As a business coach, I’ve always believed that consistent networking was the key to growing my business and attracting new leads. I thought it was essential to hustle hard, meet as many people as possible, and put myself out there constantly to find new opportunities. But this year, I decided to do something different. I gave myself permission to change what "normal" looks like in my business, and the results have been nothing short of transformative.
For the first time, I stepped back from aggressive networking—the thing I’d always considered a non-negotiable aspect of growing my business. And you know what? The world didn’t end. In fact, the opposite happened. I gained something I hadn’t even realised I needed: clarity. By allowing myself the space to reflect, reset, and rethink how I connect with people, I discovered a better way to grow my business, one that aligns more closely with my values.
In this blog, I’ll share how rethinking my approach to business, networking, and growth not only helped me connect with the right people but also created new opportunities I never imagined. I’ll show you how you can do the same for your business by giving yourself permission to change your “normal.”
Breaking Free from the Hustle
For years, I believed that the path to business success was paved with endless networking events, social media engagements, and pushing myself to constantly be in front of new people. Networking became a habit, something I thought was essential for survival in the world of business development. It was exhausting, but I felt like I had to keep doing it to get the results I wanted.
But in the midst of this constant hustle, I started to realise something: I wasn’t seeing the results I hoped for. Sure, I was meeting people, but I didn’t always connect with the right ones. The leads I was getting didn’t always align with my values or business goals, and I became increasingly aware that the networking organisation I was volunteering for, and had been for 14 years, wasn’t only becoming a massive time vacuum, but was also not aligning with my values, personal or professional, either. Worse, I was losing sight of why I started my business in the first place: to do meaningful work that aligns with my passions and values.
So, I made a bold decision. I decided to step away from aggressive networking and gave myself the space to reflect on what truly matters to me and my business. So I did just that.
The Power of Reflection and Rethinking “Normal”
What happened next was unexpected. Without the constant pressure to network and chase leads, I found time to truly think about how I wanted to work. I reflected on my business, my values, and the kind of clients I wanted to serve. This period of quiet reflection gave me the opportunity to reset my approach and rethink how I wanted to connect with potential clients and partners.
Instead of seeing networking as a relentless activity to secure leads, I began to view it as a more organic process. I focused on building relationships with people who shared similar values and ethics, not just anyone who might bring in business. This shift allowed me to work with clients who were a much better fit for my brand, and the results have been incredibly rewarding.
Why Rethinking “Normal” Was a Game Changer for My Business
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned this year is that networking is not the be-all and end-all of building a successful business. Sure, it’s a tool, but it doesn’t have to be your only tool. By letting go of the pressure to network relentlessly, I opened myself up to more authentic, meaningful connections. I discovered that working with the right clients—those who align with your values and vision—leads to better outcomes, both professionally and personally.
When you step back and give yourself permission to change what “normal” looks like in your business, you open the door to new opportunities. For me, that meant embracing a new way of attracting clients. It’s no longer about trying to reach as many people as possible; it’s about reaching the right people, the ones who truly resonate with what I do.
How You Can Apply This Lesson to Your Own Business
The idea of rethinking “normal” might feel scary at first, especially if you’ve built your business around habits that feel comfortable and safe. But the truth is, sometimes we cling to these habits because they are familiar, not because they are the best choice for our growth.
So, how can you apply this lesson to your business? Here are a few tips:
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Take a step back and give yourself permission to pause. Reflect on what’s working and what’s not. You may find that certain strategies or habits no longer serve your goals. That’s okay. This space for reflection can lead to new insights and opportunities.
Align Your Work with Your Values
Think about the type of clients or partners you want to work with. Are they aligned with your values and long-term vision? If not, it may be time to reconsider the kind of relationships you’re investing in. Focus on building connections with people who genuinely share your values.
Embrace New Ways of Networking
Networking doesn’t have to mean attending every single online or face to face event just because you can, or even worse, if you feel like you can’t miss one in case you are seen as not ‘playing the networking game’. Instead, focus on building authentic relationships in different ways – reaching out to your own connections on social media, collaborating with like-minded business owners, or joining communities that resonate with your values.
Revisit Your Business Goals
Take the time to revisit your business goals and adjust them to reflect the changes you want to see. Sometimes, it’s not about doing more; it’s about doing things differently. Look at how you can streamline your approach and focus on what truly matters to you and your business.
Embrace the Opportunity for Change
Stepping back from what I thought was the “normal” way of building my business has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. Not only did it bring clarity, but it also helped me reconnect with my passion for doing meaningful work and collaborating with the right people.
When you give yourself permission to change what “normal” looks like in your business, you create space for new opportunities to arise. You allow yourself to work with the clients you truly want to serve, and you can build a business that reflects your values.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the pressures of business growth, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect and reassess. It might be time to give yourself permission to change—and who knows? You may just unlock the next big opportunity for your business.
If you’re ready to rethink your approach to business and would like support in creating a strategy that aligns with your values, I’d love to help. Book a free Mission Strategy Call today, and let’s map out the next steps for your business growth.