The Best Fest in the West!
- Maggie Irving
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
“Smile Like You Mean It: The Art of Not Dying at Networking”
Loved this cartoon from Business Festival South West 2026—it captures the power of sharing knowledge and real-life experience. Andy Gray of One Gray Dot.
A brilliant panel—James Court (Boost), John Harvey (Samphire Club), Chris Bentley (Not Working Networking), and Katie Arscott (Sisters and Sequins)—shared insight, humour, and genuinely useful advice.
Let’s be honest… walking into a room full of strangers can feel like a lot. But all the speakers smashed it!
My go-to? Take a deep breath and smile like my life depends on it. It actually works—endorphins kick in, shoulders drop, and suddenly it’s not so daunting.
One tip that really landed: if you’re organising events, introduce people as they arrive. It makes all the difference. And if no one’s there to do that? Grab a coffee and say hello to the nearest person. Everyone knows that feeling—and most people are relieved you spoke first.
Luckily, I enjoy this kind of interaction – and I must say that I had a superb time at the fest, just wandering around and speaking to EVERYONE!
At a recent Exmouth Chamber lunch, I introduced two women to Otter Valley Funerals. They looked at me and said, “Do you know something we don’t?”
I hesitated and suggested, “Well… we are all going to die...”Big laugh. Slightly dark.
Memorable networking moment ✔️
We can stay home and feel safe… or we can step out, meet new people, make connections, and have a little adventure.
After a period of full hedgehog mode 🦔, I’m very ready to get out there again—especially now the sun’s shining (today, at least).
If confidence is wobbling, come and join one of my courses—they’re designed to help you find your voice and feel at ease in rooms like this.
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