It was one of those sentences that makes you pause. It’s flattering, of course, but it also made me reflect on what being connected really means.
In business, we often talk about “networking” as if it’s a game of numbers – how many followers, how many introductions, how many events. But true connection has very little to do with metrics. It’s not about collecting names; it’s about building relationships that actually matter.
Connection isn’t about who you know: it’s about who trusts you
Over the years, through my personal branding agency Moja, Smart Works Newcastle (the charity I chair), City Ladies Networking (my side hustle) and the wider business ecosystem, I’ve learned that being well-connected doesn’t come from turning up everywhere or talking to everyone. It comes from being consistent, being kind and being credible.
The most valuable connections in my career have come from people who’ve seen me show up repeatedly whether to support a cause, speak at an event, share a post or simply make an introduction without expecting anything in return. Those small acts, done often, create compound interest in relationships.
You don’t need to be the loudest in the room to be the most connected, you just need to be the most reliable.
Recognition is nice but the relationships are the real win
The Northern Leaders List shines a light on the individuals shaping the future of the North. But behind every name on that list are hundreds of relationships – the quiet coffees, the mentoring chats, the introductions, the favours, the opportunities created by trust.
None of us got there alone. And that’s the point.
The North East in particular has something special which is a spirit of collaboration that I’ve not seen anywhere else in the UK. There’s a genuine willingness here to lift others up, share platforms and celebrate success without ego. Whether it’s in boardrooms, at Smart Works fittings, or over a drink at a networking event, I see the same thing: people showing up for each other.
That’s what connection looks like in action.
Connection is a business strategy, not a side activity
If you’re a founder, leader, or entrepreneur, your network isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s one of your biggest strategic assets.
Every major pivot in my career has been powered by relationships. When I exited one business and launched another, it was my reputation and the relationships built over years that carried me through that transition. People already knew who I was, what I stood for and what kind of work I delivered. That visibility didn’t happen by accident. It came from years of showing up and adding value to others first.
How to become genuinely connected (not just well-known)
If you want to build meaningful business connections, here’s where to start:
1. Give before you get.
Make introductions without expecting anything back. Share your contacts. Recommend people publicly. The goodwill you create will always come back to you, even if not immediately.
2. Be visible, but be real.
Visibility isn’t vanity. It’s how people get to know and trust you. But make sure the version of you they see online matches the person they meet offline. Authenticity travels faster than self-promotion ever will.
3. Play the long game.
Relationships take time. That person you met three years ago at an event might become your next business partner or client if you’ve nurtured the connection along the way.
4. Show up for others.
Comment on their wins. Celebrate their milestones. Recommend them for opportunities. People remember who shows up when there’s nothing in it for them.
5. Stay curious.
The most connected people are also the most interested. They ask questions, they listen deeply and they look for ways to create synergy.
Connection as a leadership skill
We tend to talk about leadership in terms of strategy, performance and results. But connection is a form of leadership, too. It’s how we inspire, influence and build communities that make business growth possible.
The best leaders I know aren’t necessarily the loudest or most charismatic, but they are the ones who make everyone around them feel seen, supported and part of something bigger.
That’s what I hope to embody when people describe me as “connected.” Not just someone who knows everyone, but someone who brings people together.
The quiet power of being remembered for the right reasons
Here’s the truth: people don’t remember every meeting, pitch or presentation. They remember how you made them feel.
When you consistently build relationships based on trust, generosity, and mutual respect, you become known not just for what you do, but for who you are.
So yes, I was delighted to see my name on the Northern Leaders List. But what matters far more to me is the network of people who helped me get there and the ones I can now help in return.
If you focus on connecting others, opportunities will always find their way back to you. Because in business, as in life, connection isn’t a competition – it’s a legacy.
