Networking with Purpose with Ian Shooter & Paul Hill – Inside the 1020 Round Table
Most people think business networking is about showing up, swapping cards, and waiting for luck.
It’s not.
It’s about being in the right room — with people who understand value, trust, and mutual growth.
In this episode of the 1020 Networking Podcast, co-founders Ian Shooter and Paul Hill share why traditional networking models fail, and how purpose-led, commission-based networking is transforming the way professionals connect and grow.
The Real Problem With Traditional Networking
As Ian explains, he joined his first networking group after leaving the military — looking for clients, advice, and support. It worked at first. In fact, 70% of his business came from it.
But over time, he noticed something: only about 10% of people in the room were truly active. The rest were just there for the coffee.
That 10% were the doers. The ones who followed up, referred others, and built trust.
So he asked a simple question:
“What if we built a network made only of the top 10% — the people who actually get it?”
And that’s where 1020 began.
Why Networking Needs to Evolve
Most networking groups reward attendance, not results.
You can turn up every week, talk about your business — and still never grow.
Paul saw the same pattern. As a business coach and hypnotherapist, every client he ever gained came from networking. But only a handful of people truly understood the power of reciprocal referrals.
“You can have 50 people in a room,” Paul says, “but if only five actually move, nothing changes.”
That’s why 1020 flips the model.
Instead of chasing size, it chases fit — curating the right energy, mindset, and motivation in every room.
The 10% Rule: Quality Over Quantity
Ian calls it the “10% Rule.” It’s simple:
Only a small percentage of people are wired for collaboration.
So 1020 filters for that. Members are hand-picked for:
- Credibility: Proven experience and strong track records.
- Network: Real relationships, not just a LinkedIn list.
- Integrity: Willingness to follow through and be accountable.
And because everyone’s vetted, trust is built in. No awkward pitches. No empty promises. Just qualified professionals helping each other grow.
Why Skin in the Game Matters
Here’s where 1020 truly stands out — everyone has skin in the game.
Each referral earns the introducer 20% of the profit.
That means every member is incentivised to actively help others win.
“When everyone’s invested,” Ian says, “the referrals come faster, the trust grows stronger, and the results speak for themselves.”
This model turns good intentions into measurable outcomes — because accountability is built into every introduction.
How Commission-Based Networking Builds Trust
For some, talking about commission feels uncomfortable. But for 1020, it’s essential.
Transparency removes the awkwardness. Everyone knows the rules. Everyone benefits fairly.
Paul explains that it’s not about greed — it’s about clarity.
“If you give me a referral that earns me £1,000,” he says, “you deserve £200. That’s respect. That’s partnership.”
This approach shifts networking from random introductions to intentional collaboration.
People stop chasing leads — and start building pipelines together.
What “Purpose-Led Networking” Really Means
Purpose-led networking is about alignment, not attendance.
Every member has to believe in helping others grow — not just themselves.
It’s about being driven by contribution, not competition.
That’s why Ian and Paul interview every prospective member personally.
They’d rather talk someone out of joining than bring in the wrong energy.
“We don’t want a thousand members,” Ian says. “We want the right dozen.”
That mindset keeps 1020 focused on quality — and ensures every seat in the room adds value.
The Results: £1,000 a Month in Referrals
Paul shares a simple target:
Every member should aim to earn £1,000 a month through referrals.
That’s £12,000 a year — without chasing new clients or working more hours.
Because 1020 isn’t just about finding work. It’s about creating secondary income through collaboration.
And when everyone helps each other win, the network compounds in value over time.
Why Most Networks Fail (and 1020 Doesn’t)
Most groups fall apart because they prioritise numbers over quality.
1020’s success comes from three things:
- Selective Entry: Only credible, connected, and committed people join.
- Shared Rewards: The 20% commission keeps everyone invested.
- Trust and Transparency: Clear expectations build lasting relationships.
The result? Smaller rooms. Bigger outcomes.
A Better Way to Network
1020 isn’t about working the room.
It’s about building the right one.
In a world full of noisy meetups and empty connections, this purpose-driven model proves something powerful:
When trust meets structure, networking becomes more than conversation — it becomes collaboration.
Final Thought
The future of networking isn’t bigger.
It’s better.
If you want to grow faster, connect deeper, and earn more from genuine relationships — find the 10% who get it.
And if you can’t find them, build your own room.
That’s what Ian and Paul did.
And it’s changing how business owners connect forever.
💡 About 1020 Networking
1020 Networking is a curated business network for professionals who value trust, integrity, and meaningful growth.
It’s built for people who do what they say, reward introductions, and want to grow together.
All media produced by Creation DMC®