From building blocks, you can build skyscrapers

I’m Tony Allwood, a web design and marketing professional based in Hamilton, New Zealand. I’ve been actively involved in business networking since launching my first company in the UK back in January 2000—just three days after opening my doors, I joined my first networking group. Since then, I’ve spent over two decades applying and refining practical “word of mouth” marketing techniques through consistent, hands-on experience in networking environments.

What started as a personal challenge—balancing the demands of business life with the desire to be a better networker—led me to develop a simple, day-by-day guide to help myself stay focused and effective. That guide eventually became Beyond the Comfort Zone, a practical book for small business owners who want to become more referable and give better referrals—without gimmicks or expensive strategies.

Unlike theoretical approaches, my methods are grounded in real-world experience. The book is packed with practical tools, exercises, and straightforward advice you can use immediately—from attracting more visitors to your networking group, to handling tricky referrals, and everything in between.

Over time, the book has evolved based on feedback from readers and my own ongoing experiences. As I continue to run my marketing business and attend networking meetings every week, I’m constantly updating and expanding my approach—and now, I’m sharing it all here, so other business owners can benefit from the same tools that have helped me build lasting relationships and grow my business through networking.