Networking with a twist!
I just wanted to share with you that networking isn’t just about signing up and turning up!
Back in May I met one of my old clients, who is a huge influencer in Southampton. We talked about everything up and coming across the South Coast and new projects launching in 2020 over a gorgeous lunch.
After this meeting she contacted another old client who was looking for freelancers to work on an up and coming project in 2020. She connected the dots that I had relaunched Heard About Sam and what services I now offer. This client got in touch immediately and asked me to join her as her guest at an exclusive networking event called ‘Bizpedia ‘at Chewton Glenn - I said yes of course and knowing nothing about the networking event, I was told it was a team bonding session and to dress casual!
Team building!
I arrived and met my client for coffee and the organiser went around the room giving everyone the chance to introduce themselves. After coffee we were split into different groups and I wasn’t with my client. I suddenly felt nervous that not only would I be team building with strangers, but I was also conscious that this was my only opportunity to speak to my client about her up and coming projects.
As all working parents will know, some days are extremely challenging to fit everything in whilst you have arranged child care. Anyway, the team building was fantastic, a great opportunity to meet new people and try new activities out in the fresh air.
After the activities we sat down for a beautiful two course lunch and whilst my client was sat at the same table, there was an opportunity to catch up. As chance would have it, I was sat next to the HR and Recruitment Manager for the Idea Collection and she was telling me all about their beautiful venues and new events space in Romsey called ‘Kimbridge Barn’. I remember thinking how wonderful the venues sounded however I hadn’t quite realised the potential as I was fixed on catching up with the original client who invited me there.
Following on from the event, just days later the HR and Recruitment Manager emailed me introducing me to the MD and from there we met and agreed a business development package at Kimbridge Barn starting straight away. I remember arriving at the venue and being blown away with how stunning it was and as soon as I had a look around, I know I wanted to work with them.
I recently bumped into the Director of Bizpedia who explained he matches up clients sitting at lunch and had already researched into what the HR and Recruitment Manager was looking for and matched that against my clients guest and her serviced – me!
Since then, I still haven’t managed to catch up with old client! But I am in full swing working with Kimbridge Barn and I am very excited about what we can achieve together.
For more information on Kimbridge Barn please email - Sam@heardaboutsam.co.uk
