People often ask us:
“What’s the difference between The Business Culture HEY and a traditional networking group?”
So perhaps an ice cream is the easiest way to show it. 🍦
Networking is absolutely part of what we do.
But there’s a lot more on top.
Think extra scoops, a cherry, a couple of flakes… the full works!
Because when we started The Business Culture HEY, we never wanted it to be about turning up to the same meeting, at the same time, every week.
People are different.
Businesses are different.
And the way we like to meet people, build relationships, learn and get support is different too.
So, what are all those extra scoops?
Some people absolutely love networking. Give them a room full of people and they’re in their element.
Others prefer smaller groups and the opportunity to have a proper conversation.
Some enjoy listening to a speaker or attending a masterclass. Others would rather get to know people in a more relaxed, social environment.
There’s no right or wrong way.
That’s why we offer different types of events and different ways to get involved.
And importantly, you don’t have to do everything.
Choose what works for you, your personality and your busines
Membership doesn’t stop when you leave a networking event.
We also want to help our members raise their profile.
Members can promote their business through their Business Page on our website, share Good News, demonstrate their expertise through Know-How articles and promote their own Offers and Events.
Because the person who eventually becomes your customer, recommends you or wants to collaborate with you might never have been standing in the same networking room.
Sometimes being visible is just as important as being there.
One of the things we probably don’t talk about enough is what happens behind the scenes.
We regularly get messages that start:
“Do you know anyone who could help me with…?”
Quite often, we do.
If there’s someone in our community we think you should know, we’ll make an introduction.
Sometimes you don’t need another networking event.
You just need to meet the right person.
Business Culture isn’t only about who you meet. It’s also about what you learn.
Our speaker events, masterclasses and wider community give members opportunities to learn from people with different skills, experiences and perspectives.
Sometimes you leave an event with a new contact.
Sometimes you leave with one idea that changes something in your business.
Both matter.
This is probably one of the hardest parts of Business Culture to explain because much of it happens quietly.
Sometimes a member needs some business advice.
Sometimes they need an introduction.
Sometimes they want to bounce an idea around.
Sometimes things aren’t going particularly well and they simply want someone to talk to.
And sometimes what’s happening has nothing to do with business at all.
Because behind every business is a person.
We’ve always believed that supporting people in business means looking beyond turnover, leads and referrals.
Running a business can be brilliant.
It can also be stressful, lonely and difficult at times.
And life doesn’t conveniently stop happening because you’ve got a business to run.
That’s why our approach is about supporting your:
Mind.
Body.
Business.
That might mean making a connection, pointing somebody towards specialist support or simply being there when somebody needs a conversation.
It’s not necessarily something you’ll see advertised on an events calendar.
But it’s there.
Another thing people sometimes don’t realise is that the business is the member.
Membership isn’t restricted to the person who originally joined.
Your team can be part of the community too.
Different people within your business may benefit from different things – and that’s exactly how it should be.
Ultimately, networking can introduce two people.
But relationships take time.
They develop through seeing people again, having conversations, helping each other, sharing experiences and gradually building trust.
That’s why the social side of Business Culture matters too.
Not every conversation has to end with a referral.
Sometimes it’s simply about getting to know somebody.
And you never quite know where that relationship might eventually lead.
And then, of course, there’s us – Tony and Michelle.
We’re not sure we’d quite describe ourselves as the cherry on top… but we are a big part of what happens behind the scenes at The Business Culture HEY!
We get to know our members and their businesses.
We make introductions, connect people, answer questions, listen, offer support and, when we can, help point people in the right direction.
Sometimes that's about business.
Sometimes it's personal.
And sometimes it's simply knowing that there are two people you can pick up the phone to and say:
“Can you help?”
We won't always have the answer.
But we'll always do our best to help you find it.
Because underneath everything we've built at The Business Culture HEY is one simple belief:
We believe no one should feel alone in business.
So yes, networking is one of the scoops.
There's just quite a lot more on top. 🍦
Curious about whether The Business Culture HEY might be right for you and your business?
We’d be happy to have a chat.
