Why BWN INsider networking is better

Everyone says their networking and business support events are unique so it’s great that BWN INsiders can prove it.

Building business relationships, to encourage business growth and stay accountable is hard to do alone, but finding the right entrepreneur community that let’s you be yourself and get what you want and need is not easy. So it’s awesome to share Chris Bedwell from Yellow Gecko story on how our BWN INsiders business growth and networking events make a difference and how working with Mandie Holgate via the confidential community is something extra special!

I have been working with Mandie as part of the BWN INsiders group for just over a year now and the difference she has made to both my business and personal life is clear.

​When I started with INsiders, I was in a difficult place personally. I had just been made redundant and I was trying to keep my business moving but felt like I was isolated in some respects. Being self-employed can be tough and it is easy to forget that there are many other people in the same position as you.

I had been used to the daily routine of waking up, have breakfast, go to work, come home, have dinner, go to bed, and repeat. The daily routine, the ‘easy’ option and the regular income. When that was effectively taken away from me, I knew I had to make a decision, either find another job, or persevere with the business.

​I have been self-employed this time around since 2011 – I had my own business back in 2003 when I set up my own web design business which I ran for a couple of years before I went into employment. The business originated in photography, which I then evolved into a web design and photography business in 2024. Web Design has become much more accessible in recent years and so I felt that now was the right time to get back into it.

​I had put a post up on Facebook saying that I was finding business tough, given my personal circumstances and Mandie made contact*. It wasn’t long after that I joined the INsiders group, and I am so glad I did.

Being in a room with skilled professionals and entrepreneurs is extremely valuable – whether it is the online meetings, or the in-person sessions, it is great to connect and meet with others to discuss business, but also personal life. Rather than being networking meetings in the ‘traditional’ sense, the INsiders sessions are more like focussed masterclass sessions to discuss business and how you can be supported, something that I was lacking.

I love networking, and talking to others, but the INsiders meetings go far deeper than just a quick chat and exchange of business cards.**

​While I have been part of INsiders, it has allowed me to get more focus on my business. Mandie has helped me to set out framework and plans to allow me to take my business further. I have grown in confidence, and it has allowed me to secure more bookings with clients which I would have been nervous about doing before.

​I am very grateful to Mandie for having me as part of the INsiders group, and to anyone reading this, who may need support with their business, make contact with Mandie and join INsiders, it may well be the best thing you ever do for your business.”

Thank you, Chris. Chris takes great photos at our networking event and has taken many headshots for our INsiders who want that professional and brand accurate image. We are all here to learn, share, mentor, empower, and ultimately grow ourselves and our businesses – we look forward to welcoming you too.

*Mandie added “I at no time will ever sell the BWN INsiders to people – people come to us when they are ready. I wanted Chris to know he wasn’t alone and to find out if there was anything I could help with. I have successful grown thousands of companies often in very challenging times. I used to give 1 hour a week away to businesses via social media, helping them with issues around reach and brand, increasing profits, making sales, getting in the press for free, public speaking, networking skills and confidence issues that impact on mindset and results – I saw it as a way of confidentially giving back. The sad fact is that there is so much drivel out there it’s become very hard for a business owner to spot someone that really cares and one that is just selling a gimmick or using AI / hooks to bring in leads. Growing thousands of businesses from prestart up and idea based through to large organisations and even public sector teams that are struggling with overwhelm, stagnation, and overworking, I could see someone suffering and I hate that, so I offered to help. Chris took the hand of kindness and ran with it. I opened the door and Chris walked through it. And I am so happy he did. Ultimately Chris does the work, I’m just by his side. As all business owners do, we just ensure he is doing the right work!

And on a personal note, I have employed Chris to do photography for our networking and business growth events many times. He is very unassuming and so no one feels like there is a camera in the room – as someone who had to be coached into how to be in front of a camera I know how much it can be hated! And I know they have created some wonderful shots for INsiders from PR shots and charity work through to LinkedIn profile updates and website images. He is lovely to work with and I think that’s a joy of INsiders – I genuinely like these business owners, very very much!

** Both our face to face and our virtual networking events allow time to freely network and catch up with business owners and professionals, however they are facilitated to ensure you leave knowing everyone in the room in a meaningful way – How they can help you and how you can help them. That way you are in a position to promote each other and bring opportunities to each other.

You don’t need 1 2 1’s (although they are great too!) because with the set up of our networking events and our confidential online business growth community you’ve support and opportunities to share your knowledge and ask for help and recommendations any time, safe in the knowledge that it’s people INsiders have actually done business with. It gives a level of protection that businesses really need right now.

We have a rolling subscription so we can build a relationship as I do with my coaching clients and I can understand your goals, ambitions and challenges and how best I and INsiders can serve you. The rolling subscription is my way of showcasing my absolute loyalty to your business every month, not just when you sign up. You can join us here.