Network to Getwork – an outstanding evening!

Business and Breakfast Network (BBN) held a most successful event on Tuesday last April 27th in Ballybane Enterprise Centre on the topic ‘Network to Getwork’. Speakers on the night were BBN members Carmel Dooley of PRWORKS and Patrick McDermott of Stocktaking.ie

Networking is something of a black art for most business people and something they enter without any preparation. Carmel Dooley spelled out the kind of preparation and focus needed to make networking worthwhile.  In business, time is of the essence. For most business people time is their most precious commodity and attending events is time consuming. Carmel explained that there are several ways in which you can make these events well worth the time particularly if you follow her four pillars of networking,:

• Set objectives,
• Make a connection,
• Listen
• Follow–up.

In terms of PR for yourself, there is no better tool but a little coaching in that art might not go astray if you are to gain all the benefits.

Patrick on the other hand gave his own experience in business as a backdrop to his presentation. His personal review of his business in terms of business gained and the marketing cost involved highlighted the importance of analysis and review – which incidentally is the value added to customers by Patrick’s stocktaking business. However, using this data to focus your networking strategy is the best use of the information. Patrick also outlined social media and internet tools that can enhance your profile and gave real examples of business gained through networking sites such as Linked In and Facebook. 
The event was attended by over sixty people from all walks of business. There was a palpable buzz of networking both before and after the meeting enhanced by the delicious accompaniment of wines compliments of Cases Wine Warehouse and food supplied by Forest Catering.

‘Network to Getwork’ was the first in a series of events planned for this year by the proactive business group BBN, a networking group who meet weekly with a focus on enhancing relationships and as a result generating business. The group also answer a wider call to action by events such as this, returning some of their group expertise to the business and wider community. More information on BBN, membership and how to join on www.businessbreakfast.net