Time to pause, reflect and remember we all deserve to celebrate. (Give yourself a pat on the back)

Like so many business owners, I often forget to give myself a pat on the back…in fact I’m prone to personally shrugging off positive feedback of any description…isn’t it all in a day’s work!

I’ve never really learned to stop, breathe and recognise what has been happening around me. I’m embarrassed to say that sometimes means forgetting to recognise those around me too. Staying head down and focussed is a good thing in many ways in business situations. It stops procrastination and drifting but when your year has been crazy busy taking time to reflect on how far you’ve come and what you’ve achieved is so important.

As we enter Q4 I’ve been reflecting on a year of change, excitement and working harder than ever. Decisions have been made differently with Kate and Caroline, my new business partners. Desires to grow Opendoorz, that had lay dormant, have been given new life. Embracing new technologies and exploring the efficiencies they can offer has created a real buzz for us all.

It has taken me time to adjust to the knowledge that the direction and future of the company now sits a little heavier on my shoulders, but I trust that those around me are capable and share my desire for Opendoorz success and will be with me through the highs and the lows. I have also reached out to my own network, some of them Opendoorz members but many are long standing connections and friends and I’ve been blown away by the support, encouragement and advise offered. There are too many to mention but if we’ve had coffee, fizz, lunch (especially that burger at Mollies diner) or played golf then you are valued so THANK YOU.

Last week was huge for us as we launch our second region. Gloucestershire joins Oxfordshire and we have more to follow…probably Buckinghamshire next (if anyone asks, I didn’t say that😊).

This will give us the opportunity to test a new launch model and to see how well received we are in an area we’re not as well-known in. It also shapes the way for other regions across the country and for future growth opportunities. It will allow our members to access new connections and regions to support the growth of their individual businesses.

Even with all the new region excitement we’ve made sure we’ve kept a close eye on the Oxfordshire groups. We have moved our Trinity and Oxford groups to a new venue and the initial feedback has been excellent. We have been working behind the scenes with our AD team to look at how we strength the existing groups too. We are looking at how we support our members further in 2026 and truly understand their desires and goals.

We have reinstated our VIP lunches and last month had a great event at Six By Nico. This is our way of thanking professionals, members or not, who introduce us to those who go on to join Opendoorz. It is THE table to bag a seat at… a room full of successful business owners having fun and getting to know one another. What could be better…oh yes that would be that it is our gift and heartfelt thank you to you.

This year I have personally prioritised getting to all the Oxfordshire groups so that my finger remains on the Opendoorz pulse. It has been great to see our new members embracing the model and to stay in touch with our existing members.

It feels such a long time since Opendoorz was just the name of Cathy Dunbabin’s new networking group! It now stands on its own two feet with a recognised brand and a solid reputation for offering the highest quality networking that delivers results on many levels.

Reflection is essential and if like me you’re not great at the pat on the back then stop today and take a breath. I’d love to hear how far you’ve come too.