Networking is a powerful tool when dealing with loneliness of running a business: Daniella Wainwright
There have been moments when the solitude of being a business owner has felt almost overwhelming. Especially in the early days of leaving my corporate career and building my fractional FD business, Wainwright Consulting, the weight of decisions and responsibilities often left me feeling isolated, there were no reassuring words of wisdom from colleagues, no one to sense-check my thoughts, I now had to figure this stuff out alone.
Yet, it was in those moments that I learnt one of the most valuable lessons - success isn’t solely measured by revenue or market share, no, the secret sauce to success is the quality of my relationships and the strength of the community around me.
Conversations over coffee, a quick Zoom, grabbing some fresh air on a ‘walk and talk’, it’s these moments that power the decisions I make.
The collective strength of my community provides me with different points of view, it gives me the confidence to push on, and the courage to make the ‘big moves’, a constant reminder that I’m not alone.
Networking has become one of my most powerful tools, and it can be yours too once you understand it’s not about showing up to a crowded conference room, drinking lukewarm coffee, grabbing a few business cards and leaving feeling drained.
It’s about building genuine connections and creating reciprocal relationships - the more I share my own experiences, the more wisdom I absorb from others.
Connecting with my peers gives me a renewed energy. Running a business can be demanding, it’s easy to let stress, fatigue, and burnout creep in unnoticed.
I know that if I’ve pushed myself too hard, my saviour is often my community. Stepping out of the day-to-day, looking at things through a different lens, that’s where my breakthroughs happen and clarity hits.
When I look after the ‘whole me’ the rest always falls into place, which is why it’s one of the guiding principles of not only my own business, but something I’m passionate about sharing with the business owners I support.
Sure, giving them the strategic support they need has the knock-on effect of them getting closer to the all elusive ‘balance’, allowing them to spend more time in their ‘zone of genius’ (and maybe sleep a little easier at night!), but it’s more than that, it’s about the community we create.
Connecting business owners going through the same challenges, that’s the space where the real magic happens. For example, at The Breather, our peer-to-peer networking community held at the Swinton Estate, we encourage authentic connections and creative thinking with activities that invite a little adventure into our lives…and businesses.
Breaking down barriers, trying something different and connecting on a deeper level is the circuit breaker that can be truly transformational for your professional and personal growth.
The path to success is rarely a solo venture, and I am continually reminded that continuous learning from my peers, connections with others and prioritising my wellbeing is the true catalyst for growth and innovation - and that doesn’t happen in a conference room or noisy bar. Think outside the box and embrace the power of community and watch the magic unfold. Maybe I’ll even see you at The Breather.
Daniella Wainwright is founder of Wainwright Consulting.