Why I Joined Shropshire Chamber of Commerce (And Why Connection Matters)
If there's one thing I've learned from being involved in the local business community, it's that you never quite know where a conversation is going to lead.
You might turn up to a networking event expecting nothing more than a coffee and a catch-up, only to leave having met somebody who introduces you to a new opportunity, helps you solve a problem or simply gives you a different perspective on something you've been thinking about.
And sometimes, it's not even about what happens in that room. It's about the relationships that develop afterwards. That's one of the reasons why connection has become such an important part of what I do, both personally and through Fran Ash Mentoring.
Why Shropshire Chamber of Commerce?
When I started building my mentoring business, I knew I wanted to surround myself with people who understood what it was like to run a business. People who were willing to share their experiences, support one another and recognise that there's more than enough room for us all to succeed.
Being part of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has given me the opportunity to meet business owners from so many different industries, backgrounds and stages of their business journey.
And I absolutely love that.
One minute I might be chatting to somebody who's only just taken the plunge into self-employment, and the next I'm speaking to somebody who's been running their business for twenty years.
Different experiences, different challenges and different perspectives, but often far more in common than you might initially think.
It's also one of the reasons I was delighted to become a Networking Ambassador for the Chamber. Being able to welcome people, help them feel comfortable and introduce them to others is something that comes quite naturally to me.
Although, admittedly, getting me to stop talking once I've started is another matter entirely!
Networking isn't just about finding your next customer
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about networking is that you should walk into every event looking for somebody to buy something from you.
And personally, I've never approached it that way.
Of course, networking can lead to new business, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. But if that's the only reason you're attending, I think you're missing out on so much of what makes it worthwhile. Some of the most valuable relationships you build might never result in somebody becoming your customer.
They might become a trusted contact, somebody you collaborate with, somebody who recommends you to another business or simply somebody who understands the challenges you're facing.
And sometimes, you might be the person who can help them.
I've always believed that if you take the time to get to know people, listen to what they're doing and understand what they're trying to achieve, the opportunities tend to develop far more naturally.
The importance of making people feel welcome
One thing I'm particularly passionate about is making networking feel less intimidating. Because while some of us are perfectly happy walking into a room full of strangers and striking up a conversation, I know that's not the case for everybody.
For some business owners, simply turning up to their first networking event is a massive step outside their comfort zone. They might be wondering whether they'll know anybody, what they're supposed to say or whether everyone else in the room will somehow be more experienced or successful than they are.
And that's exactly why I think the welcome somebody receives can make such a difference.
Sometimes all it takes is somebody saying hello, introducing you to another person or making sure you're not standing awkwardly by the coffee machine wondering what to do with yourself!
It's a small gesture, but it can completely change somebody's experience.
Connection doesn't stop when the event finishes
For me, one of the best parts of networking is what happens afterwards.
It's remembering a conversation you had with somebody weeks ago and realising you now know the perfect person to introduce them to.
It's checking in with somebody who's been having a difficult time, celebrating their good news or spotting an opportunity that could genuinely benefit their business. And it's something I try to carry through everything I do, whether that's through my mentoring, my involvement with the Chamber or Bathing in Business.
Because I don't believe networking should be about collecting as many business cards or LinkedIn connections as possible. I'd much rather build a smaller number of meaningful relationships than have hundreds of contacts I know absolutely nothing about.
You never know who might be in the room
If you've been thinking about attending a networking event but haven't quite plucked up the courage, my advice would be to give it a go. You don't need to walk in with a perfectly rehearsed pitch or feel like you have to speak to everybody in the room.
Start with one conversation, be curious about the person you're speaking to and remember that most people are there for exactly the same reason as you: to meet other people and build relationships.
And if you happen to spot me at a Shropshire Chamber event, please come and say hello. I'm always happy to introduce you to a few friendly faces.
Just don't blame me if you end up leaving with a diary full of coffee meetings!
For me, networking has always been about showing up, building genuine relationships and staying connected. Because you never know which conversation might make a difference, either to your business or somebody else's.
