Business freedom? Success? Or both? Adventures In Networking EP24.

Can you have business freedom and growth? Or are we pretending there’s no trade-off?In this episode of Adventures in Networking, Kelly and James, co-founders of ONLE Networking, discuss expectations around running a business. We’ve noticed a shift - particularly since Covid - which seems to have confused our expectations of what building a business actually takes.Most of us start businesses partly because we want more control over our lives. More time freedom and flexibility. And depending on our ambitions, maybe fewer hours.But are we expecting the time freedom before we’ve built the business capable of giving it to us?

Have you noticed that something about time is a bit off at the moment? We say we don't have time for sales, conversations, networking etc. Yet we seem to find time for messages, social media, and even talking to AI.In this episode of Adventures in Networking, Kelly and James, co-founders of ONLE Networking, discuss whether we’re genuinely time-poor, or just spending it in the wrong places - looking at social media, networking, AI and the importance of finding time to think.

Most people think networking works by luck, by being in the right place at the right time, or by hoping serendipity will strike. But the reality is far more practical. Every successful networker repeats specific behaviours consistently. In this episode, Kelly and James discuss the inconvenient truths of networking – the uncomfortable but essential habits that make the difference between “turning up” and actually building opportunities.

One connection equals one opportunity, right? In this episode of Adventures In Networking, Kelly and James, founders of ONLE Networking, explain what Dunbar's Number teaches us about the true reach of our networks. And why breaking networking branches based on limited data is the fastest way to remove 150 opportunities. Listen for discussions on:• Why we “clack down the tiles” too quickly (like a game of Guess Who?)• The 150 hidden connections most people overlook• A real networking story about an oversight that nearly cost three big opportunities• The mindset shift that keeps doors open - and networks multiplying

In this episode of Adventures in Networking, we’re joined by writer and networking expert James Meadows to explore why AI means it’s no longer logic or efficiency that gives you the edge. It’s story. Empathy. And your ability to make connections and relationships. Here we discuss alongside Jim:• Why emotional intelligence and human connection are your real differentiators• How to stay relevant and stand out in an AI-saturated world• Why networking and relationship building are becoming more powerful than ever

In networking - and in business - the results you get are shaped by what you bring to the room.On this episode of Adventures In Networking, we’re joined by business growth mentor Kate Chastey to talk about the seemingly minor adjustments you can make that will have a significant impact on your networking.Kate’s post about rebuilding after business closure struck a chord - we’ll be chatting about the importance of using your energy to bounce back … even when you don’t feel like it.Oh and we’ll swap stories about how networking shaped our personal lives too (turns out, we’re not the only people to meet our partner at 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 

Some people show up to networking and light up the room. Others seem to disappear.Why?• It’s not about being loud or extroverted.• It’s not even about what you say.• It’s something less obvious – but more powerful.Join Kelly and James, founders of ONLE Networking, on this episode of Adventures in Networking as they discuss the one thing people sense about you in seconds.We explore:- The invisible signals that make people lean in (or switch off)- Subtle networking habits that might be holding you back- Small changes to leave a great impression every time you attend networking eventsWe'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 

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