Making introductions at Midnight: The power of connections

You’re reading this on LinkedIn…therefore the power of connections should be familiar territory… over the years at Midnight Communications I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the power of making the right introductions.

This year alone, several meetings with budding entrepreneurs and business owners seeking advice on various aspects of their ventures have reinforced my belief in the importance of building and nurturing connections. Whether it’s discussing recruitment, client acquisition, or exploring referral schemes, the underlying theme is clear: connections matter.

The value of genuine connections

At Midnight, we pride ourselves on our ability to forge and foster meaningful relationships. We are not just a PR agency; we are a genuine consultant and an extension of our clients’ teams.

This core value drives us to go beyond the conventional expectations of a PR firm. Our mission is to support our clients in every possible way, and often, this means leveraging our network to their advantage.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is being able to introduce our clients to individuals who can help further their business objectives. These introductions are not just about expanding business networks but about creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and mutual benefit.

It works both ways. Several Midnight clients have made introductions for us, for example Nick Poyner recommended Noel Preston - Cert CII, MInstLM for our business insurance – thank you Nick! Liam Ronan-Chlond introduced us to his partner Stephanie Chlond who we recently commissioned for a series of AI animations.

And it’s not just clients we make connections for. I was recently name-checked at a live podcast event because I originally introduced the presenter ( Sam Thomas ) to the guest ( Pippa Moyle ). I’ve also loved watching Lyndsey Clay and Oliver Russell professional relationship bloom after I introduced them. I put my superstar VA friend Julie Sydenham in contact with our SEO agency which has turned into a contract.

The list goes on… and again it works both ways with our connections making recommendations for us. Most recently Mo Kanjilal introduced me to Caroline Hobden which has resulted in my announcement as a speaker at the Accountex conference in Manchester. The wonderful Richard Wolfstr?me recommended us to Corinne Day at Newhaven Enterprise Zone which resulted in a client for Midnight….thank you Richard!

There are so many instances of this that there are too many to mention. Otherwise this would be reminiscent of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Oscar speech and you’d be bored to tears. Too young to remember? Lucky you.

Helping entrepreneurs navigate business challenges

Running a business comes with its fair share of challenges. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting with many entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journeys. These conversations often revolve around common themes such as attracting talent, client/customer acquisition, managing growth, sustainability goals and eyeing exit plans.

Through these discussions I have been able to provide insights based on my own experiences, helping these entrepreneurs make informed decisions that align with their business goals.

The art of making introductions

Making introductions is both an art and a science.

One of the keys to successful introductions is being genuinely interested in the success of others. When you approach introductions with a mindset of helping and supporting, it fosters a culture of reciprocity and goodwill. This is a fundamental principle at Midnight. Our clients trust us not only because of our PR expertise but also because they know we have their best interests at heart.

Moreover, introductions should not be made with an immediate expectation of return. The true value often reveals itself over time, as relationships deepen and new opportunities emerge. It’s about playing the long game and investing in the success of others, which ultimately contributes to your own success.

Building a strong community

In the dynamic business environment of Brighton, we are fortunate to be part of a vibrant and supportive community. At Midnight, we believe in the power of community and actively work to strengthen it through our actions. Whether it’s attending networking events, participating in local business forums, or simply making introductions that we know will benefit others, our commitment to building a strong community is unwavering.

For instance, I’ve been a proud ambassador of Brighton Chamber or many years. We send our whole team to Chamber events throughout the year from the most senior to the most junior. And we don’t do it expecting to bring back leads (although that’s always welcome) instead we’re there to find out what’s happening in our city, what businesses are thriving and to involve our whole team in the local business community. They all know that everyday is a school day at Midnight and that they’ll always learn something new from a Chamber event.

Being recognised at a live podcast event for making a valuable introduction was humbling. It reinforced my belief that small actions can have a significant impact. By continuing to foster connections and support local entrepreneurs, we are contributing to a thriving business ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Making introductions is more than just a business tactic; it’s a way of life at Midnight. It reflects our core values of support, collaboration, and genuine care for our clients and community. As we continue to make meaningful connections, we are reminded that at Midnight, we are much more than a PR agency. We are partners in success, dedicated to helping businesses grow and thrive through the power of connections.

Who have you connected recently?