The Power of Networking: A Best Mates Story

When people talk about networking, it’s easy to focus on what business you might gain. But true networking isn’t about what you can get, it’s about who you can connect with, help, support, and grow alongside.

I’ve been a proud member of Cotswold Networking – Cirencester for around a year now, and I’m incredibly grateful that Best Mates is the chosen charity of the group. That relationship has opened doors—not just for funding and awareness—but to a supportive community of people who genuinely want to help us change lives.

Networking is most powerful when you show up consistently, take the time to build genuine relationships, and follow up with one-to-one conversations outside the group setting. That’s where the real magic happens.

Let me share a story that proves this point perfectly.

A couple of months ago, I attended a different local networking event. Jackie Mitchell, also a fellow member of Cotswold Networking, was there too. Later that same day, I went along to Matt Corke’s business launch party at Cotswold Brewery. To my surprise, Jackie showed up again, but this time she came straight over and asked, “Jeff, did you speak to Meg today?”

I hadn’t, but Jackie filled me in. Meg was looking for a local community charity to support as part of her upcoming Atlantic Rowing challenge. Jackie thought of Best Mates straight away and encouraged me to connect.

I reached out to Meg via LinkedIn, we arranged a meeting, and two months later… she chose Best Mates – We Got Ya as her charity of choice for one of the most inspiring and ambitious journeys imaginable.

Meg, along with her team, will be rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. And when they complete it, they’ll become world record holders, the youngest all-female team to complete the distance. That’s history in the making, and we are honoured to be part of it.

Why am I telling you this?

Because this is the power of networking. Jackie remembered what we do at Best Mates, she believed in our mission, and she saw an opportunity to connect us with someone else who could amplify it.

It’s not just about what happens in the room at a networking event—it’s about how you make people feel about you and your purpose. That’s what sticks. That’s what sparks action. That’s what builds something meaningful.

Want to get involved?

We have some incredible sponsorship opportunities available as part of the Atlantic Rowing Challenge. If you’d like to be associated with a groundbreaking event while supporting a grassroots mental health and community wellbeing charity—we’d love to talk.

Connect with us – Come and visit the Cirencester Group

Together, we’re not just networking—we’re making a difference

Here’s a recent post:

Just Row With It: A Record-Breaking Challenge for a Cause

We’re unbelievably proud to be one of the chosen charities supported for an epic challenge that’s nothing short of inspiring.

In December 2026, a team of three remarkable women, including Swindon local Meg, will attempt to become the youngest trio of women to ever row across the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, you read that right. Thousands of miles of open water, unpredictable weather, and relentless endurance all to raise vital funds and awareness for causes close to their hearts.

We’re honoured that Meg has chosen to row in support of Best Mates. From providing emotional and practical support to being a lifeline during hard times, our mission has always been simple: to be a best mate whenever someone needs one. To see that message carried across an ocean is something we’ll never forget.

🚨 They’re also on the lookout for local sponsors who want to be part of this record-breaking journey and help power them across the finish line. If your business wants to back something truly extraordinary, this is your chance.

Let’s rally behind them, follow their journey @JustRowWithIt2026, and show the power of community at its best.