08/10/2026
Connecting with people in real life, rather than just online is essential!!
Today I ventured out to meet business people at the West Wiltshire Business Expo expertly organised by Trowbridge Chamber.
Having recently relocated from Buckinghamshire to Wiltshire meant I'd moved away from a lot of the people and groups I was part of before and given my work is 100% remote, I know how important it is to be connected locally.
I often refer people I work with to other connections and business too, sometimes for Counselling Services or Business Mentoring, so having a strong, local network is key.
I am very much a 'people person'. That's why I love being a Leadership and Career Coach, as I meet coaching clients based all over the world from behind my laptop screen.
However, you can't beat real, in-person connections!
Today, I met lots of wonderful businesses, business owners, entrepreneurs and people all sharing their passions, businesses and career stories. My energy was instantly replenished!
I recently put my networking into practice socially too.
Moving to an area where I didn't know anyone was a big leap and pretty scary! I've never been one to avoid risk or change, but it doesn't mean it's not hard.
I wanted to make new friends and connections, so I put out a post in my local Facebook group asking if there was anyone else, like me, looking to connect in real life.
The response was overwhelming! So many people are working from home or finding it harder to make friends in later life.
So, I set up a new group, promoting real human-centred connections. In 2 months I had nearly 200 members and we were meeting for coffee and cake, dog walks, cinema trips, meals out, quiz nights and more. Great friendships have already started to develop, new connections, splinter groups have been formed, new hobbies tried out and more.
All this from just one, slightly awkward, vulnerable post reaching out to connect.
Im hoping my conversations at the Expo will also help to generate some new business connections too.
How do you feel about "networking"?
What stories can you share about connecting with people in real life?