Sometimes the best networking events aren’t just about making new business connections – they’re about showing what community really means.
Our TBN Dorset Breakfast & Harbour Cruise was already set to be one of the highlights of the networking calendar, but the unexpected school closures due to the heatwave added an extra twist.
With many members suddenly finding themselves juggling childcare and business commitments, we made a simple decision: bring the children along.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions we could have made.
Our networking breakfast at Da Vinci’s on Poole Quay was filled with the usual conversations, introductions and laughter, but this time with a few extra little faces around the room too. The wonderful team at Da Vinci’s went above and beyond, kindly providing unexpected breakfasts for the children, making them feel every bit as welcome as the adults – the kids did there own bit of networking!
After breakfast, we headed down to Poole Quay where Coastal Cruises once again hosted our exclusive one-hour harbour cruise. In another wonderful act of generosity, Helen and the team welcomed the children aboard too, allowing families to enjoy one of Dorset’s most beautiful experiences together.
As our headline sponsor Karen Edwards summed up perfectly:
“What is community? Community is when the schools are closed due to the raging heat, but you have a networking event that you’re supposed to be at, so you’re told to just bring the kids along!”
Karen went on to thank everyone involved, adding:
“Maybe no school today, but I’m sure Darcey has learnt so much about being part of a brilliant and supportive community. She has so many questions!”
Those words couldn’t describe the morning any better.
Business networking often focuses on referrals, partnerships and opportunities – and there were certainly plenty of those. We welcomed lots of visitors who experienced TBN for the first time, members made valuable new connections, and the glorious sunshine provided the perfect backdrop as we cruised around the stunning waters of Poole Harbour.
But what made the morning truly memorable was the atmosphere.
Watching our children happily chatting together while their parents built new business relationships was a reminder that behind every business is a person, a family and a community. Sometimes supporting one another means being flexible, understanding that life happens, and making everyone feel welcome.
That’s exactly what happened.
A huge thank you to:
- Da Vinci’s, for hosting a fantastic breakfast and looking after our younger guests so thoughtfully.
- Helen and the team at Coastal Cruises, for making our harbour cruise another unforgettable experience and welcoming the children on board.
- Karen Edwards, our headline sponsor, for sharing such a heartfelt reflection on what TBN is all about.
- Every member and visitor who joined us and contributed to such a warm, supportive and fun morning.
This event was a reminder that Total Business Network is about far more than networking. It’s about people, relationships and community.
We can’t wait to do it all again next year.
If you’d like to experience networking that’s welcoming, supportive and genuinely enjoyable, we’d love to see you at a future event.
Whether you’re looking to grow your business, build meaningful relationships or simply become part of an incredible business community, Total Business Network is the place to be.