Why finance is a powerful scaling tool for small businesses. Adventures In Networking EP16.

What if the reason your networking isn’t working... is how you're doing it?In this episode, Kelly and James reflect on two months of conversation with our network and what they've learned about vague asks, unclear positioning, and chasing the wrong kind of growth.Listen to the full episode to hear:• Why being specific is your responsibility• How to sell to the network in front of you• The myth of the “magic” marketing shortcut• And how meaningful conversations lead to resultsAnd share your lessons on how you learned how to get value from networking.We'd like to thank our sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS) for supporting our show. BFS is one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders, providing specialist and adaptable working capital finance and foreign exchange solutions to businesses for more than 40 years. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/onle⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more. Plus use code PODCAST20 at checkout to get £20 off the new Online Business Networking Course: https://theonle.network/online-business-networking-course 

Kelly and James West are joined by Alex Cooper and Helena Warne from Bibby Financial Services to talk about how small businesses can fund their growth and expand internationally. We’ll explore how finance can be a powerful tool for scaling, without adding pressure. And also why networking is integral to expanding your business reach into new areas.In this episode we cover:- Why invoice financing and FX support aren’t just for big companies- How to improve your cashflow today- The opportunities small businesses are missing overseas- How networking helps you break into new marketsWe'd like to thank our sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS) for supporting our show. BFS is one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders, providing specialist and adaptable working capital finance and foreign exchange solutions to businesses for more than 40 years. Visit ⁠⁠www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/onle⁠⁠ to find out more.

Ever felt like “networking just doesn’t work” for you? You’re not alone— many business owners misunderstand how networking helps you make sales and grow your business.In this episode of Adventures in Networking, we’re unpacking why so many people struggle to get results from networking—and how to turn it around.- Why there’s no shortcut to good networking- The common mistakes that leave you feeling stuck- How to build relationships that lead to real opportunities- Why showing up before you need business is keyTune in, rethink your approach, and start networking the right way.We'd like to thank our sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS) for supporting our show. BFS is one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders, providing specialist and adaptable working capital finance and foreign exchange solutions to businesses for more than 40 years. Visit ⁠www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/onle⁠ to find out more.#onlinenetworking #businessnetworking #businessowner

Ever entered a networking event and thought, “Why am I the only one who doesn’t know what they’re doing?” That feeling of being out of place or ‘less than’ is surprisingly common at networking.In this episode of Adventures in Networking, we’re exploring why even experienced networkers have suffered imposter syndrome to some degree. We’ll talk about our experiences trying to fit into networking groups, the things that helped us build confidence and how you can get comfortable while networking.We’d love you to share your networking fears and how you overcame them. Join us live and you might even feature on the show.We'd like to thank our sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS) for supporting our show. BFS is one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders, providing specialist and adaptable working capital finance and foreign exchange solutions to businesses for more than 40 years. Visit www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/onle to find out more.#onlinenetworking #businessnetworking #businessowner

You have plenty of friends. You can get expert advice via podcasts, books and videos. And you can use ChatGBT as a sounding board. So, you don’t need networking ‘friends’. Or do you? In this episode of Adventures in Networking, Kelly and James talk about the many benefits of building a network of people who care about and support you. Hear examples from our listeners of how their network have helped their business journeys.#onlinenetworking #businessnetworking #businessowner

Frustrated with business hacks, quick-win sales tactics and algorithm-chasing that doesn’t seem to work? Maybe it’s time to stop hacking and start connecting. In this episode of Adventures in Networking, we explore the real ROI of relationship-building. #onlinenetworking #businessnetworking #businessowner

In this special episode of Adventures In Networking, Kelly & James share their journey of growing a business while caring for their daughter with severe special needs. We explore the emotional and practical challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with caregiving. So whether you have young children, elderly parents, or other family members in need of care, we’d love you to join us as we discuss strategies, stories, and solutions for business owners navigating the unique demands of caregiving. #businessnetworking #onlinenetworking #carer #podcast

Stress management is a huge part of the healthy mind of a business owner. But have we become so wrapped in hustle culture that we have skewed our view of productivity. In this episode James and Kelly are joined by productivity mentor, Louise Miller to discuss how to manage distractions and get things done. Want to hear more from Louise? Check out her downloadable guide ‘Ten Powerful Pauses for Productivity and Progress' here: https://www.bettylouonline.com/ten-powerful-pauses-for-productivity-and-progress #businessnetworking #onlinenetworking #productivity #podcast

Let’s face it. You want to spread the word about your business - online and at networking. But business content can be a little bit…well, boring. In this episode James and Kelly are joined by presentation coach, Simon Raybould, to talk about the importance of putting emotion and stories into your messaging and how to engage people when you’re communicating with them online. Click here to find more information on Simon's book release this November: https://storymaking.business/book/ #businessnetworking #onlinenetworking #message #podcast

Once you realise that meeting in person is no longer a pre-requisite to doing business with people, the opportunities for national and global networking are endless and simply not accessible via in-person networking. Technology can open the doors to so many networking opportunities - but can AI and tech really replace networking? In this episode, James and Kelly will discuss the benefits of using technology with networking but also how there is a limit to how far this can take you. Once the connection is made, tech is not much use. We already have an example of the limitations of tech to connect: dating apps. They might get you closer to a good match using strong algorithmic principles. But it’s only EVER an ice-breaker - the relationship part is down to the two individuals. And the same is true for networking. 
 Pipedrive is the sales-first CRM and intelligent revenue platform that supports the growth of small businesses with easy-to-use and effective tools. CRM is vital for connecting online networking and digital marketing to drive sales: Pipedrive customers average 28% more deals in their first year. Thanks to our partnership, you can try Pipedrive FREE for 30 days, plus get 20% off Pipedrive for one year using our exclusive link: https://aff.trypipedrive.com/ONLENetworking #businessnetworking #onlinenetworking #sales #podcast