The Hustle Networking Group, launched in December by Amelia Johnson and Roanna Warren, has quickly gained momentum within the North Dorset business community. The monthly meetings, currently held at Hinton Workspace near Sturminster Newton, offer a relaxed opportunity for local professionals, freelancers and business owners to connect.
Attendance has remained at near capacity since the first meeting, says Amelia: ‘We have a good balance between regular attendees and new faces, and there’s a broad mix of sectors including entrepreneurs, industry specialists and business owners.
We want to help local business people in North Dorset build strong relationships with one another, to create a supportive community. By fostering genuine connections, the group helps members learn from each other: we encourage and refer business to each other, and ultimately work together to grow and succeed as a collective.‘
‘Every Hustle meeting feels a little different,’ says Roanna. ‘But there’s always time for coffee, conversation – and breakfast! – as much as for sharing ideas and learning something new. ‘Sessions loosely follow a structure of relaxed networking, short introductions or thought exercises and a guest talk. The aim is always the same: to keep things informal and lively but genuinely useful. Recently we paired everyone up and we had to introduce each other. It was a fun challenge and sparked some brilliant intros.’
Guest speakers have become a regular feature, providing practical advice on areas such as a recnt one on the use of social media, where Charlotte Strong recently shared a talk packed full of practical tips and real-world experience. Dorset Business Mentors joined another session, contributing to discussions and offering mentoring support.
Moving forwards
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: one attendee describing the February event said:
‘Well—wow! That really was a Hustling Hustle! Uplifting chats, new contacts, marvellous mentors! Thank you so much. I really enjoyed it.’
Another added, ‘I’ve never found another networking group so genuinely supportive. The friendships and connections made here extend far beyond the monthly meetings. It’s a genuinely sociable and welcoming community.’
Future speakers include Roanna Warren and Bexi Harris on digital marketing and branding (May), artist Katie Scorgie on developing a creative career (June), and Liz McCormick on accountancy for small businesses (July).
Organisers have also announced plans to introduce Zoom sessions, evening meetings and informal walk-and-talk events during the summer.
For more information, or to book a place at an upcoming session, contact the organisers via the Hustle LinkedIn group, Roanna on Roanna.warren@hotmail.com or Amelia on amelia@ameliajohnson.com
