The Real NDIS Networking Strategy No One Talks About

I’m here with Stu Paul today. If you don’t know Stu, he’s one of the most networked people in the NDIS world.

Stu, what’s something you’re looking forward to today as we hang out together?

Thanks for having me. I really appreciate the opportunity to come on the podcast and chat with your listeners. It’s always good to have a proper chinwag, like we usually do outside of events.

I’d love to talk about some of the opportunities out there that providers might be missing – things that don’t take much time or money, just the right mindset.

How Would You Start An NDIS Business From Scratch?

Let’s imagine this: you and I start a brand-new NDIS provider business today. We’re magically registered and ready to go. What’s the game plan to go from zero participants to 260 in six months?

First, we’d need a solid website. We could find someone good to help us get that sorted. After that, we’d lock in our IP and then hit quality networking events.

That’s how we’d connect meaningfully with providers who have substance.

I’d have a Facebook and Messenger presence, but that wouldn’t be my main tool. It’s just one arrow in the quiver. I think the networking events are where the real connections happen.

I won’t name names, but you know those speed-dating-style networking events? I’d start off just attending. Get to know the scene, figure out who’s who, and see who I vibe with.

And then?

Then I’d avoid the mistake so many providers make. They go to an event, hand out their card, and expect referrals straight away. That’s not how it works. That card is just day one. You’ve got to build from there.

It’s like trying to run a 100-metre race and saying, “I took two steps. Done!” You’ve got to keep going.

So I’d collect as many cards as I could, follow up with one-to-one meetings, and focus on building actual relationships with the providers I resonated with.

Why Support Coordination For Anxiety Is A Powerful NDIS Niche

Love that. Now, back to step one – you mentioned the website. But you can’t have a website without knowing what you’re selling. What would our niche be?

Let’s not do the standard stuff. We’d offer support coordination, but with a twist. Our focus would be on capacity building. Not just coordinating services but actively helping participants build skills.

Let’s niche even tighter. What if we became the support coordinators who specialise in helping people with high anxiety?

That’s a strong niche. It’s not an official NDIS category, but it’s specific. On the website, we’d share advice for how to choose a support coordinator if you experience anxiety. That’s value upfront.

How To Network Without Being That Pushy Provider

Okay, so we’re at a networking event and someone asks what we do. How would you answer without sounding salesy?

I’d start by exploring what they need. I’d ask questions instead of jumping into a pitch. Listen to what’s out there first.

Sometimes you’ll find someone already has a support coordinator, but they’ve never actually met them. That’s a gap.

From there, it’s about meeting people in person. Face-to-face builds trust. Yes, this is a virtual podcast, but in real life – showing up matters.

Listen twice as much as you speak. At these events, people feel pressure to sell fast because they’ve only got five minutes. But that just doesn’t work. Listen first. Speak later.

That’s gold. So we’re both at an event, getting to know people. You’re relational. I’m more practical – asking “what do you need?” or “who can I connect you to?”

Even if I only know 20 people, I can still make valuable introductions. What comes after that? How do you follow up?

Here’s what I don’t do – I don’t send a bulk email full of my services with a referral link. That’s what most providers do, and when I get one of those, I hit delete. It tells me I was just another business card.

The Right Way To Follow Up After NDIS Networking Events

Instead, I call people or send a personal email. Something real. I mention things we spoke about. I show I was actually listening. I’d rather send 25 good emails than 100 generic ones.

That’s how you build trust. You can’t make real connections using mail merges.

So if we built this anxiety-focused support coordination business, we’d get to know the best psychosocial coaches, the best home care workers – people who get anxiety.

Our website would be all about helping people feel calm. Then the big question: Facebook or LinkedIn?

Absolutely LinkedIn. No question.

Why LinkedIn? A lot of listeners aren’t even on there.

Facebook is like an old-school bazaar. Everyone’s shouting, “Buy from me!” It all sounds the same. LinkedIn is about building meaningful, ongoing connections.

You won’t find participants directly on LinkedIn, but you’ll find other providers and professionals who can refer to you again and again.

Finding one participant is one sale. Finding a trusted connection – like a good provider or support coordinator – is worth hundreds.

That connection reflects shared values and ethics. LinkedIn lets you build that without all the noise.

Yes, you’ll still see providers promoting their services, but others are educating, podcasting, or sharing useful content. It’s a more positive space for long-term relationships.

Facebook Vs LinkedIn: Which Is Better For NDIS Providers?

I know a provider who’s received 50 solid referrals from me – just because I trust them. Imagine if they spent that time chasing one participant instead of helping me understand what they do.

Exactly. Facebook feels like you’re interrupting someone’s personal space. LinkedIn is for work. People go there expecting conversations about work. That’s where I got to know more about you too.

So let’s imagine we hit our goal – 200 quality provider connections in six months. Then what? At that point, it’s no longer about individual connections.

One referral won’t move the needle anymore. It becomes about giving back to the network.

That’s where I’m at now. I focus on education, collaboration, and connection. I run my own podcast. I run networking events, but I don’t do them alone – I collaborate with other providers I believe in.

I share the spotlight.

That deeper connection isn’t just with me – it extends to everyone attending. It expands the whole network. It’s not about taking anymore – it’s about what I’m giving.

I love that. And to be honest, when I first met you, I wasn’t sure if you were just being helpful or if you had an angle. That’s what crossed my mind. But then I saw you help a second person.

Then you helped someone I sent to you. That’s when I knew – you’re the real deal. That means a lot. Most people are used to being used. Networking often feels like just another sales tactic.

But if you’re not desperate for a sale, you can genuinely help others. That’s when the magic happens.

Alright, tell us more about your podcast. What’s it called, where can people find it, and what will they learn?

It’s called NDIS TLDR – Too Long, Didn’t Read. It’s bite-sized education, quick and practical. Perfect for a short commute, even if you work from home.

By the time this episode is live, it should be on YouTube, Spotify, and a few other platforms.

You can also connect with me on LinkedIn – just search Stu Paul – or email me at [email protected].

Stu, I love what you do and what you stand for. Thanks for helping all the people I’ve sent to you so far – and for all the ones I’ll keep sending your way.

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