Networking for Growth
Starting a brand new business venture that is focused on supporting small but growing local businesses is a huge challenge. So, it was a no brainer to look at the local networks and communities where these business owners would inhabit.
“Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.”
My niggling worry that this was some US franchising gimmick was quashed as the people in attendance seemed genuine and really were focused on growing their companies and their own business skills. I came away thinking it was worth looking in to further.
Deciding to invest
On further analysis, the structure, accountability and systems that underpin BNI gave me the confidence that this was a worthwhile investment of that most precious commodity - time.
An investment that would not only benefit my business but also individual skills. So, I decided to join the Derbyshire South “Enterprize” chapter which meets virtually at the early hour of 7am on Tuesday mornings with a face-to-face meeting once a month.
Aligned values and ambitions
Great2 has been established on the foundation of “profit for purpose” and we have a medium-term goal of becoming B Corp Certified.
We believe that business owners are in the unique position of being able to drive social mobility by encompassing diversity and inclusion - who we are aligned with matters.
I am glad to report that BNI, through its Foundation, is helping to change lives by improving circumstances for children facing financial instability that negatively affect their educational opportunities.
At a local level, I am pleased to say that everyone I have met to date lives out the BNI Core Values: Positive attitude, trustworthy, honest, helpful. I’m looking forward to getting to know them even more and hopefully together we can improve the lives of more people here in Derbyshire.
If you would like an invite to one of our BNI Derbyshire South networking events, please get in touch with me via enquiries@great2.co.uk
AB
