Last year I said yes to almost every networking opportunity – here’s what I learned about choosing the right room and showing up in a way that actually works effectively.
In 2025 I ran a bit of an experiment. I went all-in on networking.
From conversations in a small group exploring the local caves, to vast rooms of 250+ people. From in-person coffee shop catch-ups to high-profile B2B groups operating almost entirely online.
I tried free groups, premium memberships, local collectives and national platforms.
Some I chose because I liked the people.
Others because the brand felt aligned to my business.
Some because I thought, “I should probably be in that room.”
By the end of 2025, I’d had a lot of really great conversations and big wins, but also some notable misses.
What I Learned
1. If it’s hard to show up, you won’t
My most expensive mistake was joining a high-profile, predominantly-online B2B group.
On paper, it looked excellent.
In reality? The platforms were chaotic. I’d look away for ten minutes and return to hundreds of messages across tangled conversation threads. Keeping up felt like a second job.
I ended up ignoring all the notifications and not even opening the emails because of the absolute overwhelm I felt.
Ultimately, if something feels like friction every time you try to engage, consistency dies quietly and quickly.
2. Geography matters more than we pretend
If you deliver in-person services – like I do – local proximity isn’t a minor detail. It’s core strategy.
One “local” group I joined turned out to be scattered across the UK and beyond. Lovely people. Interesting conversations. Zero practical alignment.
There’s nothing wrong with national networks – but they need to match your business operates.
3. Culture beats scale
The groups that truly stand out are the ones that actively champion their members.
They create space for voices to be heard. They celebrate wins. They connect people in a thoughtful way.
Those rooms where this is done well and with openness are rare, and well worth investing in.
4. Be honest about why you’re there
Not every network needs to generate revenue.
One of the most valuable groups I was part of brought in no direct business at all. But it sharpened my thinking. It strengthened my boundaries. It helped me recalibrate what actually matters in my life as well as my business.
It was important for my business because of how it helped me develop on a personal level, and the wonderful connections I made through it.
Being clear which ‘room’ serves which purpose is key.
5. Your online presence plays a significant role
Networking doesn’t end when the coffee does.
When someone looks you up afterwards, your digital presence should reinforce the memory of you. I realised that having a clear website and socials with consistent messaging, and having me visibly front-and-centre of that (even though I’d rather be on the other side of the camera) played a more significant role than I’d realised.
People do business with people they remember (and a little memory-jog via social media or your website is not a bad thing at all!).
The Shift
In terms of networking, I’ve taken what I learned last year, and stripped things right back for 2026.
Intentionally choosing where I want to be, and why I want to be there. Fewer rooms, more consistency, more joy.
Being a dedicated member of a few carefully chosen groups has delivered far more value for me – both relationally and commercially – rather than scattering my energy everywhere.
Getting to know fewer people well, rather than busily spreading myself thin is the way to go.
A Reluctant Farewell
Last week, I felt genuinely honoured to be asked to play a role in the final Aldwick Breakfast Networking meet-up as the group closed its doors.
I’ve been a member and regular attendee for the last 3 years, and it has been one of my all-time favourite groups – grounded, generous and full of brilliant people. It was a different kind of networking too, breaking the mould in several ways, and always adding value. (Put it this way, it was worth the 7:45am start, and I don’t say that lightly!)
The group helped me to gain a clearer understanding of what kind of rooms I want to be a part of, and where I want to build connections.
I’ll miss it, and everything it brought. But I’m grateful for the opportunities it provided and the friendships I’ve made. I has definitely been the right room to be in!
