Not your average networking session
In our latest blog, Marketing Manager Adam discusses why our ION Open Doors networking session is not your average networking group.
My birthday this year is one I will never forget. On March 23rd 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak, I left the office with a rucksack full of stuff and I've only been back once since (to pick up a few things I forgot the first time). Just like that the way I, and lots of other people, work changed overnight.
As Marketing & Recruitment Manager, a lot of my job can be done anywhere I can get an internet connection. But I also attend a number of networking events and love catching up with contacts and future delegates over a coffee. That just stopped.
A global pandemic is not the right time for the 'hard sell' (not that we did that anyway!). A change of tack was required in terms of our digital marketing. We wanted to support and encourage our delegates (past, current and future) and our network - writing, sourcing and sharing content and information which supported them through these unprecedented times. That's how #FridayFootnote was born, a weekly summary of content which inspires us, which we find helpful or that just makes us smile. Were up to #FridayFootnote 18 - you can catch up in our blog section.
If we missed chatting, so must others
Like many people, we missed face-to-face conversations, we missed having a good chat. And if we were missing it, then others must be as well. That's when our very own networking guru, Kaye Harris-John, came up with the idea of a virtual networking session. 17 sessions later, 11am-12.30 every Thursday has become a highlight of Kaye and my working week. But it's not just Kaye and me who love it:
"Having attended Kaye and Adam's Thursday morning ION networking meetings from the beginning, it has been a pleasure to be part of. Thank you for creating a superb space, an alternative style of networking" - Jennifer Barnfield, The PEPP Method.
"Absolutely loved the session. I have 2 new contacts with whom I am already in discussion with. Great to see ION leading the way as usual" - Morwenna Tyler, Swansea University
People buy from people
We must utter these words in every session, but people buy from people. And that's one of the secrets of the success of the networking session. We have built up a really strong network of people and each and every week they share their successes, as well as what they are struggling with. Nothing is off the table in terms of discussion.
It's become a staple part of people's diaries. We've had delegates join us when they're on holiday, whilst out walking their dogs or picking up their kids GCSE results, because they don't want to miss out on the support, camaraderie and sense of togetherness which the group provides. For some in this 'new normal', the network is the only time each week they can talk business.
One of the elements of the sessions that myself and Kaye are the proudest of is the collaborations and relationships that have formed thanks to the sessions. There are multiple examples of delegates working together on projects. Members use the group as 'guinea pigs', sharing business ideas and design concepts and gauging their responses. Our friends at AGOR IP joined us a few weeks ago, and thanks to the session, 4 businesses in Wales are now benefiting from AGOR IP support. Michael Copic from RBuddie Ltd, a recently launched digital receipt app, attended his first session a few weeks ago and met Andrew 'Duggie' Douglas from Swansea BID. The app is now being rolled out to businesses within the Swansea District Business. We are very proud to be joining the dots.
The relationships that have developed between those who attend the sessions are fantastic to see, especially as some of them have never met face-to-face. Real friendships have developed and I'd happily go for a pint with all of them.
Business sector support
As well as businesses from across Wales, it has also been fantastic to see a number of business support organisations join us each week. Over the weeks we have been joined by Business Wales, Federation of Small Businesses, 4theregion, Swansea BID, AGOR IP and the Development Bank of Wales, all sharing the support they have on offer to Welsh businesses. Thank you to all of these organisations for their continued support.
Everyone benefits from delegate expertise
There is such a wide range of business experts who join us each week. Disruptive innovators, change specialists, health and safety trainers, graphic designers, wellbeing experts. The list goes on.
In August, one of those experts Dannis Watts-Jones of DWJ Wealth Management led a session on 'Recession proofing your business', sharing some fantastic insights including:
- What is a recession and why do they occur
- Did Covid-19 cause a recession?
- Why it's important to prepare for a recession
- How to reinvent your business to survive a recession
Feedback on the session was hugely positive so watch this space for future sessions.
Fancy joining us?
After a week off last week to recharge the batteries, we are starting our weekly get together again this week so why not come and join the conversation. You will find a great bunch of people, have a good laugh, and find out why it's not your average networking session.
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