One connection equals one opportunity, right?
In this episode of Adventures In Networking, Kelly and James, founders of ONLE Networking, explain what Dunbar's Number teaches us about the true reach of our networks. And why breaking networking branches based on limited data is the fastest way to remove 150 opportunities.
Listen for discussions on:
• Why we “clack down the tiles” too quickly (like a game of Guess Who?)
• The 150 hidden connections most people overlook• A real networking story about an oversight that nearly cost three big opportunities
• The mindset shift that keeps doors open - and networks multiplying
In this episode of Adventures in Networking, we’re joined by writer and networking expert James Meadows to explore why AI means it’s no longer logic or efficiency that gives you the edge. It’s story. Empathy. And your ability to make connections and relationships.
Here we discuss alongside Jim:
• Why emotional intelligence and human connection are your real differentiators
• How to stay relevant and stand out in an AI-saturated world
• Why networking and relationship building are becoming more powerful than ever
In networking - and in business - the results you get are shaped by what you bring to the room.
On this episode of Adventures In Networking, we’re joined by business growth mentor Kate Chastey to talk about the seemingly minor adjustments you can make that will have a significant impact on your networking.
Kate’s post about rebuilding after business closure struck a chord - we’ll be chatting about the importance of using your energy to bounce back … even when you don’t feel like it.
Oh and we’ll swap stories about how networking shaped our personal lives too (turns out, we’re not the only people to meet our partner at networking).
We'd like to thank our sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS) for supporting our show. BFS is one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders, providing specialist and adaptable working capital finance and foreign exchange solutions to businesses for more than 40 years. Visit www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/onle to find out more.
Plus use code PODCAST20 at checkout to get £20 off the new Online Business Networking Course: https://theonle.network/online-business-networking-course
Some people show up to networking and light up the room. Others seem to disappear.
Why?
• It’s not about being loud or extroverted.
• It’s not even about what you say.
• It’s something less obvious – but more powerful.
Join Kelly and James, founders of ONLE Networking, on this episode of Adventures in Networking as they discuss the one thing people sense about you in seconds.
We explore:
- The invisible signals that make people lean in (or switch off)
- Subtle networking habits that might be holding you back
- Small changes to leave a great impression every time you attend networking events
We'd like to thank our sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS) for supporting our show. BFS is one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders, providing specialist and adaptable working capital finance and foreign exchange solutions to businesses for more than 40 years. Visit www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/onle to find out more.
Plus use code PODCAST20 at checkout to get £20 off the new Online Business Networking Course: https://theonle.network/online-business-networking-course
What if the reason your networking isn’t working... is how you're doing it?
In this episode, Kelly and James reflect on two months of conversation with our network and what they've learned about vague asks, unclear positioning, and chasing the wrong kind of growth.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
• Why being specific is your responsibility
• How to sell to the network in front of you
• The myth of the “magic” marketing shortcut
• And how meaningful conversations lead to results
And share your lessons on how you learned how to get value from networking.
We'd like to thank our sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS) for supporting our show. BFS is one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders, providing specialist and adaptable working capital finance and foreign exchange solutions to businesses for more than 40 years. Visit www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/onle to find out more.
Plus use code PODCAST20 at checkout to get £20 off the new Online Business Networking Course: https://theonle.network/online-business-networking-course
Kelly and James West are joined by Alex Cooper and Helena Warne from Bibby Financial Services to talk about how small businesses can fund their growth and expand internationally. We’ll explore how finance can be a powerful tool for scaling, without adding pressure. And also why networking is integral to expanding your business reach into new areas.
In this episode we cover:
- Why invoice financing and FX support aren’t just for big companies
- How to improve your cashflow today
- The opportunities small businesses are missing overseas
- How networking helps you break into new markets
We'd like to thank our sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS) for supporting our show. BFS is one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders, providing specialist and adaptable working capital finance and foreign exchange solutions to businesses for more than 40 years. Visit www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/onle to find out more.
Ever felt like “networking just doesn’t work” for you? You’re not alone— many business owners misunderstand how networking helps you make sales and grow your business.
In this episode of Adventures in Networking, we’re unpacking why so many people struggle to get results from networking—and how to turn it around.
- Why there’s no shortcut to good networking
- The common mistakes that leave you feeling stuck
- How to build relationships that lead to real opportunities
- Why showing up before you need business is key
Tune in, rethink your approach, and start networking the right way.
We'd like to thank our sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS) for supporting our show. BFS is one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders, providing specialist and adaptable working capital finance and foreign exchange solutions to businesses for more than 40 years. Visit www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/onle to find out more.
#onlinenetworking #businessnetworking #businessowner
Ever entered a networking event and thought, “Why am I the only one who doesn’t know what they’re doing?” That feeling of being out of place or ‘less than’ is surprisingly common at networking.
In this episode of Adventures in Networking, we’re exploring why even experienced networkers have suffered imposter syndrome to some degree. We’ll talk about our experiences trying to fit into networking groups, the things that helped us build confidence and how you can get comfortable while networking.
We’d love you to share your networking fears and how you overcame them. Join us live and you might even feature on the show.
We'd like to thank our sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS) for supporting our show. BFS is one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders, providing specialist and adaptable working capital finance and foreign exchange solutions to businesses for more than 40 years. Visit www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/onle to find out more.
#onlinenetworking #businessnetworking #businessowner
You have plenty of friends. You can get expert advice via podcasts, books and videos. And you can use ChatGBT as a sounding board. So, you don’t need networking ‘friends’. Or do you?
In this episode of Adventures in Networking, Kelly and James talk about the many benefits of building a network of people who care about and support you. Hear examples from our listeners of how their network have helped their business journeys.
#onlinenetworking #businessnetworking #businessowner
Frustrated with business hacks, quick-win sales tactics and algorithm-chasing that doesn’t seem to work? Maybe it’s time to stop hacking and start connecting. In this episode of Adventures in Networking, we explore the real ROI of relationship-building.
#onlinenetworking #businessnetworking #businessowner
In this special episode of Adventures In Networking, Kelly & James share their journey of growing a business while caring for their daughter with severe special needs. We explore the emotional and practical challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with caregiving. So whether you have young children, elderly parents, or other family members in need of care, we’d love you to join us as we discuss strategies, stories, and solutions for business owners navigating the unique demands of caregiving.
#businessnetworking #onlinenetworking #carer #podcast
Stress management is a huge part of the healthy mind of a business owner. But have we become so wrapped in hustle culture that we have skewed our view of productivity. In this episode James and Kelly are joined by productivity mentor, Louise Miller to discuss how to manage distractions and get things done. Want to hear more from Louise? Check out her downloadable guide ‘Ten Powerful Pauses for Productivity and Progress' here: https://www.bettylouonline.com/ten-powerful-pauses-for-productivity-and-progress
#businessnetworking #onlinenetworking #productivity #podcast
Let’s face it. You want to spread the word about your business - online and at networking. But business content can be a little bit…well, boring. In this episode James and Kelly are joined by presentation coach, Simon Raybould, to talk about the importance of putting emotion and stories into your messaging and how to engage people when you’re communicating with them online. Click here to find more information on Simon's book release this November: https://storymaking.business/book/ #businessnetworking #onlinenetworking #message #podcast
Once you realise that meeting in person is no longer a pre-requisite to doing business with people, the opportunities for national and global networking are endless and simply not accessible via in-person networking. Technology can open the doors to so many networking opportunities - but can AI and tech really replace networking?
In this episode, James and Kelly will discuss the benefits of using technology with networking but also how there is a limit to how far this can take you. Once the connection is made, tech is not much use. We already have an example of the limitations of tech to connect: dating apps. They might get you closer to a good match using strong algorithmic principles. But it’s only EVER an ice-breaker - the relationship part is down to the two individuals. And the same is true for networking.
Pipedrive is the sales-first CRM and intelligent revenue platform that supports the growth of small businesses with easy-to-use and effective tools. CRM is vital for connecting online networking and digital marketing to drive sales: Pipedrive customers average 28% more deals in their first year. Thanks to our partnership, you can try Pipedrive FREE for 30 days, plus get 20% off Pipedrive for one year using our exclusive link: https://aff.trypipedrive.com/ONLENetworking
#businessnetworking #onlinenetworking #sales #podcast
You attend networking meetings and connect on LinkedIn. You may even speak to some of your connections - via 121s, messages and comments. But how do you turn these networking activities into sales opportunities?
In this episode, James and Kelly will be speaking to Daniel Disney, the best-selling LinkedIn author and the undisputed king of social selling about using the combination of LinkedIn, networking and CRM to feed your business with a continuous sales pipeline.
Pipedrive is the sales-first CRM and intelligent revenue platform that supports the growth of small businesses with easy-to-use and effective tools. CRM is vital for connecting online networking and digital marketing to drive sales: Pipedrive customers average 28% more deals in their first year. Thanks to our partnership, you can try Pipedrive FREE for 30 days, plus get 20% off Pipedrive for one year using our exclusive link: https://aff.trypipedrive.com/ONLENetworking
#businessnetworking #onlinenetworking #sales #podcast
Is one type of networking 'better' than another? Or is good networking just 'good networking' - irrespective of the type? Kelly and James discuss how they have adapted to online networking after years of successful in-person networking and speak to sales expert Lisa Yelland about her experiences.
Pipedrive is the sales-first CRM and intelligent revenue platform that supports the growth of small businesses with easy-to-use and effective tools. CRM is vital for connecting online networking and digital marketing to drive sales: Pipedrive customers average 28% more deals in their first year. Thanks to our partnership, you can try Pipedrive FREE for 30 days, plus get 20% off Pipedrive for one year using our exclusive link: https://aff.trypipedrive.com/ONLENetworking
The pandemic experience of online networking was version 1.0. Now smart networkers are using online tools and events to create a cohesive personal brand and robust marketing strategy which is being seen by businesses around the world. Not only are they doing this over great distances in less time, they are reaching an audience previously excluded from networking because of location, circumstances or neurodiversity. In this special episode of Adventures in Networking, Kelly and James share their experiences with Paula Wingate and Alice Fewings - two people who have fully embraced the online revolution - about how to make version 2.0 of online networking work for you. Pipedrive is the sales-first CRM and intelligent revenue platform that supports the growth of small businesses with easy-to-use and effective tools. CRM is vital for connecting online networking and digital marketing to drive sales: Pipedrive customers average 28% more deals in their first year. Thanks to our partnership, you can try Pipedrive FREE for 30 days, plus get 20% off Pipedrive for one year using our exclusive link: https://aff.trypipedrive.com/ONLENetworking
In this episode, Kelly and James talk about their experiences selling via networking as they discuss this month’s topic: “Getting sales at networking. Are you referable?” And in the Networking Repair Shop, they look at how long you should stay in a networking group before moving on. Also inputting is guest Phil Coley sharing how he learned to make sales via networking.
How to network online - James and Kelly’s free workshop is on 1st May, 13:00-14:00 UK, with other dates available later in the year. Book a complimentary space here: https://theonle.network/shop/p/how-to-network-effectively
Welcome back to Adventures In Networking, the show about our networking journey. Here you are invited to share your stories and networking lessons with your hosts James and Kelly, the founders of ONLE Networking, the business network for people who like people.
In this episode, Kelly & James talk about the oft-repeated networking refrain: “I want to speak to bigger businesses” with guest Kallum Nicholson from The Unconventional Growth Agency (TUGA) and talk about how much time to allocate to networking in the Repair Shop.
Welcome back to Adventures In Networking, the show about our networking journey. Here you are invited to share your stories and networking lessons with your hosts James and Kelly, the founders of ONLE Networking, the business network for people who like people.
In this episode we are talking about 2D and 3D networking, aka networking to and through the ‘room’, as we go into the Networking Repair Shop. We have some help answering this question from guests: Brian Hilliard, Chris Mansfield, Joanne Bonnett as we learn how they’ve used the limitless reach of networking.
We start by sharing our networking story: how we met and how our story influenced the culture of ONLE. Networking without rules and restrictions because we believe the person is more important than the network. Ensuring no one is excluded because of their circumstances or location.
#businessnetworking #onlinenetworking #networkingtips