Why Me? [IV]

In late 1999, I was working on a substantial contract for a national organisation that I estimated would put around £20,000 into the company bank account. Prior to my work expanding further into the organisation, I gave a presentation to a group of managers connected with another sector. Following the presentation it transpired that one of my comments was taken out of context and I had been accused of racism. I was absolutely devastated; not only because, as a result of the situation, I could not work with the organisation again but mainly because my integrity and honesty had been challenged and there seemed to be little or nothing I could do about it. My thoughts were that after just a few months in business I would have to give it all up and start somewhere else.

My greatest support came from a most unlikely source. Two people I had already worked with within the organisation, one a very senior manager, came to my defence and my name was cleared. However, I was told "it would not be pertinent to continue using your services". I had no idea where my next contract was coming from.

Prior to winning the business with the organisation, I had turned down an invitation to attend a local business network lunch because it clashed with proposed dates I was to work with them. Though I had no knowledge of what networking was or what you did at these meetings I decided to go along. After all, all I had to lose was £18 for the lunch! As a result of this meeting I joined the network and a little while later joined a sister network in Leeds. In the last two years I can accredit 85% of all of my business to my membership of these two organisations.