Chat from the Chair: Small Connections – Big Difference
Did you spot them at the Chamber breakfast and coffee? The little recommendations. “I used XX recently and this is the great job they did.”
I spotted quite a few. Penny Morgan who spoke at the October breakfast had several members testifying to her photos and the impact they had for them. At the coffee, several members testified to the impact of Annya Stoddart’s acupuncture. Just two examples. Someone who is really good at telling others about the impact of others is Kate Kelly. She is regularly telling others of the impact of companies like FWD accounts and Brightside and their impact on the Stowmarket Carnival.
Big Difference
When you run a small business, it’s easy to think that success comes from the big things: winning a major contract, finding a new customer, launching a new service or making a significant investment.
But often, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference.
A recommendation from a happy customer. An introduction to someone who needs your services. A conversation over a coffee that sparks a new idea. Or simply someone taking the time to ask how you’re doing and offering a bit of encouragement when things feel challenging.
These moments might seem insignificant, but they can open doors, build confidence and create opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist.
For those of us running small businesses, particularly when we’re working alone or with a small team, relationships really matter. We don’t always have the resources of a larger organisation, but we do have something incredibly valuable: our ability to connect with people, build trust and support one another.
And that’s where being part of a local business community can make such a difference.
The Chamber isn’t just about attending meetings or exchanging business cards. It’s about getting to know people, understanding what they do, recognising where we might help and being willing to make those connections.
You never know when a conversation might lead to an opportunity for someone else. Nor can you always predict when someone else’s simple act of kindness or support might make a real difference to you.
Small Connections
So, here’s a little challenge for the coming weeks.
Think about the people you know locally and is either a chamber member or has been a regular visitor. Is there someone you could recommend? A business you could introduce to a potential customer? Someone whose work deserves a little recognition? Or perhaps someone who would simply appreciate a friendly conversation?
You don’t need a grand plan or a big gesture. Sometimes, the smallest action can have the greatest impact. Because when we help one another succeed, we strengthen not only individual businesses but the whole business community around us.
A question to reflect on: Who have you helped recently, and who might you be able to help next?
Let’s keep making those small connections. They really can make a big difference.
For the Future
I’m always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to [email protected]
Dates for your diary:
Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.
| Coffee Morning | Breakfast Networking |
| Brightside Wealth Management 7 Finborough Road, Stowmarket IP14 1PN |
Feast Cafe at The Food Museum Iliffe Way, Stowmarket IP14 1SL |
| Friday, 6 November 2026 | Friday, 20 November 2026 |
| 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | 7:15 am to 9:00 am |
For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: [email protected].
