Platinum Member Spotlight: Goldstar IT

Meet the Member: Paul Goldsmith, Founder of Goldstar IT

Helping businesses connect the dots between sales, finance, and growth – with a human touch.

Founder of Network My Club, Bradley Hatchett, sat down with Paul Goldsmith, Managing Director of Goldstar IT, to learn more about his business journey, approach to networking, and lessons from over a decade in business.

Published October 2025

Bradley: For anyone meeting you for the first time, tell us a bit about Goldstar IT. What do you do?

Paul: Goldstar IT are a Zoho partner – we’ve been working with the platform for nearly 11 years now.

We help businesses use Zoho’s suite of apps to simplify how they work and grow.

Zoho can look like a bit of a jungle from the outside, so our role is to make it simple. We get to know your business, understand what you’re trying to achieve, and then match you with the right solutions – whether that’s CRM, finance, operations, or reporting.

Our tagline sums it up: “Solutions to take you to the next level.”

Bradley: What are some of the main challenges you help clients overcome?

Paul: The biggest frustration we see is when sales and finance aren’t talking to each other. Businesses might have a great CRM and a great finance system, but no link between them – so they’re copying and pasting data all day long.

We help create that “one-page customer view.” When a client calls, you should be able to see everything about their relationship with you in one place. That’s the goal.

Bradley: You’ve been running Goldstar IT for over a decade – what milestones stand out most?

Paul: Reaching Premium Partner status with Zoho last year was a huge one for us. It took 10 years and a lot of dedication. We’ve always focused more on helping than selling, and Zoho recognised that approach.

Another milestone was hitting our 10-year anniversary and celebrating it by giving back.

We spent a day volunteering at Little Gate Farm, a local charity helping adults with learning disabilities into work. It was one of the best team days we’ve ever had – and we’ve decided to make it an annual thing.

Bradley: How has your business adapted recently?

Paul: We’ve shifted to make things more manageable for clients. Instead of asking for big upfront costs for CRMs or websites, we now spread projects across 12 months. It makes budgeting easier and gives us predictable recurring income – which is good for everyone.

We’re also exploring how AI can enhance the Zoho ecosystem – from automating lead creation to generating invoices and contracts. It’s exciting to see how far we can push it.

Bradley: Let’s talk about networking. How long have you been doing it, and what role does it play for your business?

Paul: I’ve been networking since day one – 11 years now. I started with BNI, which was perfect for our early days because it drove referrals quickly.

As the business matured, I wanted something different. That’s when I found communities like Network My Club and Chamber events. They’re more about building relationships and collaborating than pitching.

Now, I network because I enjoy it, and a big thanks to NMC for that.

The venues are relaxed, the conversations are genuine, and that’s where the best opportunities come from. Around 80% of our business comes from referrals, and that all stems from trust.

Bradley: How has your approach to networking changed over the years?

Paul: I used to walk into a room trying to talk to everyone and hand out as many cards as possible. Now, I focus on quality over quantity. Two or three good conversations are worth far more than twenty surface-level ones.

I also go in with a plan – who I’d like to speak to, what I’d like to learn, and how I can help. That focus makes it a lot more enjoyable and effective.

Networking has also helped me grow personally. I’ve never been a big fan of public speaking, but being in those rooms has really built my confidence.

Bradley: Any standout successes from networking?

Paul: Honestly, it’s the friendships. Running a business can be lonely, and networking has given me a group of people who understand the ups and downs.

Even yourself, Bradley – I know if I needed help or a recommendation, I could call you. That kind of support network is priceless.

Bradley: What’s the biggest value you’ve taken from networking?

Paul: Collaboration. And friendship.

It’s not just about business – it’s about mixing pleasure with networking. That’s what Network My Club do so well; with the events, the atmosphere, the people – it all makes it enjoyable.

When you enjoy it, you show up more authentically, and that’s when opportunities naturally follow.

Bradley: What advice would you give to someone walking into their first networking event?

Paul: Remember, everyone in that room has been new at some point. People are there because they want to meet others. Don’t be afraid to say, “Hey, I’m new here.”

Ask questions. Ask for help. You’ll be surprised how willing people are to connect you with someone or share advice.

And if you’re nervous, it’s okay just to join a group and listen. You don’t have to start talking straight away – someone will naturally bring you in.

Bradley: Outside of work, what keeps you busy?

Paul: My family, first and foremost. They’re the reason I started Goldstar IT.

Football’s a big part of our life – my son plays a lot, so weekends are spent pitch-side.

I’m also a bit of a business geek; I love watching how companies grow and evolve. And when I get the time, I still enjoy gaming with friends or my son.

Bradley: Finally, if you could sum up your networking philosophy in one line?

Paul: Be yourself, enjoy it, and help others first. The rest follows.

Learn more about Goldstar IT
→ Visit their website

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