Karen Tems Director, The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
Karen Tems
MAKE FUN A GOAL FOR SUCCESSFUL
NETWORKING As any LinkedIn guru will tell you, it’s important to have goals. Some aim to achieve them while others like to “smash” them. But you should at least have them. So when it comes to networking, what should your goals be?
MEASURING THE PRESSURE POINTS
The Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology (IoT) has released its first ‘Barometer Report’ measuring the region’s skills gaps.
It found that employers are generally experiencing the same issues – recruiting the right talent and finding quicker ways to upskill existing staff.
While longer courses such as apprenticeships and higher technical qualifications remain necessary, businesses are increasingly requesting shorter, bite-sized courses to upskill employees so they can fulfil projects as needs arise.
Across industries, businesses reported a need for digital skills and automation expertise, although traditional skills do remain relevant.
experience of established education providers and the business community to boost productivity and economic growth.
The IoT has spent £8.7m on industry-leading equipment across its partner colleges, allowing learners of all ages to use technology such as 3D printers, CNC machines, cyber- security facilities and virtual reality systems.
Its partner colleges are Blackpool and The Fylde College, Nelson and Colne College Group, Burnley College, Blackburn College, Preston College, Runshaw College and Lancaster and Morecambe College.
Linda Dean, head of the Lancashire and Cumbria IoT, said there were 80,000
This government initiative is about bringing
together industry and education to benefit our regions and we’re hugely proud to be leading the charge
The barometer also revealed most industries now require employees to have digital skills, as techniques such as automation and machine learning enter all business sectors.
Cyber security is also a real issue for organisations and there are shortages in these skills that lead to some Lancashire and Cumbria businesses having to pay a premium to recruit candidates.
The report says the arrival of the National Cyber Force in Samlesbury could present a real opportunity to keep talent in the area.
The IoT has now issued a rallying call for Lancashire businesses to have their say on the issues – and to help provide solutions.
A collaboration of seven colleges and three universities, it is part of a network of institutes introduced by the government to deliver technical training. Its aim is to combine the
businesses and a workforce numbering two million in the region, which the IoT had the potential to “reach and impact positively”.
She said: “This government initiative is about bringing together industry and education to benefit our regions and we’re hugely proud to be leading the charge.
“We cannot do it alone, though, which is why we’ve adopted a pan-Lancashire and Cumbria approach as a cluster of colleges, universities and employers. If we collaborate, we can grow the economy together to benefit now and in years to come.
“This Barometer Report shows that many employers are ready to work with us to address their skills challenges, but we need more to join us as we create programmes that will provide the skilled workers our region needs.”
T-Levels report Page 70 LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
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It’s probably easier to start by saying what they shouldn’t be. First, your goal in attending a network meeting should never be to come away with a bunch of deals.
If you go in with a mind to sell, all you will do is render other delegates unconscious. Their eyes may still be open, but as you list off your USPs, their brain will be elsewhere by item three.
When goal-setting for networking, seek to develop relationships with those most likely to be able to introduce you to your target customers. Making one of your goals to arrange follow-up 121s with those who tick the above criteria is a good place to start.
While that’s a good practical goal, my other priority is perhaps a little more controversial – have fun!
Networking is about forming relationships. So don’t feel guilty about having a goal of simply enjoying it.
So if your aim is to enjoy a great meal and chat with some likeminded people, you’re actually much more likely to make a success of it than if you pressurise yourself with hard business outcomes. Those outcomes will come if you have fun.
It’s all a matter of balance. The Business Network Central & East
Lancashire hosts a variety of networking events at quality venues across Lancashire. To find out more, go to
www.bncel.co.uk.
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