How long does it take to build a relationship?

My in-person time is precious. Not that it isn’t for everyone, time is after all the most precious commodity we have. However, now that I am truly understanding the challenges of juggling care of a toddler and work, and with only two mornings at nursery truly ‘free’, having in-person meetings could be seen as a luxury (or burden, depending on the meeting!)

But they’re neither.

Relationships are absolutely vital in every aspect of our lives, and business no less – and they require work. A connection may be instant and effortless, but to have a genuine relationship that endures, it takes commitment - time and effort – whether that’s a marriage, a friendship, or a business relationship.

In the last month since my son started nursery (giving me eight ‘free’ mornings) I have had six 121’s and attended five networking events. Now that may sound a little excessive, and if I wasn’t new to the area, I’m sure it would probably be a bit less, but I’m stressing the numbers to emphasise how much importance I place on establishing and nurturing relationships, networks and community. No (wo)man is an island after all.

I have met with some really interesting, passionate and empathetic people who have not only been a pleasure to talk to, but who have also shared advice, insight and experience, who have in their own ways helped me to brainstorm, provided a sounding board and generally made me feel inspired and supported.

I’m not sure if the same would be said by them about me at this point in time. As someone who is new to the area, I certainly haven’t had as much insight or as many connections and introductions to offer, but hopefully they have at least enjoyed our conversations, and I know that in the coming months this will change and I will be able to pay it both back and forward.

For now, these were only initial meetings, with many conducted over Zoom, and my hope is that as I become more established in the local area, and my son settles into his new nursery, that these will become regular meetings, and hopefully more often in person. I am at the start of my new journey as a working mother in the UK, and one thing I do know is that I can’t do it alone.