What Can Ted Lasso Teach Us About Business Networking?

How TV’s Most Positive Football Coach Can Help You Become a Better Networker

With the latest series of Ted Lasso now upon us, millions of fans are once again looking forward to the return of one of television’s most loved and inspiring characters.

For anyone who hasn’t seen it, Ted Lasso follows an American college football coach who is unexpectedly hired to manage AFC Richmond, an English football club, despite having virtually no experience of the game. What starts as a fish-out-of-water comedy quickly develops into something much deeper. Beneath the humour lies a story about leadership, teamwork, resilience, empathy, trust and believing in people.

Ted rarely relies on complicated tactics or grand speeches to win people over. Instead, he succeeds because he genuinely cares about those around him. He listens, encourages, supports and helps others become the best version of themselves.

It’s no surprise that Ted Lasso has become a modern-day icon. His positive attitude and people-first approach have inspired viewers across the world, not just in football, but in business and everyday life too.

Interestingly, many of the qualities that make Ted such an effective coach are exactly the same qualities that make someone successful at business networking.

At Simply Business Club, we believe networking isn’t about collecting business cards or delivering the perfect sales pitch. It’s about building relationships, creating trust and supporting one another so that businesses can grow together.

So, what can Ted Lasso teach us about becoming better networkers?

Quite a lot.

Believe in People Before They Believe in You – Every Great Relationship Starts With Trust

One of Ted Lasso’s defining characteristics is his ability to see potential in people long before they see it in themselves. Whether he’s encouraging a struggling player or helping someone rebuild their confidence, Ted always chooses belief over criticism.

Business networking works in exactly the same way.

Many people attend networking meetings wondering what business they might win or who they might be able to sell to. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to grow your business, networking becomes far more rewarding when you change your perspective.

Instead of asking, “What can this person do for me?”, ask yourself, “How can I help this person?”

Perhaps you know someone they should meet. Maybe you’ve worked with a supplier who could solve one of their problems. You might simply be able to offer advice based on your own experience.

These small acts of support often leave a far greater impression than any sales pitch ever could.

People naturally gravitate towards those who genuinely want to help. When someone feels supported rather than sold to, trust develops naturally.

Over time, those trusted relationships become referrals, collaborations, partnerships and long-term business opportunities.

Be Curious, Not Judgmental – The Best Networkers Ask Better Questions

One of the most memorable moments in Ted Lasso comes when he quotes Walt Whitman:

“Be curious, not judgmental.”

Although it’s a simple phrase, it perfectly sums up how successful networking works.

It’s easy to make assumptions about people based on the industry they work in, the size of their business or even the way they introduce themselves.

However, assumptions often prevent opportunities.

The person you initially think has nothing to offer your business could introduce you to your next biggest client.

A company in a completely different sector may become one of your strongest referral partners.

Curiosity changes everything.

Rather than waiting for your turn to speak, ask thoughtful questions.

What inspired them to start their business?

What challenges are they currently facing?

Who is their ideal customer?

What projects are they excited about?

People enjoy talking about their experiences, and by genuinely listening you often uncover opportunities that would never have appeared through a standard networking conversation.

The best networkers are often those who ask the best questions.

Positivity Is Contagious – Your Attitude Can Be Your Greatest Networking Tool

Ted Lasso is famous for his optimism.

Even when results aren’t going his way, he chooses encouragement over negativity.

He acknowledges challenges without allowing them to define him.

Business owners naturally experience ups and downs.

Some weeks are fantastic.

Others can be difficult.

However, networking meetings shouldn’t become places where negativity dominates every conversation.

Think about the people you most enjoy speaking with.

They’re often the ones who smile, celebrate successes, encourage others and approach problems with a positive mindset.

That doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect.

It means bringing energy into the room rather than taking it away.

Positive people create enjoyable conversations.

Enjoyable conversations create stronger relationships.

Stronger relationships create more business opportunities.

Your attitude is often remembered long after people have forgotten exactly what you said.

Listen More Than You Speak – Great Conversations Create Great Relationships

Many people assume networking is all about talking.

In reality, some of the best networkers spend more time listening than speaking.

Ted Lasso constantly demonstrates this quality.

Before offering advice, he listens carefully.

He pays attention to what people are really saying rather than simply waiting for his turn to respond.

Business networking works in exactly the same way.

When you actively listen, people feel valued.

They become more comfortable opening up about their business, their ambitions and the challenges they’re facing.

The more you understand someone, the easier it becomes to help them.

You might introduce them to another member.

You may recommend a useful supplier.

You may even realise your own business can solve one of their problems.

Listening transforms networking from a sales activity into a relationship-building exercise.

Sometimes the most valuable thing you can offer another business owner is simply your attention.

Every Team Needs Different Strengths – Diversity Makes Every Network Stronger

A football team cannot succeed if every player tries to score goals.

Some players defend.

Some create opportunities.

Others organise the team.

Each role contributes to the overall success.

Business networking is no different.

A thriving networking group isn’t made up of businesses competing against one another.

It’s made up of different industries, different skills and different experiences.

At Simply Business Club, our members come from a wide variety of sectors, and that’s one of our greatest strengths.

An accountant may introduce work to a solicitor.

A marketing consultant may work alongside a web designer.

A plumber may be recommended by an estate agent.

A photographer may collaborate with an events company.

The more diverse the network becomes, the greater the opportunities for collaboration.

Every business has something valuable to contribute.

Mistakes Are Part of Growth – Nobody Becomes a Great Networker Overnight

One of the reasons Ted Lasso feels so relatable is because he isn’t perfect.

He makes mistakes.

He learns from them.

He adapts.

Most importantly, he keeps moving forward.

Networking follows exactly the same journey.

Your first networking meeting may feel daunting.

You may forget someone’s name.

You might stumble over your introduction or wonder afterwards if you could have explained your business more clearly.

That’s completely normal.

Confidence comes through repetition.

Every networking meeting teaches you something new.

Every conversation improves your communication skills.

Every introduction makes the next one a little easier.

Successful networkers aren’t successful because they’ve never made mistakes.

They’re successful because they kept attending, kept learning and kept improving.

Celebrate Other People’s Success – Success Shared Is Success Multiplied

Ted Lasso genuinely enjoys seeing other people succeed.

He celebrates achievements, encourages progress and takes pride in helping others reach their potential.

This attitude can completely transform your networking experience.

Rather than viewing other successful businesses as competition, celebrate what they’ve achieved.

Congratulate members on awards.

Support new business launches.

Recommend fellow members whenever appropriate.

Share their successes on social media.

When you become someone who champions others, people naturally begin championing you too.

Networking communities thrive when members actively support one another.

At Simply Business Club, seeing members celebrate each other’s achievements is one of the things that makes our community so special.

Play the Long Game – Relationships Take Time to Develop

Ted never expects instant success.

He understands that changing culture takes patience.

Business networking requires exactly the same mindset.

Many new networkers attend one meeting expecting immediate referrals.

When they don’t arrive, they wrongly assume networking doesn’t work.

In reality, business relationships develop over time.

People recommend businesses they trust.

Trust is built through consistency.

The more often people see you, speak to you and understand your business, the more comfortable they become recommending you.

Networking should never be judged by one meeting.

Its real value is measured over months and years.

One conversation today may become your biggest client next year.

Authenticity Always Wins – Be Yourself

Perhaps the greatest lesson Ted Lasso teaches us is simply to be authentic.

He never pretends to be someone else.

His personality remains consistent whether he’s winning or losing.

People trust him because he’s genuine.

Business networking works best when you allow people to see the real person behind your business.

You don’t need to be the loudest speaker.

You don’t need to memorise a perfect script.

You don’t need to impress everyone.

Simply being approachable, honest and genuinely interested in others often creates stronger relationships than any polished sales presentation.

People buy from people.

More importantly, people recommend people they genuinely like and trust.

How Simply Business Club Shares the Ted Lasso Approach

Building Relationships Before Business

Many of the values that have made Ted Lasso such an inspirational character are the same values that sit at the heart of Simply Business Club.

We believe networking should be enjoyable.

We believe members should support one another.

We believe conversations should come before sales.

Every SBC meeting is designed to create an environment where people feel comfortable introducing themselves, asking questions, sharing knowledge and building genuine professional relationships.

Rather than encouraging high-pressure selling, we encourage curiosity, collaboration and authentic conversation.

Our members don’t simply exchange business cards.

They build friendships.

They become trusted referral partners.

They support one another through challenges and celebrate successes together.

It’s this people-first approach that helps create a networking community where businesses don’t just grow—they thrive.

Believe, Support and Keep Showing Up

Ted Lasso reminds us that success isn’t always about having the biggest budget, the loudest voice or the cleverest strategy.

More often than not, success comes from believing in people, treating others with kindness, listening carefully and building trust one conversation at a time.

Those same qualities are what make business networking so powerful.

When you attend networking meetings with curiosity instead of expectation, positivity instead of pressure, and a genuine desire to help others succeed, opportunities begin to appear naturally.

The strongest business relationships rarely begin with a sales pitch.

They begin with a conversation.

So, as the latest series of Ted Lasso reminds us to believe in ourselves and those around us, perhaps there’s one lesson every business owner can take into their next networking meeting.

Be positive.

Be curious.

Be supportive.

Be authentic.

And above all…

Believe.

Because great networking, just like great leadership, is always about people first.

Simply Business Club host engaging and communication led weekly Face-to-Face or Online Business Networking meetings.

At Simply Business Club, our vision is to bring together business owners who understand that lasting success is built on strong relationships, genuine collaboration and a willingness to support one another. We’ve created a networking community where meaningful connections come first, allowing opportunities and business growth to develop naturally.

Whether you’re looking to raise your profile, establish yourself as a trusted specialist, generate quality referrals or build long-term commercial partnerships, our meetings provide the ideal platform to do just that. Every event is designed to encourage engaging conversations, the sharing of knowledge and the development of professional relationships that continue well beyond the meeting itself.

What distinguishes Simply Business Club from many other networking organisations is the welcoming and supportive environment we’ve worked hard to create. Our meetings are relaxed, inclusive and people-focused, giving members the confidence to be themselves while building trust through honesty, consistency and authentic interaction rather than high-pressure sales techniques.

Our community is made up of businesses from a broad range of sectors, including entrepreneurs, independent professionals, sole traders, growing SMEs and established companies. Although every member brings different skills, experiences and expertise, they are united by a shared belief that collaboration creates stronger businesses. By exchanging ideas, making introductions and supporting each other’s ambitions, our members help build a thriving network where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Becoming a member of Simply Business Club means much more than expanding your contact list. It means joining an active business community that values relationships over transactions, encourages continuous learning, and creates an environment where businesses and the people behind them can build confidence, unlock new opportunities and achieve sustainable growth together.

Contact Simply Business Club now and discover how Simply Business Club can help you build valuable business relationships, create new opportunities and grow your professional network.