Most networking advice focuses on how to start a conversation. But what do you do after that?

In this episode, Brenton and Ron reveal the only two networking tactics you’ll ever need — and neither involves collecting business cards or giving your elevator pitch.

The secret?
👉 Find alignment
👉 Do things together

These two principles are at the heart of every strong business relationship. Whether you're nurturing your current network or expanding into new circles, this episode breaks down how to make your networking activities feel more natural, valuable, and effective.

You’ll learn:

• How to spot when someone is truly aligned with your goals and values

• Why doing things with others (even menial tasks) builds connection

• Conversation starters that are actually interesting

• How introverts can network on their own terms

• A practical, no-fluff approach to turning events into opportunities

This episode is about how to network in a way that is sure to build strong connections.

🔗 Subscribe to Business Builders for more real-world insights on building relationships and growing a business that matters.

In this candid conversation, Cameron Johnston shares the raw reality of building a business up from four people to a diversified group that includes more than 100 staff across five businesses and the challenges he's faced along the way.

From failing his first attempt at payroll to driving trucks with critical payloads across Australia during a crisis, Cameron has learned the hard way what it means to carry the weight of leadership and the necessity of delegation. We talk about the moments that defined his journey, from facing near-collapse, letting go of control, hiring a CEO, and the power of surrounding yourself with good people.

Whether you're scaling a business, managing a team, or simply feeling stuck — Cameron’s story will inspire you to keep moving, even when standing still feels like the easy option.

What You'll Learn:

• Why leaders can’t afford to wait for the perfect moment to act
• How Cameron transitioned from corporate life to business ownership
• What to do when you’re at rock bottom — and still have to lead
• The tough truth about employing people (the good and the bad)
• How delegation, trust, and a bit of strategic ignorance can set you free
• Why comparison is toxic, and your business journey must be your own
• The surprising power of peer groups and speaking honestly
• The personal side of leadership: burnout, balance, and bringing your family along

• 
  

  About Cameron Johnston:

  Cameron is a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of the Rowlands Group, a collective of businesses with a focus on design, manufacturing, urban infrastructure and asset management. With over 25 years of experience, Cameron brings honesty, humility, and humour to the often-over-glamorised world of business leadership.

  He’s also a host of Business Builders and a firm believer in giving back by sharing the lessons he learned the hard way.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by networking—or not sure where to start—this episode breaks it down into two simple but powerful steps: nurture your network and fill your network. That’s it.

Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian walk through how to structure your networking activities using a framework inspired by Dunbar’s Number. From your tight-knit inner circle to your wider connections, you’ll learn how to identify who’s in your network, who’s missing, and how to maintain meaningful contact with the people who matter most.

👥 What You’ll Learn:

• The two core activities that drive meaningful networking
• How to apply Dunbar’s Number to structure your network
• The difference between your core, close, active, and engaged networks
• Why nurturing your existing connections is more valuable than constantly seeking new ones
• The importance of cadence — and how to schedule relationship-building into your calendar
• Practical ways to stay top-of-mind with your network (without it feeling transactional)
• How to spot new opportunities to connect, far beyond traditional networking events

🔑 Key Idea:

• Networking is not a random act — it’s a discipline. Nurture your relationships. Fill the gaps. Repeat.