Hanging Out with Professionals: Why Our Latest Netwalking Event Proved Business Networking Doesn’t Have to Be Boring

What Exactly Is Netwalking?

For those who haven’t heard of it yet, Netwalking is exactly what it sounds like – networking while walking. But it’s so much more than a portmanteau of two words. It’s about breaking down the artificial barriers of traditional networking events.

Think about it: When was the last time you went to a networking event and genuinely enjoyed yourself? I’m talking about the kind of enjoyment where you lose track of time, forget to check your phone, and leave feeling energized rather than drained. If you’re struggling to remember, you’re not alone.

The Great Outdoor Experiment

So when I decided to take our networking outdoors and add some different themes into the mix, I’ll admit I wondered how it would go down. Would people show up, would anyone actually participate?

The answer came within minutes of people arriving. Not only did they participate, they threw themselves into it with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for Friday afternoon pub trips.

The Magic of Nature and Meaningful Conversations

Here’s what I discovered: something magical happens when you take networking out of the boardroom and into nature’s playground. The artificial formality disappears faster than free drinks at a corporate event.

When you’re ambling through the park, the “What do you do?” questions transforms from an awkward interview starter into genuine curiosity about the person next to you. When someone’s out in open space with fresh air, the conversation becomes about encouragement, shared experiences, and real human connection.

The outdoor gym equipment became a conversation starter, ice breakers, and even metaphors for business challenges. I watched strangers become collaborators as they figured out how to use the unfamiliar equipment together. I saw genuine laughter – no the polite chuckling that passes for humor at most business events, but proper belly laughs that come from shared absurdity and joy.

The Sun Shone, And So Did Everyone

Of course, it helped that the British weather decided to cooperate for once. There’s something about sunshine and fresh air that makes everyone more relaxed, more open, more themselves. The natural light seemed to bring out people’s genuine smiles.

But even if it had rained (and know British weather, it probably will next time), I suspect the event would still have been brilliant. The energy came from the people, not the weather – though I’m certainly not complaining about the vitamin D boost we all got.

Real Connections in a Fake-Free Environment

What struck me most was how quickly people dropped their professional masks.

This isn’t about fitness – though getting a bit of movement while networking is certainly a bonus. It’s more about creating an environment where people can be authentic, vulnerable, and human. When you’re all equally out of your boardrooms, equality happens naturally.

The conversations I overheard weren’t the usual, networking script of credentials and achievements. They were about challenges, aspirations, shared experiences, and yes, the occasional discussion about whether anyone actually enjoyed PE at school (spoiler alert: opinions are mixed).

The Group Photo That Says It All

If you need proof that this approach works, just look at our group photo. Instead of the usual stiff, corporate lineup where everyone’s trying to look important, we’ve got a bunch of professionals genuinely enjoying themselves in the most unconventional business setting imaginable.

Some people are hanging from equipment, others are balancing, a few are mid-laugh, and everyone looks relaxed and happy. It’s the kind of photo that perfectly captures what networking should be: enjoyable, authentic, and memorable for all the right reasons.

Why November Can’t Come Soon Enough

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with people already asking when the next event is. November suddenly feels like it’s years away instead of just a couple of months.

What’s particularly encouraging is that people aren’t just excited about the novelty factor. They’re excited because they made genuine connections, had real conversations, and experienced what networking feels like when it’s done right.

The Future of Professional Networking?

I’m not suggesting that every networking event should involve playground equipment (though honestly, why not?) But I do think there’s something to be learned from stepping outside our comfort zones – literally and figuratively.

Professional networking doesn’t have to be professional in the stuff. It can be professional in the sense that it’s effective, meaningful, and actually achieves what networking is supposed to achieve: bringing people together in ways that create lasting connections and opportunities.

Join Us Next Time

If you’ve read this far and found yourself thinking “I wish I’d been there”, then I have good news: our November event is coming up, and there’s still space.

And trust me, that’s a LinkedIn post you’ll actually want to write.

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Ready to try networking that doesn’t make you want to hide in the bathroom? Get in touch to secure your spot at November’s Netwalking event. Fair warning: you might actually enjoy yourself.

Netwalking Willenhall | Friday 7th November 2025 at 9:30am – Willenhall Memorial Park | BOOK NOW