Business Circle’s Post

Networking Beyond the Tank: Finding Your Own Sharks Have you ever watched Shark Tank? It’s an inspiring show where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to seasoned investors (the “sharks”) in hopes of securing funding, mentorship, and partnerships. While I love watching the show and learning from it, I often wonder if the sharks sometimes forget how challenging the journey can be for startups and entrepreneurs. For many entrepreneurs, it’s not just the money they’re after. What they truly need is mentorship, strategic partnerships, and affiliations to help bridge the gaps in their journey. These elements can be the difference between struggling in isolation and thriving with the right support system. But how do you navigate this when you don’t have access to those high-profile “sharks”? That’s where Connecting Steps comes in. At Connecting Steps, we believe in creating meaningful networking opportunities as part of a balanced lifestyle. Our gatherings aren’t just about exchanging business cards—they’re about meeting people with purpose. We create spaces for support, encouragement, and growth through activities everyone can enjoy in their day-to-day life, such as exercises, outdoor adventures, cultural exchanges, and more. You don’t need to wait for a famous investor to notice you. By building a strong community, you can find the mentorship and partnerships you need to grow. Success doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built through collaboration, connection, and shared experiences that enrich both personal and professional lives. Let’s create our own pool of “sharks”—people who are willing to support each other’s dreams and take steps together toward success. That’s the power of connection, and that’s the foundation of what we do. So, who’s ready to dive in? #ConnectingSteps #CommunityBuilding #NetworkingWithPurpose #GrowthJourney #SelfDevelopment #IntentionalConnections #HikeAndNetwork #CommunityGrowth #PurposefulMeetings #MindBodySpiritGrowth

Imagine the power of this concept! It’s not just about celebrating milestones; it’s about fostering a supportive ecosystem for budding entrepreneurs. Here’s why I love this idea💡 1.Community Support- Starting a business can be daunting. Having friends and colleagues rally around you with encouragement, advice, and tangible resources is priceless. 🤝 Resource Sharing- Instead of cute onesies and baby blankets, we’d bring business essentials: mentorship, connections, funding leads, or even office supplies. 📊 2.Networking Galore-Business showers would be networking events on steroids! Imagine connecting with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts—all in one room. 🌐🤝 3.Long-Term Impact- These celebrations wouldn’t end after a day. They’d create lasting relationships and collaborations that fuel growth. 🌱🔥 So, let’s raise a virtual toast to business showers! 🥂 If you know someone launching their venture, be their cheerleader. Share knowledge, make introductions, and help them soar! 🚀💼 What do you think? Would you attend a business shower? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇 #Entrepreneurship #BusinessShowers #SupportSmallBusinesses

This is one of those events I’m always looking forward to: the Foundershub. Twenty six business owners sharing their biggest challenges and receiving direct and useful feedback from their peers. 🧠creating the habit of openly discussing pains and listening to feedback given. It’s one of the most valuable things you can do as an entrepreneur. This is not at all obvious- certainly not in the beginning. 😊It not only accelerates problem solving and maximises business opportunities. It is also inspiring - inspiring how these busy people want to really help each other. 😇Throughout the years I’ve built great friendships here. People you can call day and night. Always there willing to share, willing to help. It doesn’t matter which type of business one runs. Many of the challenges are generic. They can be business related or very personal or both. Accelerating the learning curve and learning from others is so important for one’s personal happiness, team happiness and business success… My key take home of this event? 😃Self-care is key. No happy body or mind, no happy relationships or business. It is something that’s foundational to success. Thanks so much peers and Connexi for this great experience. Bert Vandebuerie , Conrad Tuytte , Inge Geerdens , Tom Bogaert , Kayleigh Dhiedt , Frederik Daneels , Aelbrecht Van Damme , Angélique Van Gils , Anouk van Oordt , Bart De Vlieger , Bert De Bie , Caroline Van der Steen , Charlotte Castelein , Corneel Maertens , Dominique Van den Putte , Dries Henau , Ellen Sano , Jakob Lorré , Jeroen Naudts , Karen Van der Aa , NIEK Haesaerts , Rick De Visscher , Sammy Schiettecatte , Sofie Anthony , Sophie Corona , Vanessa Bolsens , Vicky Buelens , Wouter Van Peteghem , Yuri Vandenbogaerde , Gaetan Van Hulle #entrepreneurship #founders

🌐 Introducing Founders Feast: Redefining Networking in Toronto's Startup Community 🌐 Tired of crowded, impersonal networking events? FoundersFeast is here to change that. Our Idea: Exclusive, small-scale dinners for startup founders in the same industry, creating an environment for meaningful conversations and lasting relationships. Why FoundersFeast? ✨ Intimate Setting: Limited attendees for real connections. 💡 Focused Networking: Engage with industry peers. 🔗 Lasting Relationships: Go beyond business cards. 📈 Quality over Quantity: Prioritize meaningful interactions. Join us for an evening where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your network grows stronger. Ready to redefine networking? Stay tuned for our upcoming events and be part of something extraordinary. Register your interest at www.foundersfeast.ca #FoundersFeast #NetworkingReimagined #TorontoStartups #MeaningfulConnections #Entrepreneurship #Innovation

🌟 Hey, fellow soulful entrepreneurs! Are you tired of the same old networking events that leave you feeling empty and uninspired? 🌟 💥 It's time to shake things up and embrace a new era of networking! Join us for an epic evening of Heart Centered Networking on May 21st at 5:30 PM, where authenticity is the name of the game. 💥 🌺 Picture this: Connecting with like-minded souls who truly get you, sharing your vision, and supporting each other's dreams with genuine enthusiasm. That's the kind of magic we're brewing up at 1151 Floranada Rd. 🌺 💡 Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding startup guru, this event is your ticket to building connections that fuel your success and fill your soul. 💡 🌿 Best part? It won't cost you a dime to attend, but your contributions are always appreciated to keep the good vibes flowing. Secure your spot now at https://lnkd.in/eCCizFNj and get ready to network like never before! 🌿 ✨ Let's ditch the fake smiles and elevator pitches and dive deep into real, meaningful conversations that light up our entrepreneurial spirits. See you there, game-changers! ✨ #HeartCenteredNetworking #SoulfulEntrepreneurship #AuthenticConnections #GameChangerCommunity #EntrepreneurialMagic

From LinkedIn connections to real-life bonds 💛 Earlier this week my team and I had the pleasure of hosting Gather & Connect LA with ACE NextGen SoCal at Arts District Brewing Company. Let me tell you, this was not just an event; it was a transformational gathering of unity, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. It was truly heartwarming to see internet buddies meeting IRL, turning virtual likes into real-life hugs and handshakes, along with new friendships blossoming before our very eyes. But it wasn’t just about making friends. It was also about planting the seeds for future partnerships among entrepreneurs who share the same values. In a world that's increasingly digital, the power of face-to-face interaction is unmatched. It’s the spark that ignites collaboration, fosters trust, and fuels long-term relationships. Didn’t get a chance to attend? Fear not. The journey of connection continues. Join our email list to stay tuned for more events where you can meet your next collaborator, mentor, or friend 👉🏽 https://lnkd.in/gHqk_ypK #BIPOC #entrepreneurship #community #networking #event

🌟 Hey, fellow soulful entrepreneurs! Are you tired of the same old networking events that leave you feeling empty and uninspired? 🌟 💥 It's time to shake things up and embrace a new era of networking! Join us for an epic evening of Heart Centered Networking on May 21st at 5:30 PM, where authenticity is the name of the game. 💥 🌺 Picture this: Connecting with like-minded souls who truly get you, sharing your vision, and supporting each other's dreams with genuine enthusiasm. That's the kind of magic we're brewing up at 1151 Floranada Rd. 🌺 💡 Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding startup guru, this event is your ticket to building connections that fuel your success and fill your soul. 💡 🌿 Best part? It won't cost you a dime to attend, but your contributions are always appreciated to keep the good vibes flowing. Secure your spot now at https://lnkd.in/eyNYddW3 and get ready to network like never before! 🌿 ✨ Let's ditch the fake smiles and elevator pitches and dive deep into real, meaningful conversations that light up our entrepreneurial spirits. See you there, game-changers! ✨ #HeartCenteredNetworking #SoulfulEntrepreneurship #AuthenticConnections #GameChangerCommunity #EntrepreneurialMagic

🌟 Hey, fellow soulful entrepreneurs! Are you tired of the same old networking events that leave you feeling empty and uninspired? 🌟 💥 It's time to shake things up and embrace a new era of networking! Join us for an epic evening of Heart Centered Networking on May 21st at 5:30 PM, where authenticity is the name of the game. 💥 🌺 Picture this: Connecting with like-minded souls who truly get you, sharing your vision, and supporting each other's dreams with genuine enthusiasm. That's the kind of magic we're brewing up at 1151 Floranada Rd. 🌺 💡 Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding startup guru, this event is your ticket to building connections that fuel your success and fill your soul. 💡 🌿 Best part? It won't cost you a dime to attend, but your contributions are always appreciated to keep the good vibes flowing. Secure your spot now at https://lnkd.in/eyNYddW3 and get ready to network like never before! 🌿 ✨ Let's ditch the fake smiles and elevator pitches and dive deep into real, meaningful conversations that light up our entrepreneurial spirits. See you there, game-changers! ✨ #HeartCenteredNetworking #SoulfulEntrepreneurship #AuthenticConnections #GameChangerCommunity #EntrepreneurialMagic

🚨 LAST CHANCE ALERT 🚨 There are only 10 tickets left for the Scale Up Summit - the premier event for ambitious entrepreneurs ready to take their businesses to the next level! 🚀 If you're serious about scaling your company faster and smarter than ever before, you NEED to be in the room on June 27th-28th. Here's just a taste of what you'll experience: ✅ Game-changing strategies from powerhouse entrepreneurs like Piers Linney, Martyn Dawes, and Marianne Page ✅ Proven tactics for generating 7-figures from LinkedIn, systemizing your business, and delivering world-class customer service ✅ Invaluable networking opportunities with like-minded, growth-oriented business owners Plus, when you grab one of the final tickets, you'll also get access to exclusive bonuses like: 🎥 The full event recordings (VIP & CEO tickets only) 🧠 A bonus Contribution Compass profile to unlock your team's potential 💸 A complimentary finance consultation with Playter to optimize your cash flow And more! But here's the thing - these last 10 tickets WILL sell out fast. And once they're gone, that's it - the doors to Scale Up Summit will close. So if you're ready to take massive action and catapult your business to the next level, don't wait another second. Click the link below and secure your spot before it's too late! https://lnkd.in/eKTsSbPg I can't wait to see you there. #ScaleUpSummit #LastChance #BusinessGrowth #7Figures #Entrepreneurship

The Power of Community: 🚀 My Experience with the Manchester YAB Group Six months ago, I embarked on a journey that has had a profound impact on my entrepreneurial endeavours. I joined the Manchester YAB Group, and from the very first meeting, I was struck by its unique and refreshing approach. 👻 No Hard Sell, Just Pure Support Unlike many networking groups, the YAB Group isn't about selling or promoting yourself. It's a space where entrepreneurs can come together, share their challenges, and receive genuine support from a community of like-minded individuals. Imagine this: you walk into a room of 20-30 people, present your business problem, and everyone in that room puts their heads together to brainstorm solutions. This collaborative approach happens as often as you need it, creating a powerful support system that propels you forward. 📈 The Power of Commitment But the YAB Group goes beyond just problem-solving. It fosters accountability. When you have a room full of people believing in you and your vision, it becomes much harder to give up. The collective energy fuels your drive to succeed. 💬 Focus on Transparency Today, I had the privilege of filming this incredible process. Witnessing the openness and comfort level of members and guests on camera was incredibly inspiring. Their stories will soon become part of a real story about what YAB is and how it empowers entrepreneurs. ❤️ A Heartfelt Thank You I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in today's filming. Your openness and willingness to share your experiences will be instrumental in creating valuable content. 👉 Stay Tuned for the Full Story Next week, I'll be unveiling a compelling short video that delves deeper into the YAB experience, showcasing the group's impact on myself and others. In just six months, I've connected with at least three individuals who have significantly impacted my businesses – video production partners and a brand development expert for my upcoming product launch. This is just a small glimpse into the power of the YAB Group. Stay tuned for the full story coming next week! #ManchesterYAB #Entrepreneurship #Community #Support #Collaboration P.S. Feel free to share your experiences with supportive communities in the comments below! A Big Thank You to the YAB Crew! Kerrie Medlicott, Andy Henderson, Jennie Henderson