Building connections builds businesses. Networking isn’t just about who you meet—it’s about the relationships, support, and opportunities that help your business grow.
Blog Summary:
Networking is one of the most powerful tools for growing your business, no matter where you’re based—even in smaller towns like Alexandra, Central Otago. In this blog, Kathy shares her journey from “introverted bookkeeper” to confident networker, and how saying “yes” to opportunities—from volunteering to business groups and Toastmasters—helped her gain advocates, mentors, and clients. More than just business leads, networking has brought confidence, learning, and friendships that continue to enrich her business and life. If you want to grow your business in New Zealand, networking might just be the key.
Networking changed my life. I’m not kidding!
As my business evolved, I realized that relying solely on word-of-mouth wasn’t enough to keep momentum going – so I set out to discover where my time would have the greatest impact. Again and again, the answer was clear: Network. Network. Network. Because in business it is not just what you know, it’s who you know.
Get around people that you admire, that you want to get to know, that are your ideal clients. And don’t do it just because you want to drum up business, do it because you want to help people, you want to learn from them, and you want to spend time in good company. You never know, you might even have fun!
Now, I know how difficult networking is, I completely understand. Being an “introverted bookkeeper” does not help with the networking nerves. But what does help is a good dose of “feel the fear and do it anyway”. And the more fear you feel, the more ‘normal’ it becomes.
How did this introverted bookkeeper do it, you ask? I set a goal for this year of saying “yes” to any invitation or opportunity that came my way. And you’d be surprised how many are out there, even in little old Alexandra.
Strong businesses grow from strong roots in the community. Giving your time is one of the best ways to connect and make a difference.
Networking examples you could try:
Give away your time - Volunteering for a charity – I am now treasurer for two Not For Profit organizations and I have so many new advocates for my business.
Visit businesses/schools - in your area and speak about what you do. They might not need your expertise but they will also have a network of people that they might introduce you to.
Think Drinks run by CODC once a month to introduce new entrepreneurs to meet other entrepreneurs and learn from them. Usually with a guest speaker.
Business Group meetings – there is usually one in every town – also with a guest speaker.
Central Otago Toastmasters – this is really feeling the fear – but you meet a great bunch of people who all have the same goal – to learn to speak confidently in any situation.
Start your own business group, get to know some great humans and help them along the way.
Sign up with Business Mentors – for a small fee you can get access to someone who has been in business for a long time, and who is happy to mentor you in your business. You can bet that they have a huge network!
There are so many ways to network and once you start you will be amazed to find out how busy you can be if you want to. My networking has been so successful that I have had to start saying no to some opportunities!
From my networking adventures, I’ve gathered more than just business cards—I’ve gained insights, confidence, and connections that continue to shape both my work and my world. The skills I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve built—right here in Alexandra and across the wider business community—have enriched me in ways I never expected. It turns out, when you show up with curiosity and kindness, the right people show up too.
