Boost Connections, Opportunities, and Optimism with Netwalks: A Solution for Small Business Owners
As small business owners navigate the challenging economic climate created by the COVID-19 pandemic, networking and building connections with other entrepreneurs has become increasingly important. Traditionally, networking events were held in formal settings, but Small Business Britain has launched a new program designed to offer a more informal style of networking via Netwalks. Here is what you need to know about Netwalks and their benefits.
What are Netwalks?
Netwalks are a new and exciting way to network for small business owners with the intention of boosting connections, opportunities, and optimism in today’s challenging economic climate. It involves organizing walking meetings that allow participants to share ideas, tips, and support while enjoying nature and exercise.
Following a successful pilot program earlier this year, hundreds of business owners across the UK participated in Netwalks, and the program was expanded to more locations across the country. Notably, the initiative aims to address the isolation felt by many entrepreneurs, who can spend a lot of time working alone.
What are the benefits of Netwalks?
According to a pilot study conducted earlier this year, nearly four-fifths (79%) of participants said that Netwalks had a positive effect on their mental health, and 97% reported that they would recommend other business owners to get involved. Here are some benefits that Netwalks offer:
1. Positive effect on Mental Health: Loneliness and isolation are among the biggest mental health challenges that small business owners face. Netwalks offer an opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, building a supportive community and improving the participant’s mental health.
2. Boost Collaboration: A Netwalk is a great way to brainstorm ideas and collaborate with other small business owners. Participants can learn from one another and create a synergy that can pave the way to new collaborations and opportunities.
3. New Revenue Streams: Trained digital skills mentors who represent BT will also join each of the walks, so small businesses can benefit from advice on a range of topics, including cyber-security, new revenue streams, and business strategy.
4. Healthy Exercise: Netwalks bring the added benefit of fresh air, exercise, and nature. This helps to promote a healthy lifestyle and a healthy mindset by getting participants out of the office and into nature.
5. Informal Connections: Unlike formal networking events, Netwalks provide a relaxed setting for meeting new people. This helps build positive relationships and makes it easier to communicate in a relaxed and informal environment.
What is the structure of Netwalks?
Netwalks are organized as a series of walks led by local small business leaders, with Small Business Britain and BT providing the infrastructure and support. As well as enjoying a leisurely walk in the fresh air, each Netwalk ends with coffee and cake in a nearby cafe, where participants can chat, network, and exchange tips and ideas.
How to get involved in Netwalks?
If you are a small business owner looking to boost connections and opportunities, you can register for Netwalks on the Small Business Britain website. Katherine George, founder of Oh So Social, is a local small business leader who will be leading several Netwalks in the coming months.
Conclusion:
Small business owners in the UK have faced numerous challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs such as Netwalks provide a new opportunity to address these challenges in a fun and engaging way. Participating in Netwalks can help boost connections, opportunities, and optimism, all while enjoying fresh air, exercise, and the company of other entrepreneurs. Register today to find out how Netwalks can benefit you and your small business.
Summary:
Small Business Britain has launched a new program called Netwalks designed for small business owners to network informally while engaging in a leisurely walk. Netwalks aim to boost connections, opportunities, and optimism for small business owners. These walks offer a new way to address the mental health challenges entrepreneurs face from working in isolation. Netwalks provide an opportunity for small business owners to network and collaborate with each other, benefit from digital skills mentors, and get exercise while enjoying nature. Led by local small business leaders, Netwalks are a relaxed way to meet new people and build positive relationships. Interested business owners can register on the Small Business Britain website.
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With the goal of boosting connections, opportunities and optimism for local entrepreneurs in today’s challenging economic climate, the ‘Netwalks’ program will bring business owners together for a more informal style of networking.
Following a successful pilot program earlier this year, in which hundreds of business owners participated in Netwalks across the country, Small Business Britain and BT have now expanded the program to more locations across the UK.
One of the project’s goals is to address the isolation felt by many entrepreneurs, who can often spend a lot of time working alone. Nearly four-fifths (79%) said participating in a Netwalk during the pilot program had a positive effect on their mental health, and 97% said they would recommend other business owners get involved.
A series of Netwalks will take place in the city over the next eight months, led by local small business leader Katherine George, founder of Oh So Social.
As well as a nice walk in the fresh air, each Netwalk will conclude at a local cafe, providing an opportunity to chat, network and exchange ideas and tips over free coffee and cake.
Trained digital skills mentors representing BT will also join each of the walks, so companies can benefit from advice on a range of topics including business strategy, cyber security, new revenue streams and collaboration.
“When times are tough and small business owners are being pushed in many different directions, networking can slide down the priority list,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain.
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“But taking time away from the desk, chatting with other entrepreneurs, and prioritizing mental health is incredibly important and generally leads to better business, too. We know from the pilot of this program that there are many benefits to Netwalks, so I encourage small business owners in Falmouth to get involved.”
Chlöe Sparkes, founder of custom jewelry company Dudley and Roo, attended a Netwalk as part of the pilot program earlier this year: “It can be lonely working alone, especially when there’s no one to share ideas with, so getting together with people in the same position as me it was amazing!
“Making time for myself can be difficult and can make me feel guilty, so it was really nice to do something work related and also social at the same time.
“Not everyone loves traditional networking, so doing something a little different like this was a huge boost, and the change of scenery, fresh air, and exercise did wonders for me. I’ll definitely be attending more Netwalks.”
Chris Sims, MD Small and Medium Business, BT said: “Netwalks are a great opportunity to meet and share ideas with other small businesses over a healthy walk and well-deserved coffee.
“We are delighted with the response and have enjoyed meeting a wide variety of companies, making Netwalks a key part of our BT Skills For Tomorrow programme.”
The next Netwalk will take place on June 16 To register visit: https://smallbusinessbritain.uk/netwalks
https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/23583159.businesses-falmouth-chosen-walk-talk-project/
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