Hate Networking? Here's Why You Should Give It Another Go
03/03/25 • 39 min
Does the idea of networking events make you cringe? You’re not alone! Many small business owners avoid networking because it feels awkward, forced, or just plain uncomfortable. But what if you’ve just been going to the wrong types of events?
In this episode of The Growth Addicts Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Cook, founder of Come Network With Me, to chat about how to make networking fun, meaningful, and actually beneficial for your business.
I’ve personally never been a fan of networking, but after this conversation, I’m realizing that it’s not networking that’s the problem—it’s the pressure we put on it!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why traditional networking doesn’t work for many small business owners
- How to find the right networking event that actually feels GOOD
- The real value of networking (hint: it’s not about instant sales or referrals!)
- Why Sarah started hosting her own networking events and how they’re different
- How to remove the pressure and just enjoy meeting like-minded people
- BONUS: Free Invite to an Online Networking Event!
Sarah is offering a FREE online networking taster session for Growth Addicts listeners! If you’ve been avoiding networking but want to give it a try—this is your sign. Just DM Sarah on Instagram to arrange If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable at a networking event, this episode will change how you see them forever. Listen now and let’s rethink networking together!
You can also find Sarah here
And why not join Sarah's FREE women's business directory
What’s Next?
💌 Want content prompts that actually get clients?
Grab my free list of 30 proven hooks to Attract, Nurture & Convert on social media—straight to your inbox:
👉 Get your FREE prompts
🙌 Huge thanks to our sponsor KM Accountancy
If you're after an accountant who genuinely gets small business life, Kirsty is your woman.
→ kmaccountancy.co.uk
💷 Free £50? Yes please.
If you're ready to switch to a better business bank account, Monzo’s where it’s at.
→ Get the offer here
🔥 Ready to Get Seen & Get Sales?
Join my mentor group and get expert support, weekly content prompts, and a group that actually feels good to be part of.
🎁 Bonus just for waitlist members: Get a free digital copy of my bestselling Social Media Planner plus access to the video workshop where I show you how to plan a week’s content (for multiple platforms!) in under an hour.
📲 Come hang out on Instagram
That’s where you’ll find podcast updates, social media tips, and the occasional reel that deserves a BAFTA (or at least a like).
→ @amandahugh...
Does the idea of networking events make you cringe? You’re not alone! Many small business owners avoid networking because it feels awkward, forced, or just plain uncomfortable. But what if you’ve just been going to the wrong types of events?
In this episode of The Growth Addicts Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Cook, founder of Come Network With Me, to chat about how to make networking fun, meaningful, and actually beneficial for your business.
I’ve personally never been a fan of networking, but after this conversation, I’m realizing that it’s not networking that’s the problem—it’s the pressure we put on it!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why traditional networking doesn’t work for many small business owners
- How to find the right networking event that actually feels GOOD
- The real value of networking (hint: it’s not about instant sales or referrals!)
- Why Sarah started hosting her own networking events and how they’re different
- How to remove the pressure and just enjoy meeting like-minded people
- BONUS: Free Invite to an Online Networking Event!
Sarah is offering a FREE online networking taster session for Growth Addicts listeners! If you’ve been avoiding networking but want to give it a try—this is your sign. Just DM Sarah on Instagram to arrange If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable at a networking event, this episode will change how you see them forever. Listen now and let’s rethink networking together!
You can also find Sarah here
And why not join Sarah's FREE women's business directory
What’s Next?
💌 Want content prompts that actually get clients?
Grab my free list of 30 proven hooks to Attract, Nurture & Convert on social media—straight to your inbox:
👉 Get your FREE prompts
🙌 Huge thanks to our sponsor KM Accountancy
If you're after an accountant who genuinely gets small business life, Kirsty is your woman.
→ kmaccountancy.co.uk
💷 Free £50? Yes please.
If you're ready to switch to a better business bank account, Monzo’s where it’s at.
→ Get the offer here
🔥 Ready to Get Seen & Get Sales?
Join my mentor group and get expert support, weekly content prompts, and a group that actually feels good to be part of.
🎁 Bonus just for waitlist members: Get a free digital copy of my bestselling Social Media Planner plus access to the video workshop where I show you how to plan a week’s content (for multiple platforms!) in under an hour.
📲 Come hang out on Instagram
That’s where you’ll find podcast updates, social media tips, and the occasional reel that deserves a BAFTA (or at least a like).
→ @amandahugh...
Previous Episode
How Maxine Laceby Built Absolute Collagen from Scratch—And Why She Never Took No for an Answer
Ever had a business idea and thought... ‘This could actually be something BIG?’
Today’s guest on Growth Addicts proves that yes, it absolutely can.
This week, I’m joined by Maxine Laceby, the co-founder of Absolute Collagen, a brand that went from a home kitchen bone broth experiment to a multi-million pound beauty business.
But it didn’t happen overnight.
In this episode, Maxine shares:
- How her DIY bone broth led to a game-changing discovery
- The moment she realised her small business could go BIG
- Why fear never held her back
- The best money she ever spent on her business (and why it was investment!)
- How knowing her ideal client guides every business decision
- The role of social media in scaling Absolute Collagen
- Why rejection didn’t stop her—and why YOU shouldn’t take no for an answer either
If you’re a small business owner wondering ‘What’s next?’ or ‘How do I scale this thing?’—this episode is for you. Hit play, take notes, and get inspired to take your business to the next level. Tag me on Instagram @amandahughes.uk & tell me your biggest takeaway!
Want to Try Absolute Collagen? Here’s £10 Off!
Inspired by Maxine’s story and curious about Absolute Collagen? I’ve been using it myself and love it!
As a customer, I get to share an exclusive £10 off with you when you try it for the first time
Use my referral link here
You can also find Maxine here @maxinelaceby
and Absolute Collagen here
What’s Next?
💌 Want content prompts that actually get clients?
Grab my free list of 30 proven hooks to Attract, Nurture & Convert on social media—straight to your inbox:
👉 Get your FREE prompts
🙌 Huge thanks to our sponsor KM Accountancy
If you're after an accountant who genuinely gets small business life, Kirsty is your woman.
→ kmaccountancy.co.uk
💷 Free £50? Yes please.
If you're ready to switch to a better business bank account, Monzo’s where it’s at.
→ Get the offer here
🔥 Ready to Get Seen & Get Sales?
Join my mentor group and get expert support, weekly content prompts, and a group that actually feels good to be part of.
🎁 Bonus just for waitlist members: Get a free digital copy of my bestselling Social Media Planner plus access to the video workshop where I show you how to plan a week’s content (for multiple platforms!) in under an hour.
📲 Come hang out on Instagram
That’s where you’ll find podcast updates, social media tips, and the occasional reel that deserves a BAFTA (or at least a like).
→ @amandahugh...
Next Episode
What’s Working on Instagram Right Now (March 2025 Update)
What’s Actually Working on Instagram in March 2025? Let’s Break It Down!
If you’re a small business owner who's been posting on Instagram but not seeing the growth or engagement you want, this episode is for you!
Instagram is always changing, but the good news? Some strategies are working really well right now and I’m breaking them all down for you in this March 2025 update.
Inside This Episode, You’ll Learn: Authenticity on Instagram – What it REALLY means and how to do it without oversharing Carousels That Convert – My top 2 tips for making your carousel posts stand out Humorous Content & Remix Reels – Why fun, entertaining content is getting BIG engagement (and how to create it easily)
Want step-by-step guidance on how to make Instagram work for YOUR small business? Join my Get Seen Get Sales Mentor Group, where I teach you exactly how to attract, nurture, and convert your ideal clients using Instagram, without the overwhelm.
Hit play now & start using these strategies today! Let’s connect!
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to leave a review & tag me on Instagram when you’re listening!
What’s Next?
💌 Want content prompts that actually get clients?
Grab my free list of 30 proven hooks to Attract, Nurture & Convert on social media—straight to your inbox:
👉 Get your FREE prompts
🙌 Huge thanks to our sponsor KM Accountancy
If you're after an accountant who genuinely gets small business life, Kirsty is your woman.
→ kmaccountancy.co.uk
💷 Free £50? Yes please.
If you're ready to switch to a better business bank account, Monzo’s where it’s at.
→ Get the offer here
🔥 Ready to Get Seen & Get Sales?
Join my mentor group and get expert support, weekly content prompts, and a group that actually feels good to be part of.
🎁 Bonus just for waitlist members: Get a free digital copy of my bestselling Social Media Planner plus access to the video workshop where I show you how to plan a week’s content (for multiple platforms!) in under an hour.
📲 Come hang out on Instagram
That’s where you’ll find podcast updates, social media tips, and the occasional reel that deserves a BAFTA (or at least a like).
→ @amandahugh...
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