Networking on Four Legs: Jasper the Lurcher and Me

I recently attended a local networking event – with my dog. 

Now, bringing a ten-year-old lurcher called Jasper to a room full of ambitious small business owners might not sound like a strategy, but bear with me.  Jasper is tall, lean and charming! Within minutes, he had worked the room and claimed a spot under the table as his own. Meanwhile, I mingled with coffee in one hand, lead in the other, and a vague hope that Jasper wouldn't steal any biscuits.

But here’s the thing: Jasper was a better icebreaker than any elevator pitch I’ve ever rehearsed. People wanted to talk. Conversations flowed naturally. Instead of opening with, “What do you do?”, I found myself discussing dog breeds, escape-artist pets and, eventually, how I help business owners and employers to engage with their people through periods of challenging business change.

Networking, particularly for small business owners and independent consultants, isn't just about collecting business cards or pitching services. It's about building relationships, sharing ideas, and creating a sense of community. People do business with people – and sometimes their dogs.  

As an HR change consultant, I often stress the importance of authenticity. Showing up as yourself – dog and all – can make you more memorable, relatable, and trustworthy. 

Would I bring Jasper again? Possibly. Would I recommend everyone starts dragging their pets to networking events? Maybe not. But if you're struggling to connect, consider what makes you memorable. Whether it's a four-legged sidekick or a genuine interest in others, the best networking happens when you're simply being yourself.