Case Study

Emma Blaker – Aylesbury Bob Member

Your name, business and elevator pitch.
Emma Blaker, Business Owner of Blaker’s Blades: offering mobile and in-house barbering services to everyone, through a highly flexible and adaptable approach. We are committed to making a real difference, in the lives of our diverse clientele.

Describe BoB Networking in your own words.
BoB Networking is a secure, supportive and relaxed space, where like-minded people come together to make authentic connections. This welcoming group, assists you in both your own business and personal growth and others too. There are mutual exchanges of ideas, referrals given to others and opportunities to present and feedback, in the course of a fortnightly session.

What has been your experience of networking before BoB networking

Prior to BoB networking, I always assumed networking was about selling something in a pushy manner; I guess it can be in some groups. I did attend another Networking group and did not feel the need to return, as it just wasn’t right for me personally or my business.

When you first visited BoB Networking, what did you feel, learn, take away from meeting. What was the reason that made you say ‘Yes’ to joining

I felt immediately welcomed by the other members and visitors. I quickly learnt that it wasn’t just people out for themselves and their own financial gain. My key takeaway was that others seemed genuinely invested in me and my business; I made some really strong connections from the onset of my BoB Networking journey. It therefore wasn’t a difficult decision to say yes to joining!

What part of the meeting do you get the most value from

Every week, one the the members gives a 10-minute information slot and I find this part of the meeting really useful in getting to know the personality behind their business and delving that bit deeper; from how they got started, their personal interests, right through to their ideal clients. This in turn, allows me to effectively refer them onto others, who may benefit from their products/services.

What difference has BoB Networking had on you and your business.

Can you share an example or a story of a successful opportunity, collaboration or referral.

The difference that Bob Networking has had on my personal growth is quite remarkable. I have grown hugely in confidence and each fortnight, I turn up as my authentic self, ready to share my passion of all things barbering; that is what drives me at Blaker’s Blades. As my stories that I share in my pitches, resonate with others, I have gained clients through BoB and am gaining new business contacts and being referred to others on social media platforms.

Would you recommend BoB Networking and why?

Absolutely! It has been instrumental in both my personal and business growth. There have been and continue to be added ingredients too; drops of wisdom, sprinkles of fun and laughter thrown in for good measure! The magic happens quietly and catches you, lifts you up and energises you…

Share your favourite networking top tip?

Nike’s catchy slogan , ‘Just Do It!’ has become a favourite discussion point for Mel Robbins (podcast host & motivational speaker extraordinaire). They key word is ‘Just’ and I often come back to this time and time again, when I am stalling on something! I am so glad I just decided to set my alarm for 5.50am back in May 2023 and said yes to BoB networking.