Why I’m Championing a New Kind of Networking – and Why It Starts with a Run

June 16, 2025

If you know me, you’ll know I’m not a runner. But I am someone who believes in building better businesses by putting people, purpose and wellbeing first. And that’s why I’m so excited to introduce activ Connections, a brand-new networking run designed to bring the Cardiff business community together in a refreshingly real way.

Our first event takes place on Monday 14 July 2025 at 12.30pm, starting from our activ Marketing HQ on Womanby Street. It’s open to freelancers, founders, marketing professionals, and anyone looking to connect, not just exchange business cards.

No awkward intros. No hard sells. Just a relaxed run through Bute Park, some great conversation and a reset from the usual desk-bound day.

What’s activ Connections All About?

This monthly initiative is the brainchild of Tom Marley, our brilliant Head of Tech at activ Marketing and a former elite athlete. Tom will be leading the runs and brings not just fitness expertise, but also the insight that some of the best business ideas happen when you’re moving, not sat in a meeting.

When Tom first pitched the idea, I was instantly on board. Not because I’d be lacing up my trainers, but because I truly believe in the power of connection, fresh air, and creating space for real conversations. This is networking that doesn’t feel like networking. And that’s exactly what so many of us need.

Why This Matters to Me as a Business Leader

As CEO of activ Marketing, I’ve spent the last few years reshaping how we do business, from reimagining our franchise model to supporting entrepreneurs in building agencies that work for them, not the other way around.

Movement and mental clarity have been essential for me, especially since my ADHD diagnosis in 2024. I’ve learned that the best ideas come when we step away from the pressure and give ourselves room to breathe, metaphorically or literally.

So no, you won’t see me leading the run. But you will see me championing initiatives like this that support healthier business-building, stronger communities and smarter ways of connecting.

Meet Our Incredible Guest: Lloyd Martin

To launch our very first activ Connections, we’re thrilled to be joined by Lloyd Martin, a Guinness World Record holder and exceptional young athlete who became the youngest person with Down’s syndrome to complete the London Marathon.

Lloyd’s story is one of determination, courage and heart. He’s gone on to complete the New York Marathon, Cardiff Half, the Great North Run and more, and it’s a real privilege to have him with us to inspire the group on launch day.

Supported by Run Wales and Backed by Franchise Culture

activ Connections is proudly supported by Run Wales, the Welsh Athletics social running programme, and fits right into the heart of what we stand for at activ.

As the UK’s only BFA-accredited marketing agency franchise, we know that growth isn’t just about strategy and sales funnels. It’s about people. It’s about building something that lasts, and that starts with creating the right environment.

While we’re launching in Cardiff, the goal is for our franchise partners across the UK to lead activ Connections in their own regions too. Whether you’re in South Wales, the South East, or Scotland, community and wellbeing are universal foundations for success.

Why Join In?

87% of business owners say their mental wellbeing affects performance (Mental Health UK, 2023)

Just 30 minutes of running can boost focus and mood (NHS, 2023)

Cardiff alone is home to more than 40,000 SMEs, many led by solo founders or micro teams

Networking remains one of the best ways to grow a business (Forbes, 2023)

activ Connections gives you the space to connect, move and recharge, all in your lunch break.

Come Along

First run: Monday 14 July 2025
Time: 12.30pm
Start point: activ HQ, Womanby Street, Cardiff
What to bring: Trainers, an open mind, and a willingness to connect differently

Whether you’re just starting out or leading a growing team, this is a chance to reset, make new connections, and maybe even spark your next big idea.

And yes, while I’m proud to be an advocate for women in business and franchising, this event is absolutely open to everyone. Businesses led by men, women, or diverse teams are all welcome.

Let’s Redefine What Networking Looks Like

activ Connections is a small step towards a bigger vision, one where business isn’t just about results but about how we get there, who we connect with along the way, and how we take care of ourselves while we grow.

I hope you’ll join us or be inspired to launch something similar in your own community.

Sign up here to secure your spot on the first run.

I have seen so many social media managers on TikTok recently sharing how tough Q4 is shaping up to be. Many described September as one of their worst months yet, with clients pulling out, content budgets cut, and income dropping overnight.

But that is not what we saw at activ.

And even if it had been evident in some way, it would not have shaken us. Our growth model, and the way we teach our franchisees to run their marketing businesses, is not built on luck or trends. It is built on structure, multiple income stream forecasting, and long term client relationships.

The difference between freelancing and building a business

It frustrates me to see brilliant, creative people losing sleep over the next invoice because they have never been shown how to make their income secure. The issue is not their skill. It is the lack of structure and guidance that turns creative chaos into commercial stability.

No one should live in that feast or famine cycle when they are self employed. I’ve been there, back in 2014 when I started out as a solo freelancer.

When I first went self employed, I had two clients. The contract values together came to £6.5k. At the time, that felt incredible. I thought, this is it, I am winning already.

But no.

Those projects consumed me. I had no time for business development, no processes, and no real boundaries. I was learning client management, pricing, and systems as I went along. What looked like profit on paper turned out to be pain in reality.

That was a massive wake up call.

I realised that you cannot build a business relying on two or three individuals to decide whether you get paid that month. Even though I have been there, I still find it crazy to think that so many self employed marketers are doing exactly that right now.

You need recurring income to create stability

Recurring income is what makes your business predictable. It gives you space to breathe, plan, and grow. It is the foundation that keeps your income steady when projects slow down or clients pause work. And yes, it needs to be secured with a contract!

If your clients are paying you on retainers or subscriptions with clear agreements in place, you are no longer waiting for someone else to decide whether you can pay yourself. You are running a business, not chasing invoices.

Now, the Pareto Principle tells us that 80% of your revenue usually comes from 20% of your clients. That is a natural pattern, but it is also a dangerous one when you only have a handful of clients in total. If one of those key clients leaves, your income takes a huge hit.

The goal is not to fight Pareto, but to rebalance it. Have enough clients in your mix that if one pauses, your bank account does not. A larger client base means smaller percentages per client, and that gives you security.

A forecast should be used to build a healthy mix of income streams that blend subscriptions, monthly fees, retainers, and one off project work. This approach gives balance, flexibility, and resilience. It allows you to plan ahead rather than live month to month hoping your next reel or pitch fills the gap.

How to build stability using the Solo Power® approach

My #SoloPower® approach is about creating structure and strategy so that freedom is built in, not hoped for.

Here are five actions you can take right now to step out of the feast or famine cycle.

Build recurring revenue first, not last
Even if your retainers start small, secure that predictable base before solely chasing project work. Stability gives you freedom to be creative again.
Review your pricing every quarter
If you are charging the same as you were six months ago but working harder, it is time to adjust. Value your expertise.
Set clear boundaries and processes
You teach clients how to treat you. Scope creep and time thiefs are business killers. Clear communication and contracts are essential.
Use a forecast
See what your next three months look like. Map your recurring income and identify gaps early. When you plan, panic disappears.
Stay connected to others in business
Isolation is dangerous. Community keeps you accountable, inspired, and supported when things get tough.

From feast or famine to freedom

The feast or famine cycle is not a test of resilience. It is a sign that your business is missing structure.

Freedom does not come from working alone. It comes from systems that protect your time, income, and creativity.

That is exactly what I teach through #SoloPower®, an approach built to help solo marketers and freelancers create security, community, and recurring income that lasts.

If you are ready to take the next step, my next FREE guide on How to Combat The Time Ceiling And Build Financial Security shows how to create sustainable structure in your business.

👉 Workbook- How to Combat The Time Ceiling and Build Financial Security