Why is Cuppa Daises Networking on a two-month Sabbatical?

After a successful run of networking events in 2021 and 2022, including breaking out into new areas, Cuppa Daisies started 2023 with great enthusiasm, and a calendar full of event dates.  We were so confident that we provided Bulk-Packages for networkers and had a growth pipeline of 4 to 5 new areas.

However, from the start of the year, it was apparent that our plans weren’t quite aligned with the planets, and we’ve only been able to host 6 of the planned 14 events (February to June).  

Although not driven by numbers, sometimes we must look at the bigger picture and make sure the event makes sense for everyone.  For example, if a networker is paying around R300 to attend an event, we need to make sure it’s worth their while and networking with just 5 or 6 people won’t cut it.   

Anecdotal feedback is that the reason is mostly economic.  

The pandemic left us all shattered and although the global economy has largely recovered (admittedly, at difference paces across countries and sectors) many, many businesses still face a string of challenges.

It was because of these challenges that we saw a space for our networking events.

And then, “The events have both a social and business component to them so that women feel special and loved yet supported on a business level as well”. 

This is our sweet spot; this is what we do, and this is only what we will do.

Loadshedding:  There is absolutely no doubt that load-shedding is hitting us all hard, and with absolutely NO exception, the small business owner is taking the biggest strain.  It’s surreal to think that Stage 6 is now NORMAL, and we think back to the days when we were frustrated at Stage 1!  Goodness, what would we give for those days.

Frequently Asked Questions:

We have received direct offers of help and some suggestions on what to do going forward; we thank our networkers for these and would like to answer the points here for everyone’s benefit:

Why don’t you have a membership model:

One of the benefits of our networking events is that they are pay-as-you-go events; there are no membership fees. We like how this helps women attend events, as and when they can, and that they do not feel “tied to” attending our events.  Women should be free to attend a variety of different events and if they have a membership with us, they might not be able to explore and network as freely as they wish or should.

Can other networkers run your events while you take a break:

Technically, yes absolutely!  But the reason we’ve stopped the events for a while, is that there are no or almost no bookings; not that we’re not able to do them.  Others are welcome to convene networking events while we’re take our break. 

Perhaps you should consider different venues:

Yes, different venues (in some areas) might lend itself to a less expensive event that will then be more viable to the networkers.  We will be focusing on this during our sabbatical.

You have grown into other areas too quickly:

Perhaps.  

The growth into other areas was in response to requests from networkers and is ultimately of the benefit to everyone.  We have not yet seen the true benefits of this greater network, but they are coming.

You need new people at every meeting:

Yes and No.

Yes, most definitely.  New people are obviously required as this helps us to grow the network and to provide greater opportunities to everyone (hence our also growing into new areas).  Last year’s growth in numbers was impressive – with well over 120 networkers attending at least one event last year. 

No, not always.  With our mission “to provide a relaxing, comforting and safe environment where they can connect with other women, on a regular basis, enjoying time with beautiful and caring individuals.”, new people are not always necessary for a successful event.

Guests like a variety of foods:

People love the idea of eating out (whether it be breakfast or tea snacks) and its important to get this right.  This varies from venue to venue and is an important factor when choosing a new venue.

People don’t want to have to pay extra for their tea or coffee:

We completely agree.

We had to implement that at one of our venues; the first cup of coffee was covered by the ticket price, but guests were required to pay for their second cup. We were often left with paying for those 2^nd cups (despite implementing systems to try combat this); on one occasion, we were left with paying for 10 additional cups of coffee!

Your livelihood is being impacted by cancelling events:

Running networking events is not a money-making business and its not our livelihood.  We are blessed that we can co-ordinate these events as a passionate side-hustle where making-money is not the driver.  

It goes without saying, though, that these events also can’t cost us money and as there is a lot of planning and co-ordination that takes place, in the background, our break will mean a lot of free time (which is hard to quantify in money-terms).

Next Steps:

We’ll reach out and connect with networkers and collaborators as and when we need assistance and, in the meantime, please keep the groups active; share your business links and specials and support and love as and where you can.  

We’ll be back in June with news and updates!