Beyond Networking: The Rise of Storytelling and Human Connection in Business

Why small, intimate experiences may be the future of meaningful business relationships

“How do you measure your own success now compared to 10 years ago?”

This was one of the thought-provoking prompts posed at our latest storytelling dinner, hosted in the beautiful surroundings of Tottington Manor’s Terra Restaurant & Tasting Room. The event brought together a group of business leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers from our community, all there to share stories, make connections and explore ideas.

More than just networking

In the business world, the word “networking” often conjures images of crowded rooms, stacks of business cards, and the awkward exchange of elevator pitches. Many of us have been to events where we leave with pockets full of contacts but very little in the way of genuine human connection.

What we set out to create at this storytelling dinner was something very different.

This was not a networking event. It was an opportunity for authentic relationship building, for people to connect not just through what they do, but through who they are. The structure was simple yet powerful. Over dinner, each guest was invited to draw from our brand-new storytelling cards. Each card held a question, a prompt, or a theme designed to spark a real conversation the kind of conversation that reveals values, beliefs, and life experiences.

The results were remarkable. Stories emerged that were funny, profound, deeply personal and often inspiring. People shared moments of triumph, failure, challenge and change. They spoke about their childhoods, their turning points, and the lessons they had learned along the way. These were not polished “business stories” designed to impress. They were honest accounts that allowed people to be seen and heard in ways that are rare in a professional setting.

Why storytelling works

Storytelling is as old as humanity itself. Long before business strategies, spreadsheets, and marketing campaigns, we shared knowledge and built trust through stories. A well-told story connects on an emotional level, bypassing the usual barriers that can exist in professional environments.

In a business context, storytelling can be a game-changer. It allows us to move past transactional interactions and instead create moments of empathy and understanding. When you know the personal journey behind someone’s business, you are far more likely to remember them, trust them, and want to work with them.

The magic of the storytelling dinner was in its intimacy. With a smaller group, everyone had the chance to speak and be heard. There was no rush, no sense of competition for attention. The focus was on listening as much as it was on sharing.

The future of business networking?

We live in a digital world where connections are often made with a click of a button. LinkedIn, Zoom calls, and virtual conferences have their place, but they can never fully replicate the warmth and depth of a face-to-face conversation over a shared meal.

That’s why I believe experiences like this could be the future of business networking or perhaps it is time to stop calling it networking altogether. This is about human connection. It is about creating environments where people feel safe enough to be authentic and open.

Small, curated gatherings allow for deeper dialogue. They create space for serendipity, for shared laughter, and for the kind of stories that you remember years later. They turn strangers into collaborators, clients into friends, and contacts into trusted allies.

Gratitude and community

None of this would have been possible without the incredible people who joined us for the evening. A huge thank you to our partners and guests Aiden Dunning, Simon Nicholson, Sam Adams, Lucy Tarrant, Lorraine Ali, Matt Warren, Jonathan Lea, Jim Cunliffe, Stephanie Prior, Nigel Lambe and Mark Fisher for bringing their openness and willingness to share.

Special thanks also go to Steve Pomery, Helen Pomery and the whole team at Tottington Manor for creating such a welcoming space and delivering another fantastic dining experience.

A final question for you

I will leave you with the same question that sparked so much conversation that night: How do you measure your own success now compared to 10 years ago?

Take a moment to think about your answer. What has shifted for you? Which experiences have shaped your definition of success? And how might your answer influence the way you connect with others in business and in life?

For me, events like this are the very embodiment of success. They bring people together in a way that is real, nourishing, and unforgettable. And in a world that can sometimes feel increasingly disconnected, that feels like something worth building on.

If you would like to know more about our storytelling dinners or be part of a future gathering, you can connect with me via Different Hats. Who knows, your story might just be the one that changes the way someone else sees the world.

Sam Thomas

www.different-hats.co.uk or contact sam@different-hats.co.uk