Hi I’m Tom Church. I’m 23 years old, I run my own business.

I love what I do.

But, it wasn’t always plain sailing

Not to long ago, I was lost…

It’s thanks to some inspirational people that I found my direction

I’d love to share my story with you. Show you how to harness the power in people

Let’s go back to the start. I was in my final year of university

Like most, I panicked about what to do in life…

“You can do anything,” they said. “The world is yours,” they said.That should be awesome.

Truth is, I found it overwhelming

I didn’t know where to start

All I knew was I wanted to work for a small company…where I could make a big impact.

So I did some thinking….and then I did a little more thinking…

I had an idea

Instead of going to meet companies one by one, which would take ages

I would convince them to come and meet me

Muhahahahah super villain I am not

I would create a networking event for London start-upsI could learn from them all at once

So I started calling and sending emails…If people were interested they got back in touch.

I set a date. London start-ups was born.

When the time came…Nobody turned up. I was gutted.

I must have been doing something wrong? So I changed tactics, switched to LinkedIn

I began researching start-ups that looked interesting.

If they passed the test…I’d invite them to meet over LinkedIn

It was amazing to see the difference between: making direct contact…and using LinkedIn

People found calls and emails too spammy It put them on the spot

On LinkedIn, people were much more willing to hear what I had to say.

They could check you out first, see if you’re legitimate

If we shared a connection it made all the difference…Oh, he knows Emily, I can trust him.

Anyway next time around ten people came

…each time after that it grew and grew

Suddenly, I was talking with loads of start-ups…Surrounded by all these inspiring people

It was great to take a peek into the world of all these industries

I managed to get a role at a more established company. I spent a fantastic few years gaining experience.

Once I’d honed my skills, I was ready to return to the world of start-ups

With such a big network, there was always a senseThat an opportunity could come from anywhere

Through one of my events, I was introduced to a design studio in Milan called FullScream

Who were doing cool stuff like this…

I connected with FullScream’s Creative Director Ced on LinkedIn

FullScream wanted to expand their business to LondonI Convinced them I was up to the challenge and they gave me the job!

I was a one-man team running my own companyI realised that all the contacts I’d made at all the groups were now potential clientsMy whole network was in one place

On top of that, LinkedIn meant I was constantly meeting new designers.Sharing work and setting a benchmark for what FullScream did

It was a great way to stay on top of my game

FullScream started to pick up interest.Small stuff but just what you need as a start-up

We won some work for a major broadcaster…

With this we could grow our team

We’re currently making a fashion video in Milan with some of the world’s top designers

We even got a full-page interview with a leading motion design magazine…through LinkedIn

It’s helped with almost every aspect of the business.

The meet-ups are still a huge part of my life. It’s been amazing to see that grow alongside the business.

We now get around 200 people at each eventWe’re one of London’s biggest start-up events and now I really belong there

I’ve seen first how meeting people can help with business

For me personally, its been one rollercoaster of a journeyWith the help of a fantastic network I managed to find a career I love

People were the secret to my successI found those people on LinkedIn

So can you

http://linkd.in/1whhC9l

http://bit.ly/1pbElhw