When Good People Back You, It Means Everything

Some things in business just make you smile properly. Not the polite, "oh that's lovely" kind of smile. The proper, put-your-phone-down-and-take-it-in kind.

That's what happened when I got this review from the team at SLK Accountants:

"Carol was a pleasure to meet. Carol is knowledgeable with experience to help and mentor businesses. As Accountants we will be working with her, passing on her name for small and medium size businesses looking to start in business and grow."— SLK Accountants ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We Met at a Proper North East Networking Event

No Zoom call. No LinkedIn DM. Just three people having a genuine conversation at an In Person Connections North East event — the kind of thing that only works because people actually show up and talk to each other like human beings.

That's how it goes up here, isn't it? We don't really do small talk for the sake of it. If there's something worth saying, we say it. If there's a connection worth making, we make it.

And this one was worth making.

Why an Accountant's Recommendation Is Different

Here's the thing about accountants — they don't throw recommendations around just to be nice.

They're the people their clients trust with everything. The books, the tax returns, the stress of that first VAT bill. So when SLK said they'd be passing my name on to small and medium-sized businesses they work with — businesses just starting out or trying to grow — that meant a lot.

That's not a throwaway compliment. That's a professional saying: I'd put my name to this.

Getting Out of the House and Into the Room

If you're running a small business in the North East and you've been doing everything from behind a laptop screen, I get it. It's easier. It's less nerve-wracking.

But nothing I've ever built came from staying comfortable.

The connections that have made the biggest difference — the ones that have turned into referrals, into working relationships, into friendships — have nearly always started face to face. A cup of tea, a proper chat, someone saying "oh you should talk to so-and-so."

That's the North East way, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

For Anyone Just Starting Out — or Trying to Figure Out the Next Step

If you're a small business owner wondering whether you've got what it takes, or you're not quite sure which direction to head in next — please know this:

You don't have to work it all out on your own.

The right people around you — a good accountant, someone who's been where you're trying to go, a network that actually looks out for each other — makes everything feel a bit less daunting.

That's what I'm here for. That's what events like In Person Connections North East are for. And that's why reviews like this one from SLK matter so much — because it tells me the work is genuinely helping people.

Thank You, SLK

To the team at SLK Accountants — thank you. Genuinely. For the kind words, for the trust, and for what's to come.

Thank You, In Person Connections

This network holds events all over the North East and the ones I've been to have been friendly and supportive. Find your next networking meeting here You can attend a couple of meetings free and membership is flexible and affordable.

Fancy a Chat?

If you're reading this and thinking "I could do with a bit of that support" — let's have a proper conversation.

I offer a free 30-minute discovery call, no strings attached, just a chance to talk about where your business is right now and where you'd like it to go. If it feels like a good fit, brilliant. If not, you'll still come away with a bit more clarity than you had before.

Book your free 30-minute consultation here

The best things always start with a proper chat.

Are you a small or medium-sized business owner in the North East looking for a bit of guidance and support? Book your free call above, or get in touch — I'd love to hear where you're headed.