Aim high, stay connected and be brave enough to ask
Still recovering from a cold and the dreaded lurgy, I wasn’t feeling at my best this morning. But I’ve made a promise to myself to attend more networking events, get out and see people.
When you work for yourself, it can sometimes be a lonely place. It’s easy to become absorbed in the day-to-day work and forget how valuable it is to spend time with others, hear their stories and come away with a fresh perspective.
So I’m pleased I made the effort to attend the Smiley Happy People networking event at the Con Club, organised by Alex McCann of Altrincham HQ, with Emma Nawaz of Blackstone Solicitors speaking.
Familiar faces and new conversations
On arrival, I was fortunate to have a quick hello with Emma. Little Red Pizza Co had catered a staff lunch for her team in September, which seemed to have been very well received. Our connection goes back further, as Emma had also been a party client during my time at Red House Farm. It was lovely to see her again.
Upstairs, I had a good catch up with Joel Stevens Leach from Capstone Financial Solutions before the event began and with Rachel Vigers.
The room had plenty of energy and was very well attended. I always appreciate being given the opportunity to introduce ourselves and explain what we do. Even when you recognise someone, you don’t necessarily know much about their business—or how your paths might connect.
The experiences behind the business
Although I’d known of Emma for some time, it was fascinating to hear more of her personal story.
Her father’s work in the oil industry meant a nomadic childhood, living in 13 different countries while she was young, including Libya. She was also the youngest of five children and shared an amusing story about sometimes being left behind because the family had forgotten her!
Listening to those experiences, I couldn’t help thinking about the independence and resilience they must have helped develop.
I also hadn’t known that she had been a professional ballet dancer before moving into law. It was interesting to hear about the different experiences that had shaped the person behind the business.
Aim high
Emma spoke about growing Blackstone Solicitors from just herself in 2010 to a team of around 70. One quote particularly stayed with me:
“If people don't laugh when you tell them what your dreams are, then your dreams aren't high enough and aspirational enough. So I always aim for huge things and hopefully end up somewhere.”
There’s something refreshing about hearing someone express ambition so openly.
When you’re self-employed, it’s easy to focus on the next booking, the next enquiry or the next job that needs finishing. Those things matter, but it’s also useful to step back and ask what you really want to build.
For me, that means being more ambitious about where I want to take 21st Century Butler—and being willing to talk about it.
Who do you already know who could help?
The other story that struck a chord was about Emma securing professional indemnity insurance when she was setting up her business.
She had been struggling to obtain the cover she needed to practise. At nursery pick-up, another parent asked how the business was progressing. She explained the difficulty, and he was able to help.
She already knew him. She simply hadn’t known what he did.
That is such a useful reminder. We spend time trying to widen our networks, but how well do we understand the experience and connections of the people already around us?
I think I’ve been guilty of not asking enough of my own network. I’m sometimes uncomfortable asking friends and personal contacts whether they know someone who might benefit from the household and lifestyle support I offer through 21st Century Butler.
But people can only help if they understand what you do, where you want to go and what sort of introduction would make a difference.
Perhaps it’s time to be a little less shy about asking.
AI, development and transparency
During the closing questions, Emma was asked about AI and its place in the world of law.
I found her response interesting and positive. She saw it as a tool that could help junior staff improve and develop more quickly. Alongside that, she explained that staff in her office are required to disclose where they have used AI.
That felt like a useful takeaway: recognising the opportunities technology offers while being transparent about how it is used.
Turning conversations into next steps
It was also lovely to speak with Rachel Ray, whom I’ve known for some time. Having built and franchised Bright and Beautiful before selling the business, she returned to consulting and helping other businesses improve.
I’m looking forward to reconnecting with her and exploring how her experience might help me develop 21st Century Butler.
I arrived this morning feeling a little below par. I left with some useful ideas and a clear next step: follow up on the conversations, make time for more of them and be braver about asking for help.
And, taking Emma’s advice, perhaps dream a little bigger.
If someone in your network around Hale, Altrincham or Bowdon could benefit from a trusted pair of hands with household organisation, property oversight, relocation or the demands of everyday life, I’d welcome an introduction.
Thank you to Alex for bringing everyone together, and to Emma for sharing her story so openly.
