I find it so hard to dream big and to picture a bigger vision, because I'm scared of failing. My goals tend to sit in a safe little box where I know I can achieve them.
But if you don't dream big, you're never going to get big.
This is where the right people really matter. Becky Benfield Humberstone, the quietly disruptive business coach, joined the Success Circle and we started working together. She planted seeds I'd never have planted myself. When she mentioned sponsors, I laughed and said, "Who would want to sponsor something that's just started?" She just said I'd be surprised.
Later that day Jade from Toddle About Suffolk came along to a Success Circle session as a guest. Our values were exactly the same, we got chatting, and she's now the overall sponsor for Mumma Connections. I wouldn't have even asked if Becky hadn't opened my eyes.
Dreaming big also brings imposter syndrome along for the ride. I've done a lot of work on my mindset and confidence with Katie Bowers, EFT tapping coach, and it has made a huge difference as things have grown.
Try this: write down your current goal, then ask yourself, "What would this look like if I wasn't scared?" Share the bigger version with one person you trust.
5. Use what already works to fast-forward something new
Starting a new business doesn't have to mean starting from scratch.
Women Inspired Network was, in a way, my trial run. I've spent two years learning what works: the structure, the guest speakers, the small-group conversations. So with Mumma Connections, I took the elements I know work and adapted them for a completely different audience.
When it came to launching Mumma Connections, it wasn't a trial-and-error process. I knew the formula worked, so I could go all in. And the plan is to grow it the same way WIN has grown, across Suffolk and then out into Cambridge, Norfolk and Essex. There's even a Mumma Connections podcast on its way.
Try this: before you launch your next offer, list three things that already work brilliantly in your business. How could you build the new thing on top of them?
Networking isn't magic, and it isn't guaranteed. But in my experience, it's the single biggest thing that has moved my businesses forward. As I always say:
Kindness leads to connection. Connection leads to collaboration. And collaboration is where the magic happens.
Come and find your people. 💛
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