The Buffalo Sessions — Episode: Networking is Broken

Watch this before your next networking event.

Jamie Stewart is joined by first-time co-host Gillian Schofield for a raw, honest, and practical conversation about why traditional networking doesn’t work — and what to do instead.

In this episode:

Why most people approach networking the wrong way

The Networking Trap and how to escape it

How Circle Networks flips the script from “pitching” to relationship building

Why chasing 1-to-1s with everyone is a waste of time

The power of long-term collaboration over quick wins

How to build a referral team who actually sends you business

What real networking success looks like — with stories that prove it

Key takeaways:

Stop going to events just to sell.

Build friendships first — business follows.

A single great connection beats a dozen forgettable ones.

Strategic follow-up wins over frantic follow-up.

Warm introductions are more valuable than email intros.

00:00 Rethinking Business Networking Labels

04:31 "Networking: Beyond Client Hunting"

07:24 Building Trust Before Business

12:11 "Trap of Low Ticket Offers"

14:33 "Rethinking Networking for Relationships"

17:03 Integrate Networking with Marketing

20:15 Unlocking Networking Potential on LinkedIn

25:43 Friendship vs. Work Priorities

26:53 "Thanks for Listening"

Find out more about Circle Networks and grab your free trial here https://circlenetworks.co.uk/free-trial

In this episode I talk about the challenge of running a business and juggling many hats. What is 𝘽𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙤 🦬 and whats coming up in the next few months.

Interested to find out more about Circle Networks just click here https://circlenetworks.co.uk/book-events

00:00 Introduction and the Be More Buffalo Mindset

04:21 The Networking Trap: Building Genuine Connections

10:56 The Importance of Relationships in Business

15:12 Upcoming Events and Opportunities for Growth

In this episode of The Buffalo Sessions, we sit down with the multi-talented Terry Campbell, a key player in the food and beverage sector, specialising in optimising business performance.

Terry dives deep into the intricacies of helping hospitality businesses improve profitability by refining logistics, supply chains, and product placement, all while enjoying the luxury of testing pies, curries, and more.

Terry shares insightful anecdotes about saving hotel chains substantial sums on bacon purchases and reflects on the importance of aligning business relationships with core values. We also explore his venture into ethical coffee retailing with Kinder Collective and his commitment to community involvement.

Whether you’re interested in growing a business sustainably or inspired by values led companies, this episode is packed with wisdom and feel good stories that will leave you smiling. Tune in and enjoy the conversation!

Welcome back to The Buffalo Sessions, where we dive deep into the journeys of entrepreneurs who are making waves in business and beyond.

In this episode, I sit down with Taqua, the founder of Freedom Visery, to explore her incredible journey from Saudi Arabia to Dubai—how she fell in love with the city's energy and built a thriving business in the Middle East.

We’ll be unpacking:
✅ The cultural nuances and business landscape of Dubai and the wider region
✅ Why cultural awareness is critical for success when doing business in the UAE
✅ How Freedom Advisory helps individuals and businesses bridge cultural gaps and thrive
✅ The power of genuine connections and community in the Middle East
✅ What’s next for Dubai and the exciting opportunities ahead

If you’re looking to expand your business in the UAE or just fascinated by the dynamics of doing business in this part of the world, this one’s for you.

Hit play, tune in, and let’s dive into the conversation with the brilliant Taqua!

In this episode titled Jamie is joined by Penny Hopkinson, an expert in creating operations manuals, who sheds light on the crucial role of structure and the power of organisation in business.

Penny shares her journey in the franchise industry, her insights into intellectual property, and her commitment to transforming traditional operations manuals into dynamic, accessible tools for the digital age.

Discover how Penny's book, "Manual Magic," serves as a pinnacle in her career, opening doors to new opportunities and cementing her status as a leader in her field.

Whether you're just starting out or seeking to streamline operations, Jamie and Penny offer invaluable advice on creating lasting value and impactful relationships. Tune in for a session filled with wisdom and actionable insights.

Welcome back to The Buffalo Sessions! In today's episode, Jamie Stewart dives into the world of social selling on LinkedIn with special guest Dean Seddon, founder of the marketing agency Maverick.

Dean, an expert in social selling and a wealth of experience, shares his structured approach to social media marketing, emphasising the importance of relationship-building over merely amassing content and connections.

They also cover on practical tools and strategies, like color-coding your connection list and engaging through consistent touchpoints, to nurture leads without falling into the trap of instant gratification.

We’ll explore Dean’s hands-on training sessions, the transformative power of in-person workshops, and the mistakes to avoid on LinkedIn.

Plus, hear exciting case studies of entrepreneurs who struck gold using social media strategies. It’s a conversation rich with actionable insights, perfect for anyone looking to refine their online networking game.

Connect with Dean here

And on his website here

In this episode I share some top tips to help you improve your networking results.

1. Listen More Than Talk Focus on understanding others first, not just promoting yourself.

2. Strategic Networking Importance Prioritise long-term relationships over immediate gains.

3. Identify Key Connections List ten influential contacts for potential introductions.

4. Be the Go-Giver Assist your network to encourage reciprocal actions.

5. Referral Habit Building Develop consistent habits to give and receive referrals.

6. Understand Referral Symptoms Identify the problems your ideal clients face.

7. Effective LinkedIn Search Maximise LinkedIn to find potential connections.

8. Regular Follow-Ups Consistently check in and maintain relationships.

9. Make Introductions Easily Facilitate connections within your network frequently.

10. Reciprocity Principle Helping others inspires them to assist you.

In this episode, I sit down with Ruth Ferreira, an incredible coach and mastermind leader, to talk about how she’s built a business that thrives on the power of connection.

Ruth shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and how networking has been a game-changer in growing her coaching and mastermind business.

If you’re looking for practical insights and a fresh perspective on making meaningful connections, this is one not to miss.

✨ What You’ll Take Away from This Episode:

• Why networking is the backbone of a successful coaching business.
• How Ruth creates mastermind groups that drive value and build trust.
• The challenges she’s faced and how she’s turned them into opportunities.
• Ruth’s straight-talking advice for making the right connections that help your business grow.

📈Why This Matters:
Business is built on relationships, and Ruth’s story shows what happens when you prioritise connection. This episode is all about real-world insights that you can apply to your own journey.

Connect with Ruth on LinkedIn here

And find out more about here business here https://www.successcoaching.biz/