Phil Bedford

Int’l Speaker & Author | Networking & Referral Marketing Expert | Helping Business Owners Build Influence and convert high level connections. Using the One Advantage AI Can’t Replace: Human Relationships

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

In a world increasingly shaped by AI, algorithms, and automation, I believe one advantage remains uniquely human: the ability to build high-trust relationships. It is the one competitive edge AI will never replicate, and it sits at the centre of every sustainable business. For more than 25 years, I have helped entrepreneurs, executives, and organisations build strategic networks that accelerate influence, open doors, and reduce market-entry timelines from years to months. Much of my work focuses on helping people gain traction quickly in new environments, especially in Dubai, where the right relationships determine how fast you grow. Who I Work With Business Owners New to Dubai (or Any New Market) Starting again without a trusted network can feel overwhelming. I help entrepreneurs build influence fast, connect with the right people, and join referral ecosystems so they achieve in months what usually takes years. Established Entrepreneurs in Dubai Through Strategic Business Connect (SBC) and Asentiv PRO, I support business owners who want to deepen relationships, generate consistent referrals, unlock bigger opportunities, and increase visibility through strategic networking. Corporates Seeking a Keynote Speaker or Trainer I deliver keynotes and workshops on relationship-driven business growth, influence and trust in an AI world, market-entry strategy, the future of human connection, and collaborative leadership. What Sets Me Apart Co-Founder of Strategic Business Connect, a global networking ecosystem for entrepreneurs. More than 18 years as Master Franchisee with Asentiv, helping business owners build sustainable companies while reclaiming family and personal time. Supported thousands of entrepreneurs across more than 11 countries. Professor of Business at Tetr College of Business. A career spanning start-ups, early-stage ventures, consulting, and national economic missions. Proven systems that eliminate guesswork and create clarity, strategy, and the right relationships. My Why I watched my father lose his business, health, and family time by trying to do everything alone. That experience shaped my mission: to help business owners succeed without sacrificing well-being and family, by building the strategic relationships that change everything. If you are entering a new market, scaling in Dubai, or seeking a keynote speaker, I would welcome a conversation. Human connection remains the most powerful tool in business, and your greatest advantage in the age of AI.

Experience

  • Co-Founder at Strategic Business Connect
    2020 – Present

    • Spearheaded the growth and expansion of Strategic Business Connect (SBC) locally and now globally, fostering a unique networking ecosystem for business professionals both online and offline. • Developed strategic partnerships and collaborations to enhance the reach and impact of SBC's networking platform. • Implemented innovative initiatives to support and connect business individuals, driving the belief that success is achieved through collaboration rather than isolation.

  • Master Franchisee UAE and GCC, Business Consultant, Coach and Master Trainer at Asentiv Worldwide
    Aug 2008 - Present · 18 yrs 3 mos

  • Professor of Business at Tetr College of Business
    Oct 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • Sales training, networking and business development consultant and speaker Dubai at ASENTIV Global
    Nov 2008 - Jul 2019 · 10 yrs 9 mos

  • Business Consultant at Media One Hotel
    Nov 2012 - Feb 2019 · 6 yrs 4 mos

    As the Master Franchisor for the Middle East market with Asentiv, I am considered a leading expert in Referral Marketing Training, Coaching and Consulting. Do all business owners want more business by referral? Yes… however, many of them do not have a referral marketing plan for their business. Asentiv provides several options for Business Owners and Sales Professionals to learn Referral Marketing Training Programs.
 If you are an Entrepreneur who is passionate about starting, growing or improving your business and still finding quality time for your family and hobbies then I can help you. Too many people either fail in the quest for their business dreams, or succeed ,but sacrifice their family time which they can never get back in the focus for growth. Associate Trainers & Franchisees become part of an organisation made up of people who are dedicated to each others success and always ready to help. Attend conferences and training events all over the world, and benefit from strategies and ideas that are constantly evolving. Asentiv has local, national, regional and genuinely global reach, on a daily basis high value business connections are exchanged within our network and life-changing relationships are formed among people who are truly on the same page together. The impact our coaches and trainers have on clients is truly inspiring. You’ll be rewarded on a personal level purely by witnessing the impact you make, and you’ll receive powerful testimonials from those people whose life you’ve helped to change. To arrange a discovery call, message me on LinkedIn, email: [email protected] or call +971508487188 or use this link: https://calendly.com/philb/60min. Read my blog http://therebelnetworker.com or tune into my Web TV show http://rebelnetworker.tv. 
 SPECIALITIES ► Relationship Marketing Expert; Asentiv Dubai; Business Networking Expert; Referral Marketing Expert; International Speaker; Keynote Speaker; Business Mentor; Business Coach; Development Consultant;