Networking Isn’t a Numbers Game—It’s a Trust Economy

Honestly, I’ve never believed in networking as a quick-win numbers game. The old model—collecting business cards, chasing referrals, ticking boxes—feels transactional and, frankly, outdated. Networking isn’t about entitlement or shortcuts. It’s about relationships. Real ones.

When I launched Opendoorz nearly 15 years ago, I had a simple vision: create a space where business owners could connect authentically, share knowledge generously, and grow together. Today, that vision has become 12 thriving groups across three counties, generating over £22 million in recorded business. But here’s the truth: those results didn’t happen because people paid membership fees. They happened because people showed up consistently, behaved with integrity, and built trust.

Behaviour is the real currency of networking. Accountability and generosity—not gimmicks—are what make introductions meaningful. When you treat networking as a human experience rather than a transaction, everything changes.

Why Courage Creates Clarity

Let’s talk about discomfort. Most people avoid it. They stick to what feels safe—small talk, surface-level connections—because vulnerability feels risky. But avoiding discomfort costs more than facing it.

Leadership, whether in business or networking, means making hard decisions. It means having the courage to say, “This isn’t working,” or “I need help.” At Opendoorz, we’ve built a culture where those conversations aren’t just allowed—they’re encouraged. Because clarity comes from courage. When you’re honest about your goals, challenges, and aspirations, people know how to help you.

Belonging Drives Behaviour

Here’s something I’ve learned over 25 years of networking: when people feel valued, they show up differently. They contribute more. They advocate for others. They refer without being asked.

Belonging isn’t a buzzword—it’s the foundation of trust. At Opendoorz, we don’t rely on referral gimmicks or rigid scripts. We create an environment where members feel safe, supported, and inspired. That sense of belonging drives behaviour far more effectively than any KPI ever could.

Authenticity Over Rigidity

Networking should treat people like grown-ups, not box-tickers. I’ve seen too many models that reduce human connection to a formula: “Do X, get Y.” That’s not how trust works.

Our approach is simple: structured enough to give clarity, flexible enough to honour individuality. We provide a proven framework—the Opendoorz Method—but we never lose sight of the fact that people aren’t processes. Authenticity beats rigidity every time.

Turning Setbacks Into Strengths

Honestly, my own journey taught me this lesson early. I didn’t enjoy school and would have left as soon as possible—except I failed my Maths O Level. Ironically, it was my strongest subject. That failure forced me to stay an extra year, retake the exam, and complete a one-year Business Studies course.

That experience changed everything. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of applying yourself when the reason matters. Those qualities have shaped my career and the way I lead Opendoorz. Challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re springboards.

Proof That It Works

Opendoorz isn’t just a networking group—it’s a community that delivers real results:

• £22 million in tracked business since launch (and plenty more untracked).
• Three new businesses created through member collaborations.
• Charities thriving thanks to advocacy and support—One-Eighty called Opendoorz “one of the most significant contributing factors to our success.”
• Pandemic pivot: Overnight, we moved from face-to-face to virtual, helping every member navigate uncertainty and thrive.

These outcomes aren’t accidents. They’re the result of a values-driven approach: bring out the best in everyone and lead with generosity of spirit.

The Bigger Picture

Networking done right isn’t about chasing leads—it’s about creating a trust economy. When you combine insight, accountability, and human connection, success follows naturally.

So, let’s reject the old model. Let’s stop treating networking as a numbers game and start seeing it as what it truly is: a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and belonging.

Because when trust is the foundation, everything else—business, referrals, opportunities—flows effortlessly.

Ready to rethink networking? Let’s build something amazing together.