If Anne Can

Sue France helps women in business make the best connections and is the founder of sue France Creative Connecting in Cheshire.
She says, " I instinctively know who to match with who, and every day there is a new success story within my group."
She has lovingly built a tribe of interconnected women who joyously build relationships.
I joined Sue at one of her networking events held at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre and chatted with her to learn more about her thoughts about networking, and how she injects so much joy into the process.
I also spoke to those attending the event to find out what they thought about networking, and we even gave the dreaded elevator pitch a go!

Here are the highlights of our conversations

Sue France
Web: https://suefranceccc.com/

Why there is no joy in old-style networking

• Having to wear a delegate badge and then enter the room to sink or swim with a group of strangers.
• Emphasis on selling, not on listening
• Elevator pitches with no help are very scary!

What does Sue do to encourage people to enjoy networking

• There is no pressure to perform
• Huge emphasis on relationship building which continued even through COVID
• Making events accessible to everyone regardless of age or business

Voices from Sue's networking event

Fiona Drake coach
Instagram: Fiona_Drake_Coaching
Web: www.fionadrake.com
#The Adventure Chronicles

Fiona Drake is the 'adventure mentor' on a quest to awaken your spirit of adventure, so you fall madly in love with midlife.

Fiona's thoughts on networking

• Networking brings the intrinsic human desire to belong, connect and collaborate.
• Most people are beneficial, but it's essential to be you at an event, and you will find those who are aligned with you and your values.

Claire Lucas
Instagram: Claire_Lucas_hypnotherapy
Web: www.clairelucastherapies.com

Claire is a clinical hypnotherapist who specialises in weight reduction, stress, anxiety, fears, phobias and business confidence.

Claire's thoughts on networking

• Attending a supportive event fulfils the need to connect
• Networking is hugely important when you run a solo business as it replaces the relationships you would otherwise build with colleagues.

Sarah Osborne
Instagram: @sonutrition
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-Osborne-52b37677

Sarah was inspired to study and founded her business, So Nutrition, following personal experiences in her family.

Sarah's thoughts on networking

• Networking is vital to growing a new business.
• Networking when you have a business is very different to networking in the corporate world.

Helen Greenwood
Instagram: helengreenwoodcreative

Helen is a Canva training and creative content coach, helping women in business attract more clients by creating scroll-stopping visual content in Canva.

Helen's tip for networking

• Canva business card - a practical solution for connecting electronically

Sarah Pickles
www.sarahepickles.uk

Sarah is an inspirational speaker, author and beauty school founder. Her mission is to help and empower women giving hope and celebration through education and transformation.

Sarah's thoughts on networking

• It is worth making an effort to attend a networking event as, inevitably, you will find a positive connection.