From boardrooms to bake offs: Why I love networking

A non-executive director looks at your organisation independently to offer advice and expertise – and makes sure your voice is heard.

Everyone has individual styles, processes and attitudes to running their business. One of the biggest benefits I’ve gained from working with a variety of organisations is understanding those different perspectives and bringing a rounded knowledge that I can share across businesses, but always with an eye on the finances.

Do you value networking? Or is it something you avoid?

Networking might feel uncomfortable. That’s understandable – we’ve all met that person at an event who’s determined to sell to us, simply giving us their sales pitch without getting to know who we are or finding out what we do. It’s a pushy approach that’s off-putting, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I champion networking that’s the complete opposite – focussed on sharing skills and making connections.

Through networking, I’ve grown my business, my friendships and my social life! Here’s how and why it works for me:

Get to know your network

There are no quick wins in networking. (The chances of being introduced to someone who immediately needs your services and hires you on the spot is slim!) But it’s thanks to getting to know people and growing relationships that you build trust.

Through trust, I’ve gained some of my greatest clients and contacts. In networking groups I’ve attended for a while, I’ve got to know people who’ve learnt and understood what I do. Some have hired me themselves and others have passed on my contact details to people looking for FD support.
When we recommend someone, our reputations are on the line.

So we never pass referrals on for anyone we can’t truly vouch for – whether we’ve worked with them, heard others speak highly of them, or got to know them as a person we respect. We build that with networking.

Find venues that suit you

The world of video calling was the only way ‘face-to-face’ was possible in the pandemic. It was a lifeline for many – including me. But I find there’s nothing better than meeting people in person.

There’s no set rule to say that has to be done in a conference room. Recently, networking has taken me to a host of venues, from your traditional office space to cookery classes and wine bars! I still like the conventional networking set up, where I have the chance to tell others about me and my business and hear their stories around the table. But I’ve also connected with team members in escape room venues, got to know new people during informal pub chats and even met others in industry during bake off cookery school challenges! There’s no right or wrong way – like everything in business, it’s what sits with you and your values.

Build on the connections you have

I often talk about the value I get from my CIMA membership and the joy and opportunities it brings me. Part of that is the result of getting to know my fellow members and networking with those people who share the same skills and values as I do.

Networking with CIMA gives me chance to expand my knowledge and learn from others in accountancy and finance, then pass this on to my clients. It’s also led me to become the go-to person in my group for advising new accountants about providing FD services. I’m so proud to know my industry peers come to me for my experience. Twice recently, CIMA accountants have referred me in to opportunities they didn’t have capacity for – I’m certain they wouldn’t do this without knowing me as a person from the stories I’ve shared throughout my years networking alongside them.

Share your knowledge to support others

I can completely understand the discomfort some people feel at the mention of networking. But when we think of it as growing our connections – and doing that in a place and style that feels right for us – it changes the way we feel about putting ourselves out there. The networking I do is diverse, gives me opportunities for business and is a huge amount of fun.

It takes a little while. But when you get to know who someone really is and what truly matters to them, your network becomes a brilliant source of business support and friendship.

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