One of the simplest and easiest ways of marketing your business and your book is by networking. But it’s also one that scares many entrepreneurs. I’m Karen Williams and in today’s episode of the Business Book Bites podcast, I’m sitting down with Caroline Andrew-Johnstone, who is known as The ReBel and she’s also the MD of the networking organisation 4N.

We delve into Caroline's rebellious nature and her love for breaking rules. We also chat about how she embraced the challenges of the pandemic to pivot 4N to an online platform. Plus, she shares her top tips for networking successfully. Get ready for an insightful and inspiring conversation about the importance of networking and building meaningful connections.

FREE BONUS: ‘Pitch Perfect’. You can download Caroline’s free bonus at www.librotas.com/podcastbonuses.

GET THE BOOK: Get your copy of Book Marketing Made Simple and the Book Marketing Planner at www.bookmarketingmadesimple.com.

Guest: Caroline Andrew Johnstone Bio: Caroline Andrew Johnstone is The ReBel. She is a motivational speaker who coaches confidence, unleashing the inner ReBel inside everyone who hears her speak. On 1st August 2010, she walked into a 4N meeting. 12 years exactly to the day she bought the company. She loved it that much. She is now the Managing Director and major shareholder of the amazing network 4N.

Website:

https://www.rebelspeaker.co.uk https://www.networkingrebel.biz https://4nonline.biz

Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/therebelspeaker
https://www.facebook.com/caroline.andrewjohnstone
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineandrewjohnstone

Key topics and bullets:

Primary Topic: Introduction of Caroline Andrew Johnston

• Caroline Andrew Johnston's background as a motivational speaker and confidence coach
• Her experience with 4N networking
• The reason behind her nickname "the rebel"
• Her journey from joining 4N to becoming the managing director and major shareholder

Primary Topic: The Power of Networking

• The importance of networking for building a network of suppliers, clients, and collaborators
• Networking not just about making sales but building connections and credibility
• Examples of successful networking within 4N
• How 4N adapted to the pandemic and the importance of being able to switch and adapt quickly
• The role of a strong team in networking and business success
• Recommendations and referrals within a network

Time stamped overview:

00:00:59 Caroline Andrew: Rebel turned networking business owner.
00:05:18 Networking builds a helpful, credible network for success.
00:08:24 Rebel born through free coaching sessions.
00:13:32 Pitch perfection: Preparing and promoting yourself effectively
00:15:28 Networking takes time but opens opportunities.
00:20:27 Conquer fear of networking, find support.
00:21:41 Join 4N and meet like-minded people.

Discussion questions:

1. How does Caroline Andrew describe herself as a rebel in both her personal and professional life?
2. What role did networking play in Caroline's journey to becoming the managing director and major shareholder of 4N?
3. Can you relate to Caroline's belief in taking risks and embracing failure as a way to become more rebellious and ultimately succeed?
4. What does Caroline believe is the true purpose of networking? How does she differentiate it from simply making sales?
5. How did 4N adapt and respond to the challenges brought about by the pandemic? What lessons can other businesses learn from their approach?
6. Have you had any personal experiences where networking has been crucial in building relationships and generating business opportunities?
7. What are some key factors in building credibility within a network? How can individuals position themselves as someone others trust and rely on?
8. Do you agree that networking is about creating a network of suppliers, clients, and collaborators rather than just making sales? Why or why not?
9. Have you ever recommended someone's services without hesitation because you trust and respect their work? How did you build that level of trust in that person's expertise?
10. In what ways can individuals leverage networking to advance their personal and professional goals?

Keywords: Karen Williams, Caroline Andrew Johnston, Caroline Andrew, motivational speaker, networking rebel, 4Networking, power of networking, networking strategies, network driver, Brad Burton, online networking, 4N, marketing your business, networking tips, elevator pitch, perfect pitch, 60-seconds