There is that old saying "it's not what you know, it's who you know" and it is so true! And when you're in business on your own, it's more important than ever. I don't know many people in Leeds and starting a new business when you don't have existing contacts or can pick up clients from your old employer is actually quite a challenge.
Last year I set out to start my own business and made some progress, getting the website set up and some of the "admin" side of things. But I was still quite poorly after years of ill-health and I knew that I wasn't well enough to take on any substantial projects. So I just took my time, got out now and again to a networking event and meet a few people. And now it's starting to pay off.
Just one good contact is worth it!
This week, I've met two people who could be really good contacts for the future. Both of these contacts came from networking events - one from last week, the other was from an event I attended over 12 months ago - and I wouldn't have met either of them if I hadn't made the effort to get out and meet people. I've always networked in the past when working for others but it is quite a different thing working for yourself. Eeveryone you meet is a potential source of work or referral, quite literally paying your mortgage. The two individuals who I've met this week could also be useful contacts for each other as well so that's potentially good for them.
The other thing is how small the tax and accounting world is - we all have some mutual contacts and this helps us find more contacts and so the merry go round goes on. So at least that's helpful in putting down roots in the local business community.
Sometimes networking can seem like a bit of an effort, especially if you have plenty to do in the office without going out and shaking hands with a load of strangers. But if you go out and make just one good contact, it's worth the effort. So my limited networking from last year is paying off and I'm glad I did it!
21 degrees centigrade?
Well I'm hoping that the weather forecast for the weekend lives up to the promise - 21 degrees in London, so they're saying! Wouldn't it be fantastic?
I can't remember such a long and cold and miserable winter, I wasn't able to get out much for lots of reasons and it was just depressing. I'm not a sun worshipper as I burn so easily and can't handle the heat but even I'm so relieved to see the sun and keen for the weather to warm up.
So let's hope we have a good weekend, there are no more volcano eruptions and we can just relax and enjoy the sun!
Marie