Why connection might be the most underrated part of running a business

By Sophie Eglin, Business Strategist and Founder of Market & Me

When we talk about what makes a business thrive, we tend to focus on strategy, systems, sales. All vital. But there’s something else I think deserves a seat at the table. Community.

I’ve spent over 20 years in the business space, from running shop floors and restaurants to shaping strategy for some of London’s biggest landlords. And the same thing keeps showing up, whether I’m working with start-ups or established brands: business ownership can be incredible lonely and overwhelming. We don’t talk about that enough.

You can be doing the work you love, building something that matters, and still feel completely disconnected.

Especially in spaces like retail, hospitality, leisure, and lifestyle - industries built around experience, generosity, and care.

There’s a lot of giving, but often not much space to refill your own cup.

That’s where community comes in. Real community. Not another networking event with awkward intros and business card swaps (This is not how we do it! Note from Editor aka Sally!) - but space for honest conversations. A chance to share challenges, ask questions, swap ideas, and feel part of something. Because when you’re supported, your business benefits too.

Over the past year, I’ve been bringing small business owners together through lowpressure co-working days, roundtables, and industry meetups. What’s been most surprising isn’t the business advice that gets exchanged (although it’s insightful) - it’s how much lighter everyone feels when they leave. More clarity. More connection. Less “I’m in this alone.”

We often assume we need to do more, learn more, be more in order to succeed. But sometimes, the most powerful shift isn’t another business course or productivity hack - it’s sitting next to someone who says, “yep, me too.”

Whether you run a coffee shop, a studio, a service-based brand, or something completely different - don’t underestimate the impact of finding your people. The conversations that happen off Zoom and away from your inbox might just be the most valuable ones you have all month.

Because yes, strategy matters. But so does being seen. And in the long run, I think that’s what really keeps us going.

If this resonates, come say hi on Instagram @marketandme__ or email me at hello@marketandme.co.uk

Want to hear more about our socials, or fancy coming along to a meetup? Pop your name on the list www.marketandme.co.uk/ community and I’ll make sure you’re the first to know what’s coming next.

Welcome to our annual Business Awards! This year marks the twelfth year of the Business Awards; eleven years of celebrating your wonderful businesses within the West London community 21st November 2025 - Novotel London West,1 Shortlands, Hammersmith W6 8DR

We are proud to announce the West London Business Awards 2025 applications are now open! They are open to ALL businesses in the London Boroughs of Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow, and ALL our Chamber members, wherever you are based. Please consider entering more than one category. The more categories you enter, the better your chances!

The award categories for 2025 are listed below:

Apprentice Employer of the Year

Best Business for Health & Wellbeing

Best Business for Hospitality & Leisure

Best Business for Marketing & Social Media

Best Charity/Social Enterprise

Best Entrepreneur

Best Exporter of the Year

Best Green Business

Best New Business (your company must be under 2 years old)

Best Restaurants and Retailers

Best Small Company under 50 Employees

Best Tech Business

Best Enabler of the Year

Creative Business of the Year

Diversity and Inclusion Award

Employer of the Year

League of their own Award

Unsung Heroes Award

Women in Business Award

To enter visit https://westlondonchambers.org.uk/annual-events/business-awards-2025/ or scan the QR code. Then simply click on the award category that you would like to enter.

If you are interested in sponsoring the Business Awards in any way, please contact Geraldine Holden on geraldineholden@westlondonchambers.org.uk or 07710 574479

Business Awards 2025 are on 21st November 2025 at the Novotel, Hammersmith, and will be launched in March.