There are days where you get to the end of it and think – I’ve been busy all day, but what have I actually moved forward?
Most of us have been there.
Your to-do list is full. Your calendar is packed. You’re responding, reacting, ticking things off. But the bigger things – the ones that actually make a difference – somehow keep slipping.
The challenge isn’t doing more – it’s knowing what matters
We often think productivity is about getting more done.
But in reality, it’s about being able to step back and ask:
What actually needs my focus today?
What will make this week feel like progress?
Where should I be putting my energy?
That’s not always easy—especially when everything feels important at once.
A simple approach: 1–3–5
The 1–3–5 method is exactly what it sounds like:
1 big priority
3 medium priorities
5 smaller tasks
It’s simple – but that’s what makes it work.
Instead of trying to do everything, it helps you focus on what’s realistic -and what actually moves things forward.
Why it works
It’s not just about structure – it’s about mindset.
It encourages you to:
Be intentional with your time
Accept that you can’t do everything in one day
Focus on progress, not just activity
Over time, that shift builds confidence in how you work – not just what you do.
Try it for yourself
Before your next working day or week, write down:
1 thing that would make the biggest difference
3 things you want to move forward
5 smaller tasks to complete
Keep it realistic. See what changes.
A small shift, but a powerful one
There’s no perfect system – but small changes in how you approach your work can have a big impact over time.
Sometimes it starts with a simple question: What actually matters today?
Our Founder, Simon Wingfield, has joined Coaches
On the Go as an Authorised Partners as an Authorised Partner.
Coaches On the Go:
‘Great leaders coach. That’s what makes the
difference and gets results. We train your team to be leaders-who-coach, which
drives business productivity and employee performance.
We exist to transform organisations
and leadership by integrating coaching into everyday working practice.
Our belief is that we
can all choose to be leaders, that leadership comes from collaboration and
connection with others, and that this is critical to resolving today’s complex
problems.
We are dedicated to
helping others build everyone’s leadership skills by focusing on developing
leaders who coach.
When leaders-who-coach
is a globally recognised term and society has stopped glorifying hero leaders,
we will relax.’
Simon Wingfield has joined the Business
Growth Coaches Network (BGCN) as a coach.
Business Growth Coaches Network:
‘As an owner, you’ll know the
day-to-day challenges of running your business are wide and varied. Our
friendly team have all been there and experienced those hurdles – that’s why we
can work with you to help you improve your business.
You’re in safe hands.
All our friendly coaches
come from successful commercial backgrounds. We understand the challenges and
daily complexities organisations encounter.
As
your critical friend, we will:
Provide you with the
right level of mentoring your company requires
Supportively challenge
and inspire you
Provide you with
trusted, expert advice to ensure you achieve your goals
Utilise our wide pool
of associates and trusted partners to help you develop meaningful
relationships
Discover the coaching
support your business needs today.’
Why Real Relationships Still Win (and Always Will)
Last week’s Co.next workshop with Phil was a bit of a reset.
Not in a dramatic, tear-it-all-down kind of way — but in a quieter, more powerful sense. A reminder that in a world of constant notifications, polished personal brands, and “networking strategies”, the thing that actually moves the needle is much simpler:
Genuine human connection.
“People don’t remember your pitch — they remember how you made them feel.”
One of the standout moments from the session was Phil’s reminder that relationships aren’t built through perfectly crafted introductions or transactional conversations.
They’re built through:
Curiosity
Consistency
And showing up as yourself
He challenged the idea that we need to perform in professional settings. Instead, he encouraged everyone to lean into authenticity — even when it feels a bit uncomfortable.
Because that’s what people connect with.
The Shift: From Networking to Relationship-Building
Phil made a clear distinction that really landed with the group:
“Networking is often about what you can get. Relationships are about what you can give — and grow.”
It sparked a lot of reflection in the room.
How often do we:
Rush conversations?
Focus on outcomes instead of people?
Default to “What do you do?” instead of “What are you interested in right now?”
The takeaway wasn’t to abandon ambition — but to slow down and be more intentional about how we connect.
What Authenticity Actually Looks Like (In Practice)
Authenticity can feel like one of those overused buzzwords — but Phil broke it down in a way that made it actionable.
It’s not about oversharing or being “on” all the time.
It’s about:
Being honest when you don’t know something
Sharing what genuinely excites you
Admitting when something feels challenging
Letting conversations flow naturally (instead of steering them)
“You don’t need to have it all figured out to be valuable in a conversation.”
That line stuck.
Small Actions That Make a Big Difference
One of the most useful parts of the workshop was how practical it felt. This wasn’t just theory — it was about what you can do differently this week.
Here are a few simple shifts Phil encouraged:
1. Follow up like a human, not a template
Instead of a generic “great to meet you” message, reference something specific:
“I’ve been thinking about what you said about… would love to continue that conversation.”
2. Lead with curiosity
Ask better questions:
“What’s been energising you at work lately?”
“What are you working towards right now?”
3. Play the long game
Not every connection needs an immediate outcome.
Some of the most valuable relationships build slowly over time.
4. Be remembered for how you show up
Reliable. Thoughtful. Interested.
That’s what people come back to.
Why This Matters for Co.next
For the Co.next community — where so many of you are early in your careers, exploring new paths, or building confidence — this message couldn’t be more relevant.
You don’t need:
The perfect elevator pitch
A polished LinkedIn persona
Or a clear five-year plan
You need:
Openness
Willingness to connect
And the confidence to be yourself in the room
Because that’s what builds relationships that actually last.
A Final Thought
Phil left us with a simple but powerful reminder:
“Opportunities don’t come from transactions — they come from trust.”
And trust isn’t built overnight.
It’s built in the small moments:
The conversations you take time over
The messages you send
The way you show up, consistently, as yourself
If there’s one thing to take forward from last week, it’s this:
You don’t need to be the most impressive person in the room — just the most genuine.
With James Groves, Co.next Chair & Director at Indigo Swan
Feeling stretched, juggling priorities or overthinking decisions at work?
Join Co.next Chair James Groves for a practical workshop introducing the 1–3–5 framework — a simple thinking tool designed to bring clarity, focus and forward momentum to your role.
The 1-3-5 is the following: The one page business plan and personal growth plan.
⭐️ You can use a 1-3-5 for your business but also your personal goals.
⭐️ The 1 is the vision for either your business or yourself over the next 12/24 months.
⭐️ The 3 is 3 key objectives. For example Work KPIs, Professional Development and Personal
⭐️ The 5 is 5 goals linked to each, so 15 goals in total to be achieved over the 12/24 months, so that you achieve your vision and your key objectives.
Why coaches use it
Builds a business plan without the need for page after page of planning and strategy being written.
Reduces overthinking
Encourages accountability
Strengthens decision-making confidence and delivery of key goals.
Works brilliantly for neurodivergent thinkers (especially ADHD) because it provides structure without being rigid
Provides clarity on your professional and personal goals.
Kick back after work at The Lion’s Den, the ultimate riverside hangout by the River Wensum. Whether you’re sipping a hot chocolate by the fire or grabbing a glass of wine with new connections, this is networking— without the awkward small talk.
Join us for a laid-back, social evening on Thursday, May 1st, from 6 PM – 10 PM.
Ticket price includes a welcome drink and Lion’s Den toasties, and marshamallow toasting.
Relax riverside-style in comfy seating, under twinkling lights, around cosy fire pits.
No suits, no stress – just good vibes, great people, and easy conversations.
While Co.next is designed with under 35s in mind, we’re all about shared values, not age limits — everyone is welcome.
A step-by-step guide on how to set up and send regular newsletters to your customers.
You likely receive newsletters from various brands each week, but have you ever wondered why they send them? Simply put – they work. Newsletters are a powerful tool for building customer loyalty, increasing brand awareness, keeping your business top-of-mind, and encouraging repeat purchases or bookings. They also help in cross-selling and upselling products or services.
This workshop is designed for anyone looking to learn how to set up an effective newsletter. You’ll discover how to define your goals, organise your mailing list, create compelling content, design templates, choose the best sending schedule, and measure success to maximise the benefits.
About our Presenter
Lauren is the Founder and Managing Director of Welly*. Welly* is a leading content marketing agency helping brands drive results and connect with audiences through impactful content.
Lauren Yaxley, Founder of Welly, acontent marketing agency in Norwich.
After graduating from one of the UK’s top business schools, the University of Bath, Lauren moved to London where she honed her marketing expertise through roles at the Home Office and blue-chip companies. In 2012, she returned to her home county and joined a leading full-service marketing agency in Norwich.
She then pursued a career as a freelance copywriter which quickly grew into a thriving business. In early 2024, she rebranded from LY Copywriting to Welly* which has become a leading content marketing agency in Norfolk collaborating with clients across the UK and worldwide
Lauren and the team at Welly* have a passion for creating content that resonates and delivers results, Lauren leads Welly* in helping brands stand out, drive traffic, and connect with their audiences.
From SEO-driven website copy and engaging social media content calendars to captivating product descriptions and blog content that inspires, Lauren and her team consistently deliver work that brands and agencies love. Lauren’s commitment to straightforward, impactful communication has made Welly* a trusted partner for businesses seeking content that drives results and builds lasting relationships.
Lauren is passionate about advocating for working parents and has built a successful business whilst raising her two children and shares more about the juggles in her journey here.
Mentor session topics:
* How to go from freelancer to business owner
* Building a business whilst juggling the demands of having a young family
A video link will be given to you the week leading up to your session directly from the mentor.
Lauren Yaxley, Founder of Welly, acontent marketing agency in Norwich.
After graduating from one of the UK’s top business schools, the University of Bath, Lauren moved to London where she honed her marketing expertise through roles at the Home Office and blue-chip companies. In 2012, she returned to her home county and joined a leading full-service marketing agency in Norwich.
She then pursued a career as a freelance copywriter which quickly grew into a thriving business. In early 2024, she rebranded from LY Copywriting to Welly* which has become a leading content marketing agency in Norfolk collaborating with clients across the UK and worldwide
Lauren and the team at Welly* have a passion for creating content that resonates and delivers results, Lauren leads Welly* in helping brands stand out, drive traffic, and connect with their audiences.
From SEO-driven website copy and engaging social media content calendars to captivating product descriptions and blog content that inspires, Lauren and her team consistently deliver work that brands and agencies love. Lauren’s commitment to straightforward, impactful communication has made Welly* a trusted partner for businesses seeking content that drives results and builds lasting relationships.
Lauren is passionate about advocating for working parents and has built a successful business whilst raising her two children and shares more about the juggles in her journey here.
Mentor session topics:
* How to go from freelancer to business owner
* Building a business whilst juggling the demands of having a young family
A video link will be given to you the week leading up to your session directly from the mentor.
Lauren Yaxley, Founder of Welly, acontent marketing agency in Norwich.
After graduating from one of the UK’s top business schools, the University of Bath, Lauren moved to London where she honed her marketing expertise through roles at the Home Office and blue-chip companies. In 2012, she returned to her home county and joined a leading full-service marketing agency in Norwich.
She then pursued a career as a freelance copywriter which quickly grew into a thriving business. In early 2024, she rebranded from LY Copywriting to Welly* which has become a leading content marketing agency in Norfolk collaborating with clients across the UK and worldwide
Lauren and the team at Welly* have a passion for creating content that resonates and delivers results, Lauren leads Welly* in helping brands stand out, drive traffic, and connect with their audiences.
From SEO-driven website copy and engaging social media content calendars to captivating product descriptions and blog content that inspires, Lauren and her team consistently deliver work that brands and agencies love. Lauren’s commitment to straightforward, impactful communication has made Welly* a trusted partner for businesses seeking content that drives results and builds lasting relationships.
Lauren is passionate about advocating for working parents and has built a successful business whilst raising her two children and shares more about the juggles in her journey here.
Mentor session topics:
* How to go from freelancer to business owner
* Building a business whilst juggling the demands of having a young family
A video link will be given to you the week leading up to your session directly from the mentor.
Alexandra Hemen is a High Growth Business Advisor in the New Anglia Growth Hub. As part of the economic development team at Norfolk County Council, Alexandra is truly passionate about Norfolk business landscape and supporting all businesses reach their potential.
Alexandra has built a career as a passionate leader of retail operations and strategy. In her most recent role as Head of Retail for Adnams PLC, her remit was to deliver growth and excellent customer service. Passionate about operational efficiency and digitisation, the areas of expertise include retail, operational productivity, marketing strategy and FMCG market.
Academically, Alexandra is a proud alumni of the UEA Business school, achieving a Masters Business Administration in 2022. As a chartered manager and an economist by trade, she has a true love for East Anglia, with a keen interest in poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development. Alexandra is also a trustee on the Norfolk Museums Development Foundation.
We have two sessions available for Alexandra on Monday February 24th.
We’re thrilled to welcome Ian Hacon to Mentor Monday! Ian is the Founder of Energise Me and brings a unique blend of business leadership, lived experience, and coaching expertise to his work. A former CEO and NED, Ian now specialises in ADHD coaching, helping individuals harness their energy and thrive.
As an ILM Level 5 Coach and Certified ADHD Coach, Ian’s mission is all about unlocking potential through tailored, empowering support. His company, Energise Me, is built on a simple but powerful idea: when you bring the right energy, success and happiness follow.
And when he’s not mentoring, Ian is also an endurance athlete and BMXer!
Please complete this form once you have booked your session.
