BizNet Wales is one of Wales’ longest established networking organisations, with hundreds of people attending our events every year. Founded in 2001, we now run over 140 structured business events across South and West Wales for business people to get together, exchange ideas and connections and do business.

Don’t give up, keep looking for ways to solve your problems. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, and listen to the answers.

Lynne Orton - BizNet

I went into self-employment by default and from there progressed to setting up my current business. The idea was for the networking business to feed leads to my recruitment business; I soon had enough of recruiting and decided to put all my energy into one business - networking. I never considered being my own boss, although I was always organised and could organise others well.

In an age where new marketing methods seem to emerge every day, it’s refreshing to remember that one basic principal remains the same: people do business with people they know, like and trust.

The first year was a major learning curve, many mistakes were made. Money is always an issue, but you have to be realistic and if you can’t afford it, don’t do it. You have to face up to any problems, they won’t go away if you ignore them; once you start trying to overcome them the power is with you and it’s surprising how good you feel when things are sorted.

I strongly believe in helping young people achieve their goal of running their own business. I didn’t have such opportunities which is why I was a late starter. I will tell students the truth, it is not easy, you have to work hard but the rewards are worth it.

Website: www.biznetwales.co.uk