Original banners 2013 - Business has evolved

In November 2013, I ran my first Your Time Matters Speednetworking with a Twist event at The Deck in Brighton. Now 9 years on, I find that my business and ideas are still continually evolving. There is always more to learn as a business owner and that is one of many things I really enjoy.

Business is challenging. Business is hard. But with the right network of support, a strategy and lots of work, it can also be very satisfying to see your vision become a reality and that you can make an impact by contributing your skills to community and helping others achieve their goals.

Where it begins

Sitting at my desk in a real estate office in 2009, I decided that I wanted to start my own business. I had an idea, a vision and an ageing mother needing support. I needed flexibility to manage my own time. Of course, things have changed since then and there are more flexible work arrangements now, but I also did not want my age to prevent me gaining employment. I wanted to control my destiny. I knew I had many transferable skills and with a resourceful approach, could find an answer or the access to whatever I needed and felt this was valuable to others.

So in January 2010 “Your Time Matters” was born with the focus on providing ‘a spare pair of hands’ for busy people to get things done. My tag line was “do what you do best and delegate the rest to us”.

It was 2013, having attended many, many events and workshops, equipping myself with knowledge and building a network, that I realised my real joy came from bringing people together, building community, creating events and connecting people (men and women) with what they needed to earn about business, just like me . Because technical knowledge and referrals to clients are only two component you need to run a business.

Using my skills, developed over many years in retail, hospitality, the travel industry, market co-ordination, education, international relocation and parenting , I began to organise and facilitate events. I have run hundreds of events for business owners and professionals enabling them to engage, connect and build authentic relationships (in-person) face-to-face . Over the last few years we had to move online too, and continued to offer more than traditional formats and strict agendas and a transactional card swap format, so common at many business events.

Business challenges

One of the early photographs from “Speednetworking With a Twist “

Small business can be a very lonely space. Many people set out on their own having worked in the corporate space and have so much to learn.

I wanted to create a supportive community for likeminded people allowing them to access the knowledge they needed at a reasonable cost and boost their confidence, helping them build the business they desired.

We have had members in our community who have taken voluntary redundancy package and decided that large organisations had restricted their growth and were keen to build their own consulting business and utilise their skills. Yet they still need support and guidence.

There was a list of things to do:-

register a business name
write up a business plan
get advise from an accountant
arrange a home office
a website
and a LinkedIn Profile.

The list goes on and on and constantly that there were things to learn.

Each day is a new challenge. New things to consider. It is definitely true that we do not know what we do not know….but you can learn from others- How to write a "Blog", the benefits of social media, the value of google analytics and more. Often you feel like a duck out of water and quite isolated.

Lack of confidence and support

In order to find solutions to what you need, it is valuable to build a good, strong network. Having conversations with others in similar situations helps to keep things in the perspective, open up opportunities and drive business. Your network is good way to gain knowledge, prospect for business, and find suppliers and referrers to manage all areas things in business and achieve goals.

You need a strategy and support

There is no cookie cutter approach to building a business. Every business is different, yet many problems are the same, only varying in size.

So you need :

Clarity and confidence
Powerful communication
Infinite connections
Create a contribution or impact
Establish a network or community

along with sheer tenacity, a great team as you grow, knowing your market, a mentor, and customers.

The catalyst to change

Over the past 9 years, my husband, Leigh, and I have now developed a dynamic program of business events, strategic workshops and think tanks for small business owners and professionals who seek professional development, community and growth.

Networking is so much more than a business tool; it is a life skill and catalyst to change. Every encounter unlocks new opportunities and connections and allows us to make informed decisions. It transforms thinking and grows our awareness of the world around us and our part in it. It helps us decide if we actually want to change and grow or not.

Ability to innovate

The truth is practice really does help with anything we want to learn. I am not saying it is easy, in fact anything worth doing is difficult at first, but I know it can be done. When I ran my first YTM events I was nervous and wondered if I could translate my ideas into a working reality, but I am testament to the value of reaching out and stretching yourself. Making conversation and building confidence is no different. The first step has become Nike’s catchcry, ‘Just do it.’ Step out of your comfort zone, take some risks, face new situations and practice your skills. Each time you do it you will get better and become more comfortable and confident. Trust me, I know—the more we practice the stronger and more curious we become.

Over the years, YTM has helped many people who describe themselves as ‘introverted’ or ‘networking averse’ learn how to network effectively. We make it easy for everyone attending our events to participate in effective conversations by handling introductions and starting the conversation.

I would not have met so many amazing people with stories that inspire me, it were not for my business. I am so grateful to have had the range of opportunities throughout my life to connect with others whose lives have been so different to mine.

What is the answer?

So in November when we turn 9, and you ask me “Is building a business hard?”. The answer is that building your own business is hard. Business is definitely not for the faint hearted. But anything worth having doesn’ t come easily, and just like learning to ride a bike, it takes effort and practice. It takes courage and a vision.

If you have the right knowledge and do not miss opportunities right under your nose, know where to find support, remember you will learn a lot about yourself and others. Over time you be build relationships that drive business, growth and fulfillment as you work toward achieving whatever it is that matters to you… and your time matters!

I wish you every success and please reach out if you are seeking help to connect, contribute and grow.

Hello, I am Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst and founder of Your Time Matters and podcast host of Conversations and connections to amplify and inspire. and am a connection strategist, conversation starter and network catalyst who thrives on building communities and creating the right connections for those seeking strategic allies to make a positive impact through connection, contribution and community..ind , start or improve your business networking,