I love music.
Music for dancing. Music for working. Music for running.
Music that pumps me up. Music that helps me wind down.
Music for celebration… and for moments of reflection.
That’s the magic of music – so many genres, all different, all brilliant in their own way. And I’ve always believed the best life (and the best playlists) have a bit of everything.
Which got me thinking…
Networking is exactly the same.
Different people. Different styles. Different events. Different ideas.
And when you get the mix right? The whole thing just works.
That’s how this year’s Fresh Networking theme was born:
Fresh Mix 26.
In this, our first newsletter of the year, I want to share why Fresh Mix is such a powerful way to think about networking – and why 2026 is the year to stop being a groupie… and start being the DJ of your own business.
Mix in the room
Have you ever discovered a new artist or genre and absolutely loved it – even though you swore it wasn’t your thing?
I was convinced I didn’t like classical music… until I went to a candlelight Queen vs ABBA orchestral concert and was completely blown away. Turns out, I didn’t hate classical music at all. I just hadn’t heard it mixed the right way.
That’s exactly how Fresh meetings work.
You never know who’s going to be in the room.
You never know what idea is going to spark something.
You never know which conversation will turn into an opportunity.
That’s the power of the mix.
The more diverse the people in the room – industries, personalities, experience – the better the meeting. There will always be someone who knows more than you about something. Someone who sees the world differently. Someone who can help you think in a new way.
So when you’re inviting guests to your hub, think like a DJ: the better the mix, the better the vibe.
Mix up your pitch
A DJ doesn’t drop the same track on repeat all night and hope for the best.
They read the room, they watch the dance floor, they adjust the mix.
In networking, your “set” is your pitch.
If you’re rolling out the same pitch fortnight after fortnight and it’s not getting conversations started, it’s time to remix. Watch people’s reactions. Listen to their questions. Notice when eyes light up… and when they don’t.
Your goal isn’t to impress – it’s to connect.
Tweak. Tune. Adjust.
Until the room starts dancing to your mix.
Mix beyond your hub
Did you know…most business generated through Fresh happens cross-hub.
Why? Because that’s where the mix really levels up.
At your own hub, the guests are the “new genres”, but when you visit another hub, everything is a new sound.
Different people. Different energy. Different opportunities.
Think of it like checking out a new music venue – except it’s at 7am and involves coffee instead of glow sticks.
The more you mix it up – visiting hubs, doing Get Freshes with visitors, stepping outside your usual circle – the more exposure you get to the new, the interesting, and the unexpected.
Mix tradition with innovation
Great DJs don’t always create music from scratch. They work with what already exists – and make it better.
That was always the idea behind Fresh.
We kept what works from traditional networking (inviting guests, quality one-to-ones, building real relationships) and mixed it with new ideas, new energy, and a different approach.
Fresh isn’t about being fixed – it’s about being mixed.
The strongest hubs are the ones that understand this. They respect the format, but they’re not afraid to experiment. New meeting ideas. New socials. New ways of creating connection.
Know which tracks to keep… and which ones to remix.
Collaborate on your mix
Some of the biggest hits in music history came from collaboration.
One of my favourites is Avicii – especially Hey Brother, which mixed electronic dance music with country. On paper, it shouldn’t have worked. In reality? Massive hit.
Fresh works the same way.
When Freshies collaborate – mixing skills, networks and ideas – incredible things happen. Opportunities get created that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.
So who’s your next collaboration? Who complements your style? Who brings a different sound to your mix?
Keep the beat
Every DJ knows timing matters.
Miss the beat and the whole thing falls flat.
Fresh meetings are the rhythm of your business. Showing up regularly keeps you in sync, keeps you visible, and keeps momentum building. You don’t want to miss a beat – because consistency is where trust (and referrals) are built.
Make Fresh part of your business dance moves.
Know your tools
A DJ needs a deck.
You need your networking tools.
Your pitch.
Your business cards.
Your presentation.
Your follow-up.
They don’t need to be expensive or flashy – they just need to work. And like any good DJ, rehearsal matters. You don’t perfect your set at home. You get out in front of an audience.
So get out there. Practice. Refine. Repeat.
Final track
Music brings people together.
So does networking.
Fresh exists because we all care deeply about our businesses – and Fresh creates a space where people who might never otherwise meet can connect, collaborate and grow.
Networking shouldn’t feel like a chore.
It should feel energising.
Uplifting.
Even fun.
So bring the right attitude. Be open. Be upbeat. Step into a leadership role.
Don’t stand at the back of the room – be the DJ.
2026 is your year to build the perfect mix.
Welcome to Fresh Mix 26
