How networking boosts your wellbeing as well as your business

February has a funny feeling to it.

The holidays are over. The inbox is full again. The routines are back. And for a lot of business owners, the adrenaline of a new year starts to settle into a quieter question:

Who have I actually got around me this year?

Because here’s the truth. Running a business can be lonely. Even when you’re busy. Even when you’re successful.

And that’s where networking comes in.

Not just for referrals. Not just for growth. But for your wellbeing.

At The Networking Group (TNG), we see it all the time. Business owners walk in wanting more leads. They stay because they’ve found belonging, confidence and support they didn’t realise they were missing.

Let’s talk about why that matters.

Why business ownership can feel isolating

If you’re an owner-operator or small business owner in New Zealand, you’re likely:

• Making the big decisions

• Carrying financial pressure

• Managing clients, staff and suppliers

• Juggling family and personal commitments

• Or in business on your own

There’s no staffroom chat. No manager to bounce ideas off. No one automatically checking in on you.

Many business owners tell us they felt isolated, frustrated or unsure before joining a group. They didn’t know what they didn’t know. They just knew it felt hard to do business alone .

Isolation does more than affect your mood. It increases stress. It reduces resilience. It chips away at confidence.

And over time, that impacts your business decisions too.

The mental health benefits of connection

Humans are wired for connection.

When we build genuine relationships, our brains release oxytocin. It’s often called the “bonding hormone.” It helps reduce stress, lower anxiety and increase feelings of trust and safety.

In simple terms: being around supportive people is good for your nervous system.

Regular, positive social interaction can:

• Reduce feelings of loneliness

• Increase confidence

• Improve emotional resilience

• Lower stress levels

• Create a sense of belonging

And when those interactions are with people who understand business pressure, the impact is even greater.

You’re not explaining what cashflow stress feels like to someone who’s never experienced it. You’re talking to people who get it.

That’s powerful.

Confidence grows when you’re seen and heard

One of the unexpected benefits of structured networking is how much it builds confidence.

At TNG, members have the opportunity to present their business 26 times a year. That repetition builds clarity. It builds courage. It builds confidence.

But it’s not just about public speaking.

It’s about being listened to.

It’s about having other business owners ask questions, offer feedback, and genuinely want to understand what you do.

We often hear members say:

“I joined to grow my business. I didn’t expect to grow personally as well.”

When you feel welcomed and supported, you naturally stand taller. You speak more clearly. You back yourself more.

That confidence flows into sales conversations, pricing decisions and leadership.

It’s hard to overstate how much that changes things.

Belonging is not a “nice to have” - it’s a human need

Belonging isn’t fluffy. It’s fundamental.

Psychological research consistently shows that a sense of belonging improves wellbeing, motivation and overall life satisfaction.

For business owners, belonging can mean:

• Having people who celebrate your wins

• Having somewhere to share challenges

• Feeling part of something bigger than yourself

• Knowing others are actively promoting your business

At TNG, members describe feeling inspired, energised and confident after meetings .

That sense of being part of an inspiring and motivating group doesn’t just feel good. It changes how you show up in your business.

When you know others are backing you, you take bigger steps.

Find out where your closest TNG meeting happens. 

Referrals feel different when they’re built on trust

Networking can sometimes get a bad reputation. People imagine pressure, quotas and forced referrals.

That’s not how TNG operates.

TNG focuses on authentic, genuine referrals built on trust, not measurement or competition .

And that difference matters.

When referrals come from real relationships:

• You feel proud to recommend someone

• You feel supported rather than judged

• You experience collaboration instead of pressure

Trust-based referrals reduce the stress often associated with selling. You’re not constantly chasing. You’re building.

That approach supports both your business growth and your mental wellbeing.

February is the perfect time to reconnect

After summer holidays, many business owners feel slightly disconnected.

You might have:

• Slipped out of routine

• Spent time away from clients

• Had space to reflect on what’s working and what’s not

February is when routines return. It’s when people start thinking seriously about what they want this year to look like.

If you felt isolated at times last year, this is your opportunity to change that.

Re-engaging with community early in the year sets the tone for the months ahead.

It’s much easier to maintain momentum when you’re not doing it alone.

Networking as a protective factor for business stress

Running a business comes with unavoidable pressure. Economic shifts. Slow seasons. Unexpected challenges.

When you’re isolated, those pressures feel heavier.

When you’re connected, you have:

• Trusted advisors to sense-check decisions

• Peers who’ve navigated similar challenges

• A sounding board before small issues become big ones

That support acts as a protective factor against burnout.

Instead of internalising every problem, you share it. You gain perspective. You find solutions faster.

That keeps both you and your business healthier.

Growth that feels sustainable

Traditional advertising can be expensive and unpredictable. Word-of-mouth referrals through trusted networks often feel more sustainable and aligned .

But sustainable growth isn’t just about revenue.

It’s about:

• Consistency

• Relationships

• Trust

• Enjoyment

If your growth strategy leaves you stressed, pressured or disconnected, it’s hard to maintain long term.

Networking done well supports steady growth without sacrificing your wellbeing.

That balance matters.

What happens if you don’t prioritise connection?

It’s easy to tell yourself you’re too busy.

Too many client meetings. Too many deadlines. Too much admin.

But if you don’t invest in connection, isolation creeps back in.

And isolation can lead to:

• Reduced confidence

• Increased stress

• Short-term decision making

• Lower motivation

In networking, you often get back what you put in .

Showing up. Engaging. Supporting others.

Those actions build not just referrals, but resilience.

How to choose the right networking group for your wellbeing

Not all networking environments feel the same.

If you’re looking for both business growth and personal support, consider:

• Is the culture supportive rather than competitive?

• Are referrals authentic rather than forced?

• Do members genuinely want to be there?

• Is there flexibility in meeting times to fit your life?

TNG offers multiple meeting times across New Zealand, including early morning and lunchtime options. Visitors can attend twice before deciding if it’s the right fit.

That matters. You need to feel comfortable before committing.

Because the goal isn’t just growth.

It’s belonging.

Networking is good for your health

We don’t often talk about networking in terms of health.

But maybe we should.

If regular connection reduces stress, builds confidence and increases belonging, then networking isn’t just a marketing strategy.

It’s a wellbeing strategy.

You deserve to:

• Feel supported in your business

• Feel confident when you speak about what you do

• Feel part of a community

• Feel energised rather than drained

At its best, networking helps you thrive personally and professionally.

And that’s a powerful combination.

Ready to feel connected this year?

If you’ve ever felt isolated in business…

If you’ve ever wished you had a trusted group around you…

If you want growth that supports your wellbeing rather than undermines it…

Now is a good time to explore what that could look like.

You can register to visit a TNG group near you and experience the culture for yourself.

Because business is better when you don’t do it alone.

Frequently asked questions about networking and wellbeing

Can networking really improve mental wellbeing?

Yes. Regular, positive social interaction reduces loneliness and stress. Structured networking adds the benefit of shared professional understanding, which increases trust and belonging.

I’m introverted. Will networking drain me?

The right group should feel supportive, not overwhelming. Structured formats help introverts prepare and participate comfortably. Many members grow in confidence over time.

What if I’m too busy to commit fortnightly?

Consistency is important for building trust. However, TNG offers different meeting times to suit varying schedules . Investing time upfront often saves time later through referrals and support.

Is networking only about referrals?

Referrals are important, but community, learning, feedback and accountability are equally valuable outcomes.

How soon will I see benefits?

Many members notice increased confidence and connection quickly. Referrals and measurable growth build over time as relationships deepen.