Steve Bodtenberg takes time to assess how In Person Connections is doing. And he looks ahead, for this new networking group, which he established in 2025.
“I didn't know what to expect. What I did know was that I wanted In Person Connections to be different from other networking groups. I was surprised at the variety of businesses that joined. Usually, when you go to a networking event, there is a solicitor, an accountant (maybe more than one!), a website designer. It is a very traditional type of scenario. But the variety of IPC members is quite different.
“One of the first to join was a glutton free cake maker!”
Business networking is a mainstay of marketing, especially for small businesses, sole traders. There are plenty of groups to choose from, offering face-to-face and online networking. They range from being very structured - the BNI model - to mix and mingle. They all have their strengths and weaknesses.
It has been a bit of a roller-coaster ride for Steve but he has no regrets and is proud of In-person Connections.
“I've enjoyed all of the experience, I'm not in it for the money, I really can't see a downside to it. And you have to patient – that is one thing I've learnt in business – nothing happens as quickly as you would like it to. And there are set-backs, of course there are.
“We are opening new venues in County Durham and Northumberland, see how it goes. The key to success, I think, is making sure that the people attending are decision makers. You might go into a business networking group that is full of people but they can't decide yes or no to a business possibility. So, it is not all about numbers. Something else I've worked hard at is ensuring that IPC is not cliquish, which does happen in some other networking groups. It's almost like some private club.
“I enjoy meeting and greeting new members and I enjoy encouraging the shy ones. I've learnt a lot, about different ways of networking, about work-flows. I haven't been frustrated by anything. It is all an opportunity to learn.”