My first Networking Event

Hello Everyone.....

Well on Tuesday evening I attended my first networking event with Leigh. It was held at The Tower Hotel and was a Ecademy event. Networking is something that I have been meaning to do for ages and quite honetly had been a little shy!! Deep down I knew that I'd be fine as I have presented at hundreds of meetings in my recruitment career however I can honestly say I had butterflies!!
I am glad that I attended this event with Leigh as I think I would have been somewhat confused had I arrived on my own. The event was being held from 6pm to 10pm. Starting with a initial networking session in the hotel bar. Leigh and I arrived a little after 6pm and located the bar to find that the organisers, Ecademy, hadn't actually arrived and there was nowhere to register. It was well after 6.30pm before it was clear if we were in the right place and that we were at a networking event. However, the room started to fill with people and it was time to network!!
Leigh had given me a few tips on our journey from the office to The Tower and after all the waiting around and confusion I just wanted to get started. So Leigh and I went our separate ways. Within seconds I had approached 2 fellow networkers and introduced myself. I don't know what I was worried about. It was really interesting to meet new people and find out what their business is. I gained some really interesting contacts that I feel will be of benefit now and in the future. People are keen to hear what you do and even if it is not something they need now or in the future they are willing to mention clients or contacts that may be interested.
I am really pleased how the evening went. I was silly to worry! I am already about to book my next networking event and plan to try a few before committing to a monthly event.
Thanks to Leigh for taking me along and sharing her networking tips!
I will let you know how successful my next event is.

Have a good weekend!
Michelle