Turn 25 Connections Into 3000 Leads – The Networking Blueprint Kiwi Founders Swear By

Andy Prentice is Chief Operating Officer at The Crate, a North Shore coworking hub, and co-founder of The Gathering, the weekly networking community turning 25 connections into more than 3,000 warm leads. Drawing on two decades of operational leadership, he shows how 97 per cent of New Zealand’s micro-businesses can escape post-pandemic isolation and achieve small-business growth through disciplined business networking, referral marketing and 90-day action plans.Ps.Even though the production quality of this episode is not perfect, I still believe the conversation needs to be shared, which is why decided to publish it. Have it in the background while you work (just don't look at my blurry face).Time Stamps0:00 quick intro & the deal: hit subscribe for better episodes0:28 why network? people-first business growth explained (networking benefits)1:29 what is the crate? flexible office space + origin of “doing business with the neighbours”3:42 purpose of networking = growth, money freedom & time freedom for nz founders5:17 97 % of nz businesses are micro-sized — why that makes networking essential7:02 multiplying reach: how 25 members unlock 3 000+ potential customers9:21 weekly vs monthly meet-ups — staying top-of-mind in crowded markets11:09 networking for employees: turning a personal vision into a side-hustle13:56 andy’s passion: helping others, spotting blind spots & sharing expertise15:49 making money through referrals: word-of-mouth that converts18:43 give before you get — building trust & reciprocity in any group23:07 psychology of networking: belonging, social proof, storytelling, confidence loop32:05 scarcity & category limits: why the gathering caps two members per industry35:11 90-day action plan + accountability triangles (real success stories)39:42 brain science of writing goals & reading them aloud daily42:32 shutting a “successful” event to launch the gathering — the pivot story46:46 scaling purely by word-of-mouth (no ads) and why it works47:12 how to join: thursday 4 :30 pm sessions at the crate, constellation drive49:11 final advice: book a day away from the grind to re-imagine your businessEpisode SponsorDownload Your Free E-Book www.podcastguest.co.nzFollow Andy  / andyprenticenz  Follow MeInstagram – .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}