.png)
Peer Effect
Best way to scale? Your peers have the answers.
This is the podcast for scaleup founders looking for insightful, actionable wisdom from some of the best operators around. Each week we’ll explore one secret that other founders and experts are using right now and how to implement it.
It’s practical wisdom to build the company AND life you want. Hosted by renowned founder coach and advisor James Johnson.
You’ve survived to £1m, now let’s scale to £10m+.
Peer Effect
Why Founder Networking Feels Fake (And How to Fix It) - Peer Effect Post Bag
"Everyone finds networking awkward - you're not alone."
James Johnson and Freddie Birley tackle your real founder questions in the Peer Effect Post Bag. No guests, no case studies - just honest answers to the stuff keeping you up at 2AM.
In this episode, James and Freddie answer the question every founder dreads: "I'm terrible at networking with clients. It feels forced and awkward. How do I actually get good at building genuine relationships?" Their answer? Stop performing and start being curious.
Together they unpack:
- Why everyone secretly hates networking (and how to reframe it)
- The power of asking questions you genuinely want answers to
- Freddie's go-to conversation starters (and her emergency "do you have pets?" exit question)
- Why one deep conversation beats meeting 100 people
- How to make networking a skill you actually practice, not just endure
👆 Got a founder question keeping you stuck? Send it to hello@peer-effect.com or find Freddie Birley on LinkedIn. Your question could be answered in the next Post Bag.
About the Post Bag The Peer Effect Post Bag is where James Johnson and Freddie Birley, both founder and VC coaches, answer real questions from founders navigating the chaos of building and scaling businesses. No fluff, just frameworks that work.
More from James:
Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com
