You’ve had the coffee, swapped the cards, and maybe even laughed over the pastries. But the real magic of networking happens after the event. Following up isn’t about spamming inboxes or sending a sales pitch. It’s about keeping the conversation alive in a way that feels natural, genuine and actually leads somewhere.

Small businesses don’t just survive on hard work, they thrive on human connection. Networking is more than name badges and coffee; it’s about keeping your business sharp, visible and ahead of the curve. As 2025 unfolds, here are five reasons why showing up at breakfast events like Yello could be the smartest move you make this year.

Let’s be honest, running a small business can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why networking matters. Not the boring, stiff-handshake kind, but the genuine, local, “let’s grab a coffee and actually talk” kind. Here’s why those early-morning Yello breakfasts are more than bacon rolls: they’re rocket fuel for your business.