networking


Michelle Dalley, sales and marketing director at Creating Media, which is based in Monmouthshire.


Clive Thomas, managing partner of Newport and Pontypool- based Watkins


and Gunn Solicitors.


Do you attend networking events?


I am a member of the ‘Intrepid’ Chapter of BNI and I attend their breakfast meeting every Friday morning at the Copthorne Hotel in Cardiff. I also attend various ad hoc events over the course of a year and particularly enjoy those built around sporting occasions


What do you feel you get out of each of the events you attend?


I want to raise the profi le of the fi rm at each event I attend and win new business. I really enjoy the camaraderie of attending the BNI Intrepid Chapter that I attend. I think I also benefi t from hearing about other people’s business


offerings. In my experience it’s very important to be targeted about networking. You need to know who will be attending and what message you want to get across. Above all you should be as specifi c as possible about what business you are looking for.


Is there anything you’d like to see at any of the networking events you attend?


Where possible I would like to see a list of who is attending in advance to help me target my approach to the event.


What sort of format do you prefer?


There is a place for both – but my preference is structured regular networking events. It means you get to know the other businesses in the group and gain trust and confi dence in each other. You are then able to sell your services ‘through’ the room rather than ‘to’ the room as you are effectively part of a collective sales force.


Do you attend networking events?


I network approximately three times a week, primarily through 4Networking where I am regional leader for South Wales.


I am also a keen supporter of the local Chambers of Commerce in Chepstow and Monmouth. They are an incredibly important resource and support for local businesses.


In addition, I network at other ad hoc events, dependant on diary commitments.


What do you feel you get out of each of the events you attend?


Networking is a key factor in the growth of our business. It is where we fi nd new suppliers, strategic partners and, of course, clients. Small businesses can feel isolated and by going networking I have built a fantastic support network of connected people from whom I have gained valuable support and advice.


Is there anything you’d like to see at any of the networking events you attend?


It’s always good to see new faces at networking events. I really believe that any business can benefi t from networking and I would urge all people to at least try it. Plus the more new faces, the more business prospects and, you never know, they might be just the supplier we are looking for.


What sort of format do you prefer?


I prefer facilitated meetings. I have found that the best results for small businesses come from building relationships and trust over a period of time. To do this you need to be consistent in your networking approach and message.


Is there anything you’d like to see at any of the networking events you attend?


Clare Morgan Marketing Controller, Peter’s Foods.


Do you attend networking events?


I enjoy attending business networking events across Wales and also with our key customers to help and support the growth of the Peter’s brand.


What do you feel you get out of each of the events you attend?


Not only do these events help you meet fellow people in the industry and gain best practice examples, but also helps to generate interest in the brand and meet new suppliers and potential customers.


Having the opportunity to meet a varied group of people is always key – particularly from other industries to help understand if there are common issues or benefi ts we can learn from each other. It’s also very interesting to see how many varying businesses there are in Wales.


What sort of format do you prefer?


I enjoy both type of events for different reasons. The more formal for business introductions and discussions, and the less formal to generate new interest but also talk informally about Welsh industry in general.


Philip Hall, Site Director Tillery Valley Foods, which is based in Abertillery


Do you attend networking events?


Cardiff Breakfast Club, Cardiff Business Club, HTV Business and Princess Trust Development Committee


What do you feel you get out of each of the events you attend?


Useful opportunity to network and raise both company and my profi le


Is there anything you’d like to see at any of the networking events you attend?


Attendance sheets distributed in advance What sort of format do you prefer? Informal start with a formal speaker


22 THEbusiness QUARTER


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