I’ve been networking for more than 15 years, and I’ve attended all sorts of networking events and, in my opinion, the most successful ones all have the following factors in common:
- A well organised, well run, meeting format that allows time for both informal networking and more structured networking opportunities.
- A large group of committed business people who understand that there’s more to networking than pitching their products and services.
- A relaxed, non-pressurised environment that is conducive to building long-term relationships.
The Boardroom Network Business Club has all these characteristics and more.
At this morning’s TBN Hampshire meeting more than sixty bright-eyed business people descended on the Solent Hotel in Whitley, intent on making connections and supporting each other.
We had an established core of TBN members plus a healthy number of visitors, and they were given plenty of opportunities to mingle informally over coffee before the meeting was called to order by TBN’s resident Master of Ceremonies Jay Ratchet.
After a delicious breakfast, the room was filled with a hubbub as members and guests introduced themselves and their businesses to the other people around their table. The diversity of business types was fascinating, and it was heartening to see the connections that were being made.
This was followed by two short presentations to the whole room. TBN member and freelance illustrator and writer Michael Birchmore spoke about the fantastic marketing opportunities provided by the upcoming Christmas period.
Michael was followed by TBN member Colin Bielckus, The Outsourced Finance Director, who used his 2 minutes to promote a three-day networking cruise on the P&O Ventura between 3-5th December. Contact Colin if you’d like more information.
Members then swapped tables for another round table introduction session before our third and final speaker, TBN member and Holistic Lifestyle Coach Lawrence Francis, who talked about his work helping his clients to “wire in a healthier lifestyle.”
MC Jay closed the meeting, after presenting Michael Birchmore with a bottle of bubbly for inviting the most guests and reminding everyone about the TBN White Christmas Lunch at the Italian Villa in Poole on Wednesday 14th December starting at 12 noon.
Written by Gavin Meikle, Presentation coach and copywriter