An artist walks into a business expo.

On the left - me, showing up as myself ready to see where the day takes me.
On the right - some pretty cool looking architecture from Leicester.

And this below -
is the webpage I signed up for the day on about 6 weeks ago during a business course.

Would I have done that without the support of the course?
Probably not...

...let's be honest.
​No.

I initially registered my business in 2014 / 2015.
No training - no structure - an artist who liked to paint things for people.
That last part in 2025 is still true as ever,
But I've been making big changes since I re-registered in 2024.

I'm mostly writing this for 3 reasons:

1. For the person reading who is thinking 'yeah, but I could never'.

2. As a big thanks and well done to the kind people I spoke to on the day.

3. To look back on when I need a boost that I can in fact 'do things'.

So I'll be writing something for each title of what people might want to know and then a nice summary at the end. 

Why did I go?

To get out there! I am happy with one string to my bow being individual commissions - but art can lift, heal, entertain, decorate and capture so many other places beyond peoples homes. Finding those connections without face to face contact can be like shouting into the void. Who even are you? 
And for inspiration.
I had so many great talks with people throughout the course of the day about possibilities that become opportunities and then diary dates and memories. So many genuine, kind and interested people with equally interesting business stories and passions for art outside of their career. Foxes in suits, love for abstract art and aspiring artist daughters - some great conversations.

Most nervous about?

Honestly, and this is going to perhaps come as a surprise - getting there via the train system.
I know most people would think talking to strangers or making a pitch or even walking into the room. But once you're in there - seeing everyone all talking together and knowing everyone is there for the same reason - takes a lot of pressure off. No one forces you to chat but they are waiting in case you'd like to all the same. 
Reminding myself everyone is feeling a little nervous at first no matter how cool cat they are on the outside helps too. Mention it - be honest - you'd be surprised!
But it's the trains for me - I am one for getting numbers and times all mangled up - so navigating a new journey gives me the most anxiety! Especially when they cancel your connecting train - but the staff on the platforms were super groovy and helpful. Ask for help and often - you're gonna get it.

Gaining momentum

Ok so that initial conversation is a bit like jumping off a dive-board.
But remembering you're not just speaking to a stranger in the street and that everyone is there literally to network really helps.
Susie - thanks for helping me rip off the band aid with that great, inviting smile.
And also showing me how the Linkedin scanner works. This is the future. (I am joking - but equally thank you hahah).
Try not to overthink it.
Say hello and away you go.

Unexpected moment

Sometimes you're gonna talk to people who it's clear you aren't B2B compatible with - but still appreciate a great chat. 
My unexpected moment is spending 10 minutes chatting to Gareth and having a laugh as they tried to convince me to sticker graffiti Leicester on my way home with my tiger stickers.
They're a car company.
I don't even drive.
​But what fun!

Best freebie (come onnnn - we're only human)

Look, I'm pretty sure if you wanted to sign up (it's free) just to come and collect all the freebies you could - no one would stop you.
Maybe if you brought a giant sack.
I saw some fantastic freebies on my way around from interesting stress balls to recyled material journals to every type of pen imaginable.
I turned around at one point and could see someone playing hook at duck and another person standing next to a cardboard cut out of Dolly Parton.
My favourite freebie - was the creme egg in a box over with Steve.
It just made me laugh that truly anything can be branded - even the branded.
Plus, Dale really enjoyed it when I got home ha.

Graham said it's a Lincoln Imp!
​And you bet it's branded!

Best piece of advice

I had a great chat with Amir (very thankful to see a familiar face - would recommend taking someone or meeting someone if possible) who drops gold advice like it's going out of fashion anyway. The best advice I got was to keep building your support network - fill it with likeminded creatives, people who are supporting you, people who know way more than you, people who do different - and do the same for others. Being self employed means you are stocking your own office floor.

Biggest takeaway

If you walk around with a clipboard - people are going to assume you either work there or have a stall - and that's not a bad thing - because you end up in some great chats about all sorts!
​Wear comfortable shoes if you're walking from the train station.
Also - go and get gelato afterwards - you earned it.

Final thoughts

At the start of the year I was aware I 'should' go to things like this - I was working on changing my mindset towards being visible and comfortable in business spaces. I don't fit the stereotypical bill but that doesn't mean I'm not committed, serious and reliable. Changing the face of business by turning up as yourself helps other people to realise it's not unattainable. 
This networking event was free and it was packed - all day.
So many opportunities for connection, advice, learning and inspiration all in one building.
I'm very glad I went.
​Roll on the next one!

Leicester sights spotted on the way - such a sunny day too.

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